Palisades, Little Ranger Peak via Ranger Creek — Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023

Was able to complete the loop due to low snow pact even at the higher elevations. I did the loop clockwise and parked at the trailhead just east of the skookum falls viewpoint. The first crossing of Dalles creek was easy since 2 logs and some rocks keep you dry. The falls are flowing nicely. Besides a few cold spots that are sustaining the snow the trail is snow free until you make the final approach to Ranger Peak(about 4800 ft). Even then it is easy to navigate and did not require spikes. The ridge line past the Peak is where the snow is deepest but many cut logs are exposed so easy to follow the trail. The snow did persist farther down the Ranger Creek trail to about 4500 ft. I had not done this loop before but had come up from both directions so it was nice to complete the loop. The portion past the 3rd viewpoint along the ridge is a beautiful section with great views. As an added benefit I only saw one person and his lab, Daisy, all day long. Some nice patches of witches butter. Saw 3 douglas squirrels and a herd of elk along the section near Camp Sheppard.