Middle Fork Snoqualmie River
1 week ago
Trail rebuild nearing completion
10 this month · 161 reports
Bandera Mountain
Snoqualmie Region
updated 1 week ago
The trail to Bandera Mountain is snow-free and in good condition, with no reported issues regarding road access or bugs. The initial portion shares the Ira Spring trail, which is moderate and shaded. However, the final mile to the peak is significantly steeper and rockier, with some sections requiring scrambling and potentially the use of hands. While the true summit can be difficult to find and may involve bushwhacking, Little Bandera offers excellent views and is a more accessible destination. Parking can be full, especially on weekends, but weekdays may offer more solitude.
Generated from 69 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.
What hikers ask about Bandera Mountain
Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 1 week ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.
The road to the trailhead is suitable for all vehicles and in great condition as of August 9. It has been consistently reported as suitable for all vehicles throughout the summer.
The primary challenge is the final mile to the peak, which becomes very steep (over 50% grade in sections) and rocky, requiring scrambling. Some reports mention it being difficult to follow the trail in the upper rocky sections and suggest using a GPS. There is very little sun cover and no water access on the exposed upper sections, making it hot in the afternoon as of August 9.
Bugs have not been a significant issue for most of the summer. Reports from September 16 and August 16 state there are no bugs. However, one report from July 6 mentioned a mess of flying ants as an annoyance on the ridge.
Parking can be very busy, especially on weekends. On a Wednesday at 10:30 AM, the main lot was full as of September 16. However, arriving early, such as 8:30 AM on a Saturday, might allow you to get a spot as someone is leaving, as reported on August 9. Mid-week hikes may offer more parking availability and solitude.
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Trail notes generated from recent reports. Conditions change fast.
Sources
Recent1 week ago
Snoqualmie Region > North Bend Area
Arrived at Ira Springs parking lot at 10:30AM on a Wednesday and the main lot was full. Trailhead bathroom stocked and clean.Took advantage of a sunny September day to enjoy the climb up to Bandera! O...
Recent1 week ago
Snoqualmie Region > North Bend Area
Three things to know:Challenging day hikeLots of shade near the little peakNo running water after Mason CreekRemy took his owner - and his favorite red bandana - through Ira Springs Trail andalmostall...
Older1 month ago
Snoqualmie Region > North Bend Area
I hiked this today on a luckily clear day and window of good AQI. I had done Mason Lake a few years ago and I was interested in what the other branch of the trail had to offer. Unfortunately, I'm no...
Older1 month ago
Snoqualmie Region > North Bend Area
Found hiking poles 8/16/26. Comment with description if you lost yours there.
Older1 month ago
Snoqualmie Region > North Bend Area
I was lucky that I got a parking spot as someone was leaving at 8:30 am, otherwise the parking area was full.Went as far as Little Bandera. So it was about 6.6 miles roundtrip with 3,300 feet of eleva...
Older1 month ago
Snoqualmie Region > North Bend Area
It's August, it's #HikeaThon! Please supportWashington Trails Association.In our house, we call doing these three peaks, "the trifecta".We parked off I-90 to get additional miles/vertical and avoid th...
Older1 month ago
Snoqualmie Region > North Bend Area
Started around 6:15am and parked near the highway by Mason Creek to skip the chaos of the always-busy Ira Spring trailhead. Once we got up to the main trailhead, took a quick left at the first switchb...
Snoqualmie Region > North Bend Area
I had a nice hike to Little Bandera this morning. I've been taking a break from using Mailbox as a conditioning hike this year and Bandera is a great alternative. I especially like the boulder hopping...
Older1 month ago
Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
Lovely day out in the hills. I hiked Mt.Defiance to Little Bandera to 'true' Bandera and back to my car at the Ira Spring TH.The road is in great condition for a forest service road in WA- I was pleas...
Older2 months ago
Snoqualmie Region > North Bend Area
We hiked Bandara mountain on July 7th. The parking lot was pretty full when we arrived at 830, but most parties that we met were on their way to Mason lake. (there were only 3 other groups on the Ba...