Deep Creek, Little Ranger Peak via Ranger Creek — Friday, Jun. 14, 2002

Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410

We had a good ride this last wed. As it was so hot we went up to Buck Creek (right before Crystal Mt) and took the Ranger Creek trail which climbs steadily but with many switchbacks through huge old growth forest-thus keeping us cool.The scent was ""high-country woods"" and I almost hyperventilated trying to keep smelling it in. Unfortunatey at about 4 miles we ran out of trail as there was too much snow to proceed. So we tied the horses in a switchback and hiked aways further to see what we could see. We found a huge tree blocking so until the forest service gets up there we can't go any further with or without snow. So we rode back down and found a viewpoint lunchspot in the sun but also on an anthill-hmm...why does that happen? After we reached the trailhead again we took another trail going south along and above the highway for about 1 1/2 miles then reached another trailhead, this time for for Deep Creek. It said ""Noble Knob 4 miles"" and since we've been to Noble Knob from the other side of the mountain (Lost lake trail) that really sounded like an adventure. This trail was much steeper, (perhaps an old motorcycle trail) but on we climbed for about 3 miles until we again hit too much snow. The horses needed a rest so we tied up and I again,(having a bad case of the bear went over the mountain syndrome)hiked again ""to see what I could see"". Wow! I did see the other side of the mountain and a very beautiful mountain sight! We returned to the trailer and parking area tired but thinking about when we could return to do more of the trail when the snow finally melts.