Ira Spring Trail - Mason Lake, Mount Defiance
Mar 14, 2010
by
DICE
—
last modified
Mar 15, 2010 08:05 PM
- Type of Outing
- Day hike
- Read More in our Hiking Guide
- Hike: Ira Spring Trail - Mason Lake
- Region: Snoqualmie Pass -- Snoqualmie Pass
- Agency: Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
- Trails: Ira Spring Memorial (#1038)
- Avg Rating: 3.83
- Read More in our Hiking Guide
- Hike: Mount Defiance
- Region: Snoqualmie Pass -- Snoqualmie Pass
- Agency: Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Snoqualmie Ranger District, North Bend Office
- Trails: Mount Defiance (#1009)
- Avg Rating: 4.12
- Be Aware Of
- Water on trail
- Snow on trail
- Avalanche danger
McClellan Butte from parking lot
First time on this trail. Arrived at parking lot @ 9:30AM. Only 2 other vehicles in parking lot, surprising considering the beautiful clear skies. Started up the trail(road) in firm snow only a few inches deep. Walked the mile or so thru second growth forest before hitting the actual trail tread. From here, the trail climbs steeper before finally entering open meadows and rock fields. Wind was blowing particularly hard from the east and was causing serious blowing and drifting snow. Avalanche danger seemed high on open slopes so we climbed thru the trees to attain the ridge which drops down into Mason Lake. Wind was much less in the lake basin, with maybe 3 feet or so of snow at lake. After a quick lunch break, headed up east ridge of Mount Defiance. Struggled up the ridge in snowshoes in deep snow for an hour before stopping 200 feet below summit. Wind was blowing too hard and slopes above didnt seem too safe to be on. Was a beautiful day nonetheless. Back down to car in 2hrs. 6 hrs RT.
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Mason Lake
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Looking south high atop east ridge of Mt Defiance
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