We did this as a one-way hike with a shuttle, starting at Ranger Creek and ending at the Palisades TH. 12 miles, ~2700' gain. Coralroot orchids were abundant along the entire route, as well as other saprophytic flowering plants such as Candystick, Indian Pipe and other species of coralroots. Many other wildflowers especially anywhere there was a streamlet and sunshine. This is primarily a forested hike.
Our vehicle at the Ranger Creek TH was parked in the Skookum Flats TH lot, but there's also parking off the shoulder on Hwy 410. The tread and grade going up the Ranger Creek trail is easy on the feet and legs with few rocks/roots; except for the last quarter-mile or so of the trail right before the junction with the Palisades trail. Here the switchbacks have apparently been washed out and/or grounded out by mountain bike tires leaving these steep turns slippery due to the loose gravel and minimal purchase for boots. Other than that small section, the entire route was great tread and easy to follow. We didn't encounter any other hikers until reaching the last ~1.5 miles of the trip.
On the Ranger Creek trail, the forest is drier as compared to the Palisades trail. Where the trees have been denuded by the 2017 Norse Peak wildfire, the slopes are dense with Fireweed plants (not yet in bloom).
On the Palisades trail, panoramic views of the White River valley, top of Crystal Mountain & surrounding peak and top portion of Mt Rainer gradually diminish from view until reaching the north viewpoint where the view is primarily of the river valley.
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