This place is versatile. Options include a short hike to Snoquera Falls, moderate hikes of varying length up to scenic overlooks atop the cliffs, ascent of Little Ranger Pk (5250?), and ascent of Pt. 5701 (is this "Ranger Pk.?) on Tr#1173.
We did the 14-15 mi. (?) loop from Camp Sheppard up 1198 to Little Ranger Pk and down 1197 (Ranger Creek). We did not take it seriously enough, getting a late 9:30 start, when we should have used all the daylight available. Fine mild weather, unimpaired visibility.
The trailhead is on highway 410 on the White River, just SSE of Skookum Flats and The Dalles campground. Although 4 short trails access Tr#1199 along this stretch, the only plowed parking area we found was Camp Sheppard, and the Scouts were busy this weekend, so the lot was crowded.
Green Trails map No. 238, Greenwater, rev. 2001, seems to have several confusing mileage errors, esp. along 1199 where it parallels the road. That's a 'complicated' area with several junctions and social trails and mildly confusing trail signs. The Green Trails No. 238 elevations are inaccurate in several places -- we had some trouble with our altimeter, perhaps because we set it carelessly by the printed jct. elevations, not the contours. The printed trail junction elevations are only supposed to be accurate to within 100' anyway. The #1198/#1197 jct. is labeled "5200", but it's shown at the 4960' contour; this confused me at an inopportune moment.
Oddly, the most difficult and dangerous part of this hike was the flat mile on either side of Camp Sheppard(!) -- snow compacted to ice by many feet. We had no traction devices and only 1 set of poles, and this equipment was missed. Very slippery in places, and hard; not a good place to fall and break a hip or wrist at 9 PM in the dark. We took this quite seriously, actually walking beside the trail in places in the softer crunchy snow.
Otherwise, trail conditions were fairly good, light to moderate snow, considerable dry trail. We used snowshoes above 4000', definitely necessary above 4400'. Above 4000', the trail was deeply covered and untracked, but still surprisingly discernible in many places. Be prepared for cross-country navigation.
Little Ranger summit at 4:40 PM. Although one of us was familiar with the area, it was "questionable" to commit to the descent of Ranger Ck 1197 in the failing light. The SE slope is quite steep, forested but with some rock outcrops and cliffs, and deep snow. We did not go as far as the junction, shortcutting the trail and descending SE from the ridge. Beginning this descent too far to the SW would be a serious error. Now it was dark, and finding the trail was a real concern. A 15' Green Trails quad and a questionable altimeter are not much help at this small a scale. Surprisingly, the trail was quite apparent when we reached it, perhaps because it was tracked by one elk. I think we were done with snowshoes below 4400' and the trail was largely dry. Glad we each had a spare headlamp.
The Scout staff kindly invited us to the aftermath of their campfire, reminding me of the important work they do, and how I got my own start in this stuff.

There was snow on the trail the whole way up. We elected to hike it sinde the snow wasn't deep. We were initially greeted by 15 or so elk who quickly headed away from us. There was a serious tree crossing the trail across 2 switchbacks which we were able to work around. It was cloudy so the view from the top wasn't as goos as it can be, but it was worth the effort.

From the trailhead to Little Ranger Peak Viewpoint (3 miles), the trail is predominantly in older timber and in great condition. I only ran into 1 other hiker today.

The trail started off clear of any snow for the first ½ mile. After that, there was a dusting of snow on the forest floor, but none on the trail. Then at 1 mile (2800’), the trail also had snow, but it was at a maximum of ⅛ of an inch and not compact. Also, the ground was not frozen. The trail stayed this way for the final mile to the viewpoint trail sign at 3000’.

Going left and up on the trail will take you to the viewpoint and going right will allow you to continue to Little Ranger Peak Summit and also connect you to The Dalles Ridge Trail and The Palisades Trail. I headed to the viewpoint first where the skies cleared enough to get a few decent pictures and then retraced my steps to the trail sign so I could continue to the summit.

The snow increased in depth from ⅛ of an inch to about 1 ½ feet the further up I went. The snow was powdery but wet, with a crust formed on top. After 1 mile, there is a fallen tree 2 feet in diameter across the trail. Going over it, in snow, was a pain. I recommend trying to find a way around until it gets cleared.

At one point, I put on my snowshoes to make the snow slog more manageable. My footprints were the only human tracks on this part of the trail... but not the only tracks. It was neat to see the tracks of elk, raccoon, rabbit, and squirrel and know they are also utilizing this trail to get from one area to another. ^_^

Unfortunately, after about 2 miles from the viewpoint, I decided to turn around and start my descent back to the trailhead. At 4800’, the weather was starting to change into conditions for snow. There was also a few 45 degree snow slopes across the trail that looked unstable due to recent rain and refreezing. Even the animals didn't make their tracks in this area! Better to be safe than sorry, right?

Since there are at least 3 routes to the the summit of Little Ranger Peak, I think next time I’ll try going back via The Palisades Trail and cut across.

the directions in the davy hiking snoqualmie region are wrong. the real trail head is a small pull off just before the buck creek sign. if you hit the white river enterance youve gone too far. perfect day, 1 tree to climb over , great view of the white river valley. saw 2 guys on mountain bikes.