Bandera Mountain — Sunday, Oct. 2, 2016

Snoqualmie Region > North Bend Area

A friend had been wanting to check Bandera Mountain (actually "Little Bandera" mountain) off her list of I-90 hikes for some time so we headed to Exit 45 this morning to do just that. We arrived at the trailhead about 9:30 to a 3/4 full parking lot. It was a perfect crispy fall day for a hike with Sunshine, puffy white clouds and colorful foliage to admire. I have to smile a little when I check the box on the report template that "the trail is in good condition." That is to say it was no worse than the last time I hiked it. It starts out from along the Ira Spring Trail with a few half hearted switchbacks before settling into a more or less straight up semi-scramble. There is a short section of fairly gentle trail through a wooded section before returning to it's true character of scrambling up a talus chute toward the "false summit" and a small clearing offering some spectacular views. Rainier is often on display to the South although only part emerged from the clouds while we were there. The "true summit" is found further along the ridge to the East. The trail is sketchy and wooded so there are no views to be had for your extra effort. Skip it. This is a great hike offering great views if you are willing to invest a little time and effort. This is getting to be a popular trail and the traffic really picked up later in the day as we headed down. Just take your time and be careful with your footing heading both up and down and you'll be fine. Although our K-9 companion made it up and down with only a few difficulties, I would think twice about taking dogs or small children to the top. Altogether a great hike, especially on a sunny fall morning.