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.

Nice sunny Friday, so I headed up to the lakes area beyond Mason. About 10 cars in the lot at 8am but there was a huge overflow by 2pm. FR 6030 is in great condition. The extension up to the Mason trailhead has a few potholes but my Corolla had no trouble.

Ira Spring Trail is its usual wonderful self with blooming Trillium and stunning views of Tahoma. Mason Lake is clear of ice and the trail is snow-free until you dip into the basin just before Sir Richard's Pond. From then on, it's all snow undercut by meltwater and the consequent risk of postholing. I used crampons but snowshoes may have been a better choice - the gradient is not steep in this section, and I broke through the crust way too many times. I met a hiker at the Mt Defiance trail junction who said the steep, snow-covered scree made the ascent a pretty dispiriting experience. As far as I could see from the lack of tracks, I was the only one to get to Island Lake in the past week or so. It's a great contrast to the well-populated Mason Lake.

The ice on Sir Richard's Pond is breaking up into picturesque patterns. Rainbow Lake is about half-thawed and the frogs are becoming active. Island Lake is still iced over but the snow on the steep banks is sun-cupped and the precipitous waterfall down to Talapus is in full flow. 

I decided to spend the night. There were 4 vehicles when I arrived at the trailhead Thursday at 4 pm.  There were 19 vehicles this Friday morning when I hiked out at 9:15 am.   I counted another 14 vehicles heading in as I was driving out.  The bathroom is open.

The trail is in great condition.  No more snow.  It took me 94 minutes to reach the lake.  I was the only tent.  It's wonderful having a lake to myself.   

I was disappointed that all the campsites had remnants of campfires.  Campfires are strictly prohibited.  I also carried out cans and a broken bottle from one campfire.  We can do better.

Great hike trail in good condition. Bathroom at the bottom was open, on a Thursday about half the parking lot was full. Lots of uphill but great views throughout the whole trail!

Ford car keys found and taped to the trailhead board!