The road to the trailhead has about a 500 foot section that is rocky and potholed. We were able to drive it successfully with a Subaru Crosstrek and felt high clearance was needed and 4WD was nice to have.
On the upper slopes, there are a few places where the brush has overgrown and obscures the trail but nothing that can't be navigated through.
No one else on the trail on this weekday, clear views of Rainier and Seattle, and autumn colors in the sun - can't ask for more.
Comments
Jeno on Bare Mountain
How was crossing the stream after the bridge, where you have to climb onto a large log to cross? In the spring, with the higher flow, it can be tricky...
Posted by:
Jeno on Oct 04, 2024 12:04 PM
mtngeek on Bare Mountain
Flow is currently really low, so it was only of matter of navigating up and over the dry log.
Posted by:
mtngeek on Oct 04, 2024 01:25 PM
ALW Hiker on Bare Mountain
Nice report, thanks! Bare Mountain is best in the fall when all the bracken fern die back.
That is definitely a brand new bridge over Bear Creek. The old one was wider with decking on top and a railing on both sides,but it was looking like it was pretty worn out in November of last year. The new one looks a lot smaller, but it's probably appropriate given the low usage this trail gets. And it should be easier to maintain or replace when the time comes.
Posted by:
ALW Hiker on Oct 04, 2024 08:49 PM
mtngeek on Bare Mountain
Thanks for the info, ALW Hiker!
Posted by:
mtngeek on Oct 06, 2024 10:01 AM
Jeno on Bare Mountain
I added a photo of the old bridge to my trip report of October 22, 2018, if you are interested.
Posted by:
Jeno on Oct 05, 2024 06:06 PM
ALW Hiker on Bare Mountain
Cool, thanks! I have pretty much that exact same picture from my hike in November 2023. The bridge looks practically unchanged between 2018 and 2023 - same missing railings and everything. I don't recall it seeming particularly rotten when we crossed it, but it sure looked like it had been there a while!
Posted by:
ALW Hiker on Oct 05, 2024 07:57 PM