Thompson Lake via Mount Defiance

Unbeknownst to many, there's a beautiful lake tucked into the forests on the west slopes of Mount Defiance. Thompson Lake provides a great destination for day hikers or overnighters in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. You may even find solitude here, just off the I-90 corridor. But that solitude comes at a price.

The trail up to Mount Defiance can be trying, especially in the height of summer. Climbing moderately, and then steeply away from Mason Lake, hikers are eventually rewarded with fields full of flowers and a gorgeous panorama from the summit of Defiance. But at the end of the traverse just below the summit, a little bootpath descends quietly into the forest.

This is the trail to Thomspon Lake: a large, scenic lake with nice alpine boulder fields and great views of the interior of Alpine Lakes Wilderness and Pratt river valley. Here, a number of small forested islands catch the sunlight in morning and evening, providing a relaxing panorama if you've chosen to camp.

From the traverse on Defiance, follow the narrow, somewhat brushy trail over to the north side of Defiance Ridge. 2.6 miles of ridgeline traverse bring you to yet another backbone, where you may be able to spot Spider Lake and creek in the basin to the southeast.

But you're heading to the northwest. Thompson Lake lies at the base of several steep switchbacks, just 0.8 miles away.

The lake has some good campsites. The main area is across the inlet stream just after you cross the stream on some logs when you finally get down the switchbacks. The trail around the lake passes a junction with trail 1009A and 0.3 miles past that junction are some smaller sites.

WTA Pro Tip: Because this trail starts from the very popular Ira Spring Trailhead, consider arranging a pick up or drop-off for this hike, particularly if you're doing an overnight