Bandera Mountain

Hiked up to Bandera Mountain today from the Ira Spring Trailhead. Road to the trailhead has been fixed well, we got up in a small car with no problems. Got to the trailhead about 10am, and it was full. There are a few large washouts from the winter along the trail, but have been cleaned up and are easily passed. After the turnoff to Bandera, the trail changes dramatically, becoming steeper and less defined. Some parts were almost steep enough to have to scramble up (fun but nothing too difficult). I liked this section a lot, it takes you through alpine meadows and has great views including Mt Rainier. Eventually you reach a rocky ridge, which you can follow to the summit of Bandera. From the top there is a nice view down to Mason Lake and across to Mt. Defiance, and looking South there is Mt. Rainier and Adams, along with many others. This was my first time to Bandera (i've hiked to Mason Lake and Mt. Defiance before), and I liked it a lot. It took us about 4 to 4 1/2 hours total.