Bandera used to be my 7/4 flower hike. Like last year, cool summer weather and large spring rainfall delayed the snow melt. The flowers are yet to reach their peak, especially on the higher slope. Still has some snow patches on the ridge. Even though I've been here so many times, the colors never failed to dazzle me. Somewhat too cloudy today. Couldn't see Mt. Rainier. But the clouds moving in and out has its own charm. Quite a lot of people. Standing amidst endless flowers, I didn't mind to wait for people to pass.Practicality: I-90 exit #45 east is closed. Need to take exit 45 westbound for FR3090. Road was clear (quite some fallen trees, cut), pot holes, but not too bad. ~2.5 miles to the bottom of the steep flower covered slope. Quite some bugs.
Stopped by Twin Falls in Olallie state park south of exit #34. Lots of people here too, more in sandals and jeans, higher in body weight. A very green one mile trail (almost) along South Fork Snoqualmie River to more than two waterfalls. At one point, it was cascading down 4 steps in a narrow gorge. 
Mossy, a bit muggy (no wind), some big trees. Shady but warm. Possible to play in the cold river in the first half mile of the trail. No access to the plunge pools. Little elevation gain. A very nice place to introduce newbies to hiking. Not as many bugs as on Bandera.Trivia: ollalie = berry
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