Ira Spring Trail - Mason Lake, Mount Defiance — Sunday, Jul. 11, 2004

Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass

I arrived at the trailhead at 11:30 expecting the parking area to be much more crowded than it was. Only 6 vehicles. I guess the old trail's reputation is keeping people away. The new trail is a joy to hike and should alleviate some of the pressure on overcrowded spots like Mt. Si and Snow Lake. Other than the devastation visible on the other side of I 90, the scenery is magnificent. Lots of wildflowers, essentially no mud and minimal bugs. That and the great weather made for a perfect day.