Ira Spring trail to Mason Lake hike: 12/10/14

Hike: Ira Spring Memorial Trail to Mason Lake

Date:12/10/14

Distance/Gain: 6.5miles, 2420ft. of gain

Highest Point: 4230ft

Rating: 7/10

Pros:Ease of climb, panoramic views, solitude

Cons:Mason Lake was underwhelming, weather inhibited some views

We chose this hike based off of trip reports of snow, however that was 6 days prior and when we got there the trail was bare and wet. On December 10th in Washington State, in the Cascades you can usually guarantee snow, but not this time. The weather warned of high wind/rain for all of  Western Washington, but we were determined to hike so that wasnt going to slow us down.

The road to the trail head was atrocious. For the last mile or so, its nothing but deep pot-holes. It looks like they are working on improving it though, because there was fresh gravel before the pot holes began. When we got to the trail head we were happy to see that we were the only ones crazy enough to attempt the hike with the weather conditions. We started up the trail at 11:00 am, in a unseasonably warm 56 degrees, with on and off rain.

About a mile in, we reached a waterfall flowing across the trail. There were plenty of rocks/logs to get across, but it would have been a quick ride down if you were to fall in. Trip reports from a week ago stated the rocks on top were covered in ice, but were dry for us.

Once you start the switchbacks you really start to get the views, and for us the high wind. You will encounter panoramic views for the remainder of the hike until you start towards mason lake.The trail is a steady climb on a cliff side, with minor switch backs, there is never really a time where this hike feels difficult.
Once you reach your peak elevation 4230ft, you will continue for about a half mile, and drop down a few hundred feet to Mason Lake. The lake was 2/3rd's frozen over, giving it a unique look. Mason lake was not as stunning as Blanca, or Lake Twenty-two, but is still a pretty area to eat and relax.

Overall, the trail up to the lake is very unique and worth checking out, especially if you go on a sunny day. My hiking buddy said it reminded him of hiking some of the ridge lines on the Wonderland trail. The trail is very well maintained, and pretty wide for the majority of the climb.