Very thankful I finally got to do Mt Defiance on a clear day in June for fields of colorful flowers and views of far off peaks with multiple nearby lakes. This is probably my favorite peak hike along I-90. It was a hot day, so I was glad to be hitting a hike that included a lake to cool off in afterwards and to clean the trail dirt off my legs. And it’s truly a great time to visit this peak. There were bugs that like to swarm your face, but no stingers, which has been an issue here as summer progresses along with increased haziness from wildfire smoke. Dog and I will take annoying gnats over ground bees any day.
It was nice seeing Mason Lake full to the brim. On a warm day like today, the water at the edges felt refreshing versus chilly. Now that it’s summer, expect to see campers and other day visitors at the lake any day of the week with weekends being packed. Also, the underpass at exit 45 seemed to be closed during the day when construction was being done. So depending on when you arrive or leave, and which direction you’re going, you may have to go to the next exit and back track to get to your destination.
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