Mount Defiance, Ira Spring Trail - Mason Lake — Saturday, Sep. 20, 2003

Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass

The new Mason Lake/Bandera Mountain trail is awesome! I fear erosion may be a problem in several areas where switchbacks traverse sandy, loamy soil (trail is still under construction, though). Otherwise, I give all who worked on the trail a big fat A! I went up Bandera Mountain a few years ago when it was still a billy-goat hike, so I have a good point of reference. Sunday was a great day for a hike, with cool and balmy temps but sunny skies. This trail is starting to take on some beautiful Fall color. It will be stunning up there in another week or two. My first time to Mason Lake. It's a nicer destination than I thought it would be, though I was just passing through on my way to Mt. Defiance. Mt. Defiance is worth every liter of sweat! The views up here are similar to the views you get on Bandera. Downtown Seattle was clearly visible to the west. Mt. Adams was a little lumpy white blob, but I could not find St. Helens. The interior Alpine Lakes Wilderness was stunning, of course. I highly recommend Mt. Defiance. It is a fun hike, with some mildly steep heather on the last stretch to the summit that gives you that airy, adventurous mountain climber feeling. This would be a great summit to take some motivated kids to.