Little Ranger Peak Loop
13.3 mi
Distance
6 hrs 32 min
Time
terrain
2,753 ft
Elev Gain
Overview
This is a difficult loop trail to Little Ranger Peak in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.
This trail goes by Dalles Creek Falls Lower, North Snoquera Point, and South Snoquera Point.
Sights to See
Rate this Hike
★★★★★
This is a great, well-maintained, moderately travelled trail near Mt. Rainier National Park. The loop starts at the Palisades Trailhead, continues to Little Ranger Peak, follows the trail to the burned-down shelter, connects to the Little Ranger Creek Trail, and finally connects to the White River Trail where it parallels Highway 410 until it returns to the Palisades Trailhead Parking Lot. It amounts to about a 14 mile loop with close to 2850 feet of elevation gain. Along the way are several potentially spectacular viewpoints depending upon the weather. The day I went, it was foggy and rainy so the views were mediocre and Mt. Rainier was not visible. There was still enough splendor to make you stop and appreciate the incredible opportunities that the Mt. Rainier area offers. One thing that makes this loop very doable is that the first 1000 feet of elevation gain occurs in the first mile and a half. After that, there is an average steady grade of about 12% that covers the remaining 1850 feet of gain. When you hit the 5.5 mile mark, you might be tempted to turn around but from this point on, it is mostly downhill to the end. I didn’t see any signs of major wildlife on this hike. Keep in mind that this is also a popular mountain biking trail so you will need to be aware of the shared use that occurs here. All the bikers on my trip were very considerate and announced their oncoming presence with plenty of time for me to step to the side.
★
★
★
★
★
Public Tracks
Palisades-Ranger-WhiteRiver-Trails-loop
Great loop hike. Forests, ridges, and a peak.
Lots of down timber to cross near ranger peak.
