Pets allowed
Allowed
Elevation Gain
2,420.00 ft (737.62 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
6.50 mi (10.46 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

The hike to Mason Lake offers a bit of everything, from dark woods to sunny ridges, from small waterfalls and wildflowers to clear alpine water. An ode to northwest conservationist and nature photographer Ira Spring, the trail ambles over creeks, through fir and alder groves, and between salmonberries, blackberries, foxglove and miniature lupine. After a 1.5-mile warm-up, the trail really starts to climb, and gaps in the trees offer partial views of Mount Rainier as the elevation increases.

Three miles in, the trail to Mason Lake parts with the trail to Bandera Mountain and follows the rocky ridge until it comes to the edge of the wooded Alpine Lakes Wilderness. A nicely shaded downhill trail leads another half mile to the sparkling water of Mason Lake. Right away you will find plenty of rocks for lunch in the sun, and several ideal swimming areas for cooling off. Follow the trail along the west and north sides of the lake to one of several camping areas if you plan to stay the night.

The main trail eventually turns away from the shores of the lake and intersects with the trail to Mount Defiance, for a very challenging but rewarding 1.5 mile extension of your trip. Another optional and shorter detour is the trail to Little Mason Lake, which traverses through a boggy meadow until it reaches the secluded and lily pad strewn water.

Note: When water levels are high, the Mason Creek crossing 1 mile in on the Ira Spring Trail is impassable.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

NW Forest Pass

Pros

Lakeside camping. Swimming. Wild flowers.

Cons

Rough road to trailhead.

Trailhead Elevation

1,900.00 ft (579.12 m)

Features

Backcountry camping
Waterfalls
Wildflowers

Location

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Washington
Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Washington
Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Washington

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