Ranger Creek Loop

Overview

Drive east on Highway 410 past the small town of Greenwater and through the scenic White River Valley. As the highway starts to turn south, turn left on FS Road #7200 and park just below the open gate. From here, begin to climb up the gravel road initially heading south and then turning back to the north. The steady climb continues and has a few pulloffs with great views of the river valley far below. <br><br>At the 6 mile mark there are wide open views of Mt. Rainier across the low valley to the south. Reaching the 7.5 mile mark turn right on Dalles Ridge Road #7250 and a short distance later pass FS 102. At a four-way intersection continue on FS 210 until the road ends at the Dalles Ridge Trail #1173.<br><br>Climb up the initial segment of rocky doubletrack to the true ridge trail and enter the forest. A short distance ahead be on the lookout for a sharp right turn for Ranger Creek Trail (#1197). The fun finally begins on the smooth, fast, and narrow trail starting a series of switchbacks down the hillside. Arriving at the Ranger Creek Shelter, stop here for a short rest and a snack before continuing on the Ranger Creek Trail located behind the shelter (the signed Palisades Trail, #1198 heads southwest). As you navigate more switchbacks and a bit of rough trail, take the short detour for the Little Ranger Peak viewpoint.<br><br>The trail smoothes out a bit with some nice, fast bench-cut singletrack as you continue to descend on the southern slope of the ridge. You'll then make your way toward and along Ranger Creek through the lush forest, across a few small bridges, and by some massive boulder erratics. Heading toward the highway, turn right on the White River Trail (#1199) and head northwest. This rolling section of trail parallels the highway for approximately three miles overall. <br><br>At the junction with Buck Creek Trail (#1169) turn left onto the trailhead down to and cross the highway and then the river to access Skookum Flats Trail (or, you can continue on the White River Trail heading toward Cam

Trail Stats

Photos

Rumbling up the Dalles Ridge Trail.

Rumbling up the Dalles Ridge Trail.

Continuing to climb up FS 72.

Continuing to climb up FS 72.

Taking a short rest at the Ranger Creek Shelter.

Taking a short rest at the Ranger Creek Shelter.

Wild flowers line the gravel road on the grind up.

Wild flowers line the gravel road on the grind up.

Riding across an ancient bridge

Riding across an ancient bridge

Descending through the burned out area

Descending through the burned out area

Scenic overlook of the White River Valley below.

Scenic overlook of the White River Valley below.

So much green. A thick layer of moss surrounds the trail

So much green. A thick layer of moss surrounds the trail

Passing a few massive erratics heading toward Camp Shepherd.

Passing a few massive erratics heading toward Camp Shepherd.

Rolling over a small bridge along the White River Trail.

Rolling over a small bridge along the White River Trail.

Great valley views from the Little Ranger Peak viewpoint.

Great valley views from the Little Ranger Peak viewpoint.

Awesome views of Mt. Rainier make the uphill climb worth the effort.

Awesome views of Mt. Rainier make the uphill climb worth the effort.

Ripping up the first of many switchbacks along the Ranger Creek Trail.

Ripping up the first of many switchbacks along the Ranger Creek Trail.

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