Bare Mountain Trail
Bare Mountain Trail is a 12.6 km moderately trafficked out and back trail in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness that is rated as hard. This trail offers splendid views of Mount Rainier, Mount Baker, Paradise Lakes, and Glacier Peak, but you’ll have to do a bit of bushwhacking to get there. With ferns taller than some people and a lush surrounding forest, stick to your GPS to navigate this sometimes overgrown trail.
The road to the trailhead is in poor condition, so bring a high-clearance vehicle if you can.
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Route Description for Bare Mountain Trail
Bare Mountain Trail offers great views of the major surrounding peaks and less traffic than most trails in the area, but you’ll have to deal with a bit of an overgrown route to enjoy it. This hike is hard, with only narrow switchbacks to deal with the elevation gain, but it’s a worthwhile outing if you’re feeling adventurous.
The hike begins off the side of the road, following a few narrow switchbacks up the mountain base and over the creek. The trail then straightens out to follow the creek through a valley. The ferns are huge, and the trail feels far removed from civilization. Just before turning to ascend Bare Mountain, you’ll come to a T-junction with Bear Basin Trail. Go left here to start switchbacking again.
Make your push up the mountain, revelling in the views at the top. When you’re ready, retrace your steps back to your car.
Getting to the Bare Mountain Trail Trailhead
The trailhead for the Bare Mountain Trail is on National Forest Development Road 5700 on the left-hand side a few hundred metres before its terminus.
Route Information
Bare Mountain Trail Elevation Graph
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