I wasn't quite powered out from a hike earlier the same day, so I decided to hike up Mount Defiance for some evening light. I started at the trailhead at around 2:30pm on a Friday. There were parking spots available at the trailhead at that time.
It's a steady, long climb up the ridge that can get somewhat monotonous. The trail is easy to walk on, with the occasional talus field interrupting it.
Mason Lake is pretty and extremely popular with overnight campers. Arrive early if you want a camp spot. Too many backpackers went up too late that day, setting themselves up for disappointment with campsites gone.
The views from the top of the mountain are good. Not as good as Mailbox Peak or Snoqualmie Mountain though in my opinion.
It took me four and a half hours up and down, not counting taking breaks. I spent about six hours and forty minutes on this hike with breaks.
The climb is doable for fit hikers with no climbing experience. There isn't much exposure, very limited amounts of scree sections and minimal scrambling on rocks.
You'll need bug spray. The mosquito situation is very annoying. You will get bit.
The wildflowers along the trail are some of the prettiest I have seen this year.
I'll add more pictures from this hike on Flickr later, so check back again if you want to see more images.
Comments