Got to the trailhead around 8:15am and ppl were already parking 0.25 from the lot. Despite the amount of cars, we didn't feel the trail was that busy on the way up. Nice wide trail for the first half. Great views the second half that get better as you go higher. Found a spot to have lunch around the north side of the lake, then decided to go a little further to Pratt lake. We hit some snow before the lake and tried to go on, but ended up turning around as there were lots of holes in the snow, and we didn't have traction and didn't know where the trail was. Overall a great day!

Arrived at the TH around 9am on Saturday; the lot was full and we had to park 1/2 mile down the road, which I was not surprised by given it was a picture perfect PNW day. The toilet at the TH was clean and well stocked in the morning.

The bridge at ~0.8 miles was a great spot for a snack break for our kids, ages 6 and 8. There are several viewpoints along the trail and they just keep getting better the higher up you go in elevation - the views on a clear day are worth every step.  

We did not bring swim attire but once we were at the lake we wished we had. The water was cold but there were several people swimming. People dispersed themselves around the lake so it didn't feel too crowded. 

It was hot and pretty exposed for a significant portion of this hike. Sunscreen is a must! The bugs were a bit annoying, especially if you stopped moving, but not the worst we have seen. 

Overall, it took us 6.5 hrs total with a 6 and 8 year old, which includes an hour lunch break at the lake, several 10 minute snack/rest breaks throughout the hike, and the extra mile to and from the TH from where we parked. 

I arrived at the trailhead at 8:30a and most of the spots were full. There were a few cars parked down the road. The weather was brisk but I did not need to wear my jacket. Trail was clear and not super crowded. Saw 10 or so groups of people on my way up. Descending into the basin the air cooled off a lot and I needed my down jacket while having lunch at the lake. There was snow off to the side once I got over the ride to the lake but none on the trail. Down by the lake near the overnight camps I noticed a makeshift fire pit with embers smoking even though fires are not allowed at Mason Lake. There was still snow up on Bandera Mountain that I could see.

I saw groups of people with dogs and small kids although it would be a challenge for them.

When I got back to the trailhead around 1PM the lot was full and there was a mostly continuous line of cars a quarter mile long. I would recommend getting there before 8:30/9am as you can only park on one side of the road and there is a large drop off. 

Got to the trailhead at 6:45a and there were a few cars in the lot but still plenty of parking. Trail is well maintained and we saw plenty of other hikers throughout the day. Weather rolled in around midday right as we were in the home stretch to the parking lot.

This is really a wonderful trail -- great views throughout, some picturesque falls, a beautiful lake to spread out around and explore, and a nice steep climb to make you feel like you earned it. Seriously, it's steeper than it looks on the map preview.

Trail conditions were perfect this morning. Dry tread, no obstacles, no snow up to Mason Lake. Heard some low bellowing calls of grouse while crossing a talus field.

A decent amount of people and dogs out enjoying the AM sun before the PM fog and rain. Camping sites around the lake looked good, with small streams flowing for water access. The lake surface appears pretty scummy near its outlet at the moment -- hope this clears up as the season goes on.

Parking was full by 0845 and overflowing down the unpaved road, which, although potholed, seems passable for any vehicle. When I left around 1245, cars were parked at least 3/4 mile away from the trailhead.