Walking from the Whitewater Preserve ranger station to Red Dome is an easy to moderate hike along the Pacific Crest Trail, and is a good introduction to hiking in Whitewater Canyon. The trail is mostly flat and well maintained.
Directions:
Leaving the ranger station, head northwest along the marked trail, cross the Whitewater River on a foot bridge, and reach the Pacific Crest Trail in one-half mile.
Continue north along the Pacific Crest Trail for one-and-a-half miles to reach Red Dome, a twenty foot tall brick red hill of volcanic mud in the riverbed.
Beyond, the trail crosses the riverbed and can be difficult to find. Turn around and head back to the Preserve, enjoying views of Evening Star Ridge and the cliffs above the Ranger Station.
