Ira Spring Trail - Mason Lake — Friday, Feb. 6, 2026

Was basically a spring hike without the spring flowers today to Mason Lake. There’s a small cluster of huge fallen trees right after the official Ira Spring trailhead that I included a photo of for those clearing the trail before the road and services reopen. There’s another big tree less than 2 miles up the trail after that. I started for the first time from the Tinkham Road-Mason Creek trailhead. Warning: there was broken car glass at that location, which shouldn’t be too shocking considering its quick access to I-90. But I have to say this short trail up to the forest road for the Ira Spring trailhead was quite nice and interesting, especially if you like to hike next to a creek and see the water running. There were some fun natural bridges to cross. It was about 600 feet of elevation gain in .6 mile. No trash receptacle (must pack it all out) or toilet are currently open near the trailheads, but the backcountry toilet at the lake was in great condition…just saying. Really don’t understand why the road is still closed, but glad to have had this opportunity to enter from below. Snow was almost nonexistent and wasn’t difficult to walk on or around in regular hiking boots. Hopefully new snow comes.