Backpacked to Mason Lake on Saturday 6/14 for a one-night trip. Got to the Ira Spring trailhead around 7:30am and there were a decent number of spots in the lot. By about 8:30, cars started parking down the road. The trail was well graded and maintained up until the lake. It was super foggy so we didn’t get any of the views that we had hoped for, but still beautiful in its own way! Got to Mason Lake around 10:30 and we only spotted one other group camping. There are a number of spots right along the lake and a few more back along the main trail. After dropping our packs, we headed up to Mt Defiance. While steep, the trail was also well-maintained. There were a few snow patches in the forest, but very easy to either walk over or walk around. Lots of wildflowers along the ridge line near the field, and at the top of Mt Defiance it was still completely socked in with fog. We hiked down and camped the night at Mason Lake. By evening there were about 5 other groups there that we could see, and the fog finally lifted for great views of the lake, Bandera and Defiance. 

In terms of water, the lake was the main source along the way up to Defiance from the TH. 

Sunday morning we packed up, and since the weather was clear, we decided to hike up to Mt Defiance again. The views were absolutely stunning once you get to the talus fields and ridge line, and the 360 views at the top are incredible. I highly recommend it! The way hiking down from Mason was also beautiful with great views of Rainier and the mountains around I-90. We couldn’t believe we had missed all of that on the way up due to the fog.

When we got back to the Ira Spring TH around 1:30 on Sunday, we counted 151 cars parked in the lot and along the road on our way out. Certainly a popular area, and I see why! 

Trail was easy to navigate and beautiful despite an overcast and misty day. No views to enjoy (couldn’t even see the lake through the fog!) but the wildflowers, berries, and lush forest was beautiful.

Decided to take a 3 day overnight trip to probably my favorite lake, Island Lake in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness from June 8-10, 2025 via the Granite Mtn / Pratt Lake Trailhead (I believe at least half of my WTA trip reports are on Island Lake).  As on my previous trips, I took the Pratt Lake Trail No. 1007 up along the ridge above Olallie Lake to Mt. Defiance Trail No. 1009 to the side trail to Island Lake.  The forecast showed that it was going to be summer-like in the mountains for at least a few days.  The most recent trip reports for the Rainbow/Island Lake area stated that there was still quite a bit of snow on the trails in this area, so I brought my ice axe and Yaktrax, but I didn’t need them.  Trekking poles were sufficient.  For historical reference, two years ago at this same time of year I did this hike and the side trail to Island Lake from the main trail was completely covered in snow and Island Lake was still partially iced over (see my June 7-9, 2023 Island Lake trip report).  It was quite a bit different this year as I write about below.

Important details before I get to the main report:

- Road to parking lot and car numbers:  The short road to the lot is paved, no issues except for one pothole.  The lot was full when I arrived at 7:45 am on Sunday, June 8th with a couple cars already parked along the road.  The lot was about half full when I returned on Tuesday, June 10th at 2:50pm.  The trailhead toilet was stocked with TP.

- Trail Condition:  The dirt part of the trail is in great shape.  See Snow Level comments.

- Stream Crossings:  All of the main streams were flowing, but there were no issues crossing any of them.

- Snow level: The first snow isn’t found until you drop from the ridge past the first boulder field.  The snow is intermittent and the actual trail is visible in spots and is easy to follow.  Just watch out for thinning snow on the trail and walk on the thicker sections.  The sign to Island lake was not covered in snow, so you can see where to turn.  The side trail to Island lake was also intermittently covered in snow.  Again, you can see the trail between sections of snow.  Note, for those going to Rainbow Lake and Sir Richard Pond, the snow is again, intermittent and you can follow the trail easily.  Note that this snow is melting fast, there was considerable meltage by the time I departed.  There was no snow at Mason Lake or on the Ira Spring Trail up to the 4,300 ft pass.  If you are going up Mt. Defiance, there is again intermittent snow in the trees, which is easy to follow except for one longest section of snow at about 4,700 feet where you need to more carefully follow previous tracks.  But since the snow is melting fast, this issue will probably be moot soon.

- Blowdowns:  One blowdown is on the Mt. Defiance trail 1009 on the ridge about a 5 minute walk west of where the Pratt Lake trail drops down, but it was just an easy stepover.  There is also a large blowdown on the small ridge just prior to dropping down to Island Lake, which requires a straddle over.

- Camp Privy:  Looks like there is a new location for the camp privy along the toilet trail.

- Bug Report: The mosquitoes are starting to come out at night.  They seemed most active between 8:00-9:30pm, but they seemed to all go to bed by 9:45pm.  In the mornings, the gnats are starting to get noticable.  I wouldn’t say that both of these have reached the threshold of annoying yet, but I got a feeling they will get to that point pretty soon.  Wearing a polypro hat kept them out of my ears which solved most of the problem.

Main Report:

Arrived at the Granite Mtn. / Pratt Lake Trailhead at 7:45am.  The trailhead privy had plenty of TP.  Checked the posted trail status report, which stated that the Pratt Lake campsites were still covered in snow.  Since Pratt Lake is 900 feet lower than Island Lake, I decided to bring my ice axe and Yaktrax.

The trail up was in great condition.  The spring flowers, especially the Trillium and all the new growth are going strong including the blueberries and huckleberries (see pic).  The classic view of Mt. Rainier at the opening in trees along the ridge was looking really good.  Saw about a dozen folks, mostly day hikers plus a couple of trail runners.

The trail was snow free until reaching that small boulder field after dropping down from the high point on the ridge.  As stated above, it was pretty easy to follow the trail since you can see portions of the trail now and then.  After making the turn to Island Lake off of the main trail, the snow sections were a little longer, but you can still easily follow the trail pretty easily.  I did notice more trail tread when I departed on the 10th compared to when I went in on the 8th, so I think the snow will melt out fairly quickly.

There was no ice/snow on Island Lake like I saw 2 years ago.  However, the lake was covered by yellow/green colored tree pollen.  As the breeze picked up, the pollen got pretty thick as it gathered along the shoreline (see 2nd picture).  The campsites are snow free, but there are plenty of snow patches nearby to cool down your bevs.

On June 9th, I hiked past Rainbow Lake, Sir Richard Pond, Mason Lake and up Mt. Defiance.  The wildflowers along the exposed section of the trail on Mt. Defiance are switching from yellow glacier lilies to red columbine and lupin.  The views from the top of Defiance are spectacular, especially rewarding after that final 0.2 mile buns-of-steel workout.  Of course, Mt. Rainier is right smack in your face, but you can also see Mt. Adams in the distance next to Rainier and Mt. Baker and Glacier Mt. to the north and Mt. Stuart to the east very clearly.  Two groups of two hikers joined me on the summit soon after I arrived.  After Defiance, I ventured over to Mason Lake and the trail up to the 4,300 ft pass on the Ira Spring trail to check if there is any snow remaining.  There is no snow at Mason Lake nor on the trail.  But Mason Lake was also covered in tree pollen.  And you could see the pollen floating in the air all around you.  I’m certainly glad I’m not allergic to it.

Back at camp, I put my feet and then my knees in the lake to chill down.  The water temperature was 58 degrees, quite a bit warmer than the 41 degrees I measured 2 years ago.

Both evenings I stayed there were pleasant and star-filled.  I didn’t even bother putting on my rainfly.

The hike out was uneventful and pleasant.  Only ran into a couple groups that were hiking in, one group hiking in looked to have overnight gear.

Have fun out there,

OMG

Arrived at trailhead at 7:30, only 10 cars there. Trail starts smooth and gradual then starts to get a little rocky on the ascent. After crossing the creek bridge, trail gets a bit rougher and steeper, then switchbacks begin. Plenty epic views of mountain ranges, Mt. Rainier and valley along the way as the trail goes through forests and rock gardens to the summit.
Descent down to the lake through alpine lush forest is pretty, shaded and refreshing. Cross a creek that runs from the lake and make your way around to a campsite or rock/log for lunch.
On the way back there were a lot people, getting crowded and by the time we left, the parking was a mile down the road with little room to pass.
Might want to go early to beat the heat and crowds.

I recommend “second shift” hiking this trail while the days are long. We got to the trailhead at 1 pm and parked right at the trailhead, replacing folks who got up a 0 dark 30 and were already finished. The lake wasn’t crowded when we got there, we had a nice picnic dinner, and the light was nice on the way back. Got back to the trailhead @ 8:30. Only downside was that the south facing slopes were really hot on the way up.