Ira Spring Trail - Mason Lake

     This is actually the first trail I hiked after moving to Washington a couple of years ago. Though the same time of year, today brought much better weather. The road to the trail head has packed snow in spots the last mile and a half, but even low clearance vehicles shouldn't have any problems. Just park outside the trailhead, snow is deeper in the parking area.
     The first portion of the trail is easy going with minimal well-packed snow.The trail takes on a steeper grade and snow is continuous at 2900 ft. Still well-packed and no need for snowshoes. The sharp switchback at 3500 ft. is very steep and icy. I strapped on my snowshoes at this point and broke a less steep trail to the upper portion of the switchback. Once back on the trail, snowshoes weren't necessary again until the avalanche slope leading up to the ridge. After about a 1/3 of the way up the ridge I decided to call it a day. Steep slopes and loose snow. Nonetheless, a great hike with some outstanding views of McClellan Butte, Mount Kent, and Mount Gardner. Looking forward to backpacking up here. There are plenty of side trails to explore.