Ira Spring Trailhead

Hiking area · King County ·

Ira Spring Trailhead

Hiking area · King County ·

Alpine lake hike with wildflowers, fall foliage, and Rainier views

Information

Ira Spring Memorial Trail, North Bend, WA 98045 Get directions

@cntraveler

42,481 Postcards · 5,683 Cities

13 Best Hikes in Seattle | Condé Nast Traveler

"You access this mountain lake through a trail named for one of the Northwest's most active conservationists, Ira Spring. Not only is the destination a picturesque, sometimes glassy mountain lake, but the hike is both a hearty workout and scenic celebration. A well maintained route switchbacks up an open slope dotted with wildflowers, then ducks into a shaded forest. Brave hikers take a dip in the lake itself, with waters that are frigid year-round. The foliage along the ascent may be known for its early summer flowers, but the fall foliage erupts into a display of oranges and yellows in between the gray boulders that make up the hillside." - Hannah Kirshner, Allison Williams

https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-hikes-in-seattle

Arpad Jasko/Alamy

Ira Spring Trailhead

Marta S.

Google

The Ira Spring (Mason Lake) Trailhead near Snoqualmie Pass is well-located and accepts the Northwest Forest Pass. It provides ample parking and access to multiple trails including Bandera, Mason Lake, and Mount Defiance. You can also open the trail on all trails for navigation—as some junctions become confusing. Facilities are limited but parking and directions are clear. We did Bandera, 7,5 mile hike with 3,400 elevation gain.

Jen K.

Google

Mason lake is beautiful but a good elevation gain. The parking was good early but got full. There is a pit toilet at the lake. You can pay at a parking lot keyosk.

Justin H.

Google

Magnificent trail! Incredible views of Mt Rainier, the Cascades, and even the Issaquah Alps and the Olympics! The lake was perfect for a summer dip when I went in mid July. Not too buggy. Cool, but refreshingly so on an 80+ degree day! A little sweaty getting up the ridge, but it’s worth the effort!

Aisha M.

Google

Great trail, clean and well maintained. Mount Rainier views and wildflowers are out! Lake is swimable! Doggy friendly.

Ana F.

Google

Beautiful hike to Mason Lake with Mount Tahoma (Rainier) making an appearance on a sunny day. The trail is in great condition with some rocky areas. Thankful for the layers as it was cold and windy at the lake.

Lori L.

Google

My friend and I arrived Friday morning around 7:15am. There was plenty of parking, few cars already there. There was a bit of fog but started to clear up as we started to go up the hike. We went the mason lake side vs. the summit, just because other reviews said they had a steep rocky incline and I didn’t want to risk my dog cutting his paws. We reached the lake, it was very quiet and peaceful. It was a more advanced hike and recommend the hiking poles! We completed the hike in about 3.5 hours! 1 hour earlier than the average time stated on All Trails app. Overall, would recommend :)

Smriti B

Google

Went on this hike in the late afternoon to see the sunset. The last couple miles on the road were rough, parking lot was full earlier, with cars parked along the road. Be sure to bring bug spray, as there were a lot of insects by Mason Lake and on the trail. The views, however, were well worth it!

Vincent H.

Google

Parking was available at 6:30am on a Saturday, but about 1/2 full. National Forest Recreation Passes are required, but there is a machine at the trailhead. Bathroom at the trailhead as well. Gravelly road there has lots of pot holes.

@cntraveler

42,481 Postcards · 5,683 Cities

13 Best Hikes in Seattle | Condé Nast Traveler

https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-hikes-in-seattle

Arpad Jasko/Alamy

Ira Spring Trailhead

Marta S.

Google

Jen K.

Google

Mason lake is beautiful but a good elevation gain. The parking was good early but got full. There is a pit toilet at the lake. You can pay at a parking lot keyosk.

Justin H.

Google

Aisha M.

Google

Great trail, clean and well maintained. Mount Rainier views and wildflowers are out! Lake is swimable! Doggy friendly.

Ana F.

Google

Lori L.

Google

Smriti B

Google

Vincent H.

Google

Ira Spring Trailhead

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13 Best Hikes in Seattle | Condé Nast Traveler

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13 Best Hikes in Seattle | Condé Nast Traveler