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Awesome views of Mt. Rainier, Mt. Adams, and the whole Snoqualmie Pass region.


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Map Key

8.2

Miles

13.1

KM

69%

Runnable

5,113' 1,559 m

High

2,216' 675 m

Low

3,055' 931 m

Up

3,054' 931 m

Down

14%

Avg Grade (8°)

81%

Max Grade (39°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Overview

This is a great out-and-back to the top of Bandera Mountain from the Ira Spring Trailhead. With the exception of a steep scramble just past the Ira Spring (Mason Lake) Trail #1038 / Bandera Mountain #1038.1 intersection, the trail is very manageable.

Need to Know

Take exit 45 off I-90. Then head up Forest Service Road 9030 until you come to the 9030/9031 junction. Switch onto 9031 where the sign for Ira Springs Trail points. The parking lot is a good size, but this is a very popular trail since there are so many places to go, so be sure to get there early or you might have a long run to get to the trailhead.

There is an enclosed pit toilet at the trailhead, and a trash can.

Parking within a quarter mile of the trailhead requires a Northwest Forest Pass.

Before heading up the trail, also get a free, self-issued Alpine Lakes Wilderness permit at the trailhead. Though it's technically required, some people don't do this, but probably should as these are used to determine which trails get maintenance.

Runner Notes

Steep scrambling along the Bandera Mountain Trail is surely unrunnable for all but the immortal men/women of steel.

Description

This run starts at the Ira Springs Trailhead and follows the Ira Spring (Mason Lake) Trail #1038. The trail crosses over a few streams, both of which have beautiful waterfalls flowing right on the side of the trail. You'll start to get glimpses of Mt. Rainier after crossing the streams, but once you get above the treeline, the views are spectacular!

About 3 miles in, you come to a fork in the trail that is very well marked. Follow the Bandera Mountain Trail to the right to head up Bandera Mountain. The grade increases steeply here, and the trail starts to get pretty rough since you have to climb through a boulder field where disappears a few times. The trail is safe and, as long as you're being careful, it shouldn't be a problem, just keep your head up so that you see where the path exits the boulders. At the top here is Little Bandera, which has the best views. Many people turn around here, as the remainder is more of a scramble than a run.

Continuing past this point, the trail follows the ridge, but disappears almost entirely. Drop down in to the saddle between the peaks, picking your way over the boulders, then up the forested peak on the other side, about 100' higher than Little Bandera.

Contacts

Shared By:

Mark Davidson with improvements by Jesse Weber

Trail Ratings

  4.6 from 18 votes

#684

Overall
  4.6 from 18 votes
5 Star
67%
4 Star
28%
3 Star
6%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#59

in Washington

#684

Overall
19 Views Last Month
5,450 Since May 8, 2015
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

0%
0%
28%
6%
67%
0%

Photos

At the top looking to right right while on the ridge line. Moses Lake below.
May 19, 2019 near Riverbend, WA
Views from Bandera Mouintain!
Jul 1, 2015 near Riverbend, WA
Looking left while at the top on the ridge line. Beautiful 360 degree views!
May 19, 2019 near Riverbend, WA
Trail to the summit.
Jul 1, 2015 near Riverbend, WA
View of Rainier from Bandera Mountain
May 8, 2015 near Riverbend, WA
Bandera Mountain
Jul 1, 2015 near Riverbend, WA

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Current Trail Conditions

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Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Jul 16, 2022
Shane Steinert-Threlkeld
7.3mi — 2h 19m
Jun 16, 2019
Andrea Scott
Trails in great condition! Parking lot extremely busy so come early. 8.2mi — 2h 20m
May 11, 2019
Josh Swift
Jul 8, 2018
Evan Griffith
Aug 5, 2017
Justin BR
Lost trail after first summit. 8mi
Jul 14, 2017
Emily Truong
Jun 28, 2016
ccszynal Szynal
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