We picked a low elevation hike along Hwy 410 today. Hike up Palisades Trail toward Little Ranger Peak. Hike 14.5 miles with 2600 ft elevation gain. We saw some ice on the ground in the parking lot, but the first part of the trail was dry.
The trail begins climbing through the forest. With a break in the trees, we could see the first section of the Palisades.
280 ft Lower Dalles Falls had lots of water.
A nice set of wooden stairs takes you up a steep section of the trail.
Crossed upper Dalles Creek
From the first open ridge line along the Palisades, we saw a great view of Sun Top Mountain across the White River.
The trail turns back into the woods to cross Snoquera creek. We began to walk in snow where we saw deer, elk and bear tracks.
At the second open ridge line along the Palisades, we saw Mt Rainier to the southeast. There was a nice long section of open trail here.
We continued along the trail until we came to Little Ranger Peak, we did the scramble up to the top. Great place for views and a lunch break. Here we could see more of Mt Rainier in the distance. We signed the summit register.
The descent from Little Ranger Peak was steep, I decided to sit and slide down to the trail.
We returned the way we came. Back at the first ridge line on the Palisades, we stopped to look across the White River to find Skookum Falls in the far distance.
