Little Ranger Peak via Ranger Creek — Thursday, Oct. 16, 2003

Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410

This ended up as my plan B hike after my aborted trip to the Summit Lake trail (which I reported separately). Mt. Rainier was nearby, but I had dogs with me, so I backtracked to highway 410. I thought about going to the PCT at Chinook Pass, but the ranger station reported six inches of snow there and from 410 I could see snow at higher elevations, so I decided to pass on the pass; besides, daylight was slipping away. This trail doesn't have the variety of either Summit Lake or the PCT, but it was quick to get to (the trailhead being right on the highway, just before the Buck Creek turnoff), and entirely snowfree. I hiked 2 3/4 miles to the Little Ranger Peak viewpoint (which was the only part of the hike that was not enclosed in forest). The ascent was steady (especially while following the creek) but the grade was mostly pretty gentle. I did not try to get out to the very edge of the point, since it looked too dangerous, settling for a partial view. I started back down from the point at about 6 PM, which was not early enough to avoid having to use my flashlight (and this turned out to be one time I was very glad to have extra batteries with me!)