[Karen]

Since Bob and I both had time constraints we needed to find some adventure off I-90 and the "old" trail to Mason Lake fit the bill. Oh, don't worry. I am NOT writing up this trail for any publication. If you want to know more about where to find it, refer to the older hiking guidebooks or maps. The old trail was not new to me, I'd hiked it before and remembered the fun on the boulder field. Seriously. I must have rocks in my head because I enjoy boulder fields!! No major problems with the old trail or the boulder field except it was muggy and it took some sweat and four-letter words to get to Mason Lake. There we found some beargrass still in bloom and only a couple of other hikers. After a rest we continued on to the little tarn and Rainbow Lake. Personally I think the little tarn is prettier than Rainbow Lake. Just a couple of tiny snow patches on the trail. We considered Alaska Lake, too, but the time constraint made the prospect of hiking fast not a pleasant one. We took the Ira Spring trail down (the new Mason Lake trail) and were treated to an unexpected bonanza of flowers - notably Indian paintbrush and fireweed. Karen

We took the "old" Mason Lake trail

Beargrass, Mason Lake

Rainbow Lake

More Indian paintbrush

Flowers, Ira Spring trail

Panorama from Ira Spring trail

Mason Lake trail

Fireweed, near Mason Lake trailhead

[Backpacker Joe]

Miss. Karen, is the old trail still a viable trail? Is it still usable? Is it still accessible?

[tigermn]

[Malachai Constant]

All of TNAB went there a couple weeks ago on the way to Defiance.

[The Angry Hiker]

Great photos, although you got the flower names wrong. How were the bugs on the Ira Spring trail?

[Karen]

Angry Hiker, There were a few bugs on the trail - but I'm not the person to ask as I seldom get bitten. I haven't bought bug juice in over 20 years, I don't seem to need it. Flower names wrong? Which ones? Karen

[Slow Hiker]

[touron]

That paintbrush is brilliant!

[Joey]

And of course there is the 'other' old trail that ascends on the left side of the boulder field. Although steep in spots it provides for a descent in the shade on a hot day.

[Malachai Constant]

One of our most favorite trails of all time fist fire road then switchbacks, up a dirty gully, big rocks. brush then lakes alt on dow trough sidehill woods

[steve_podleski]

Went on the 'new' trail to Mt Defiance this weekend and looked for the old trail. Could not see an entry at the Mason Creek falls or an exit at the creek source at Mason Lake. How can you find this trail?

[Slide Alder Slayer]

I'm with you Joey, I thought the old trail went to the left in the summer and up the boulder field in the winter, that is how I did it.

[Malachai Constant]

We went up Mt. Defiance this weekend on the Ira Spring (couldn't do too much steep for recovery) saw both ends of the trail but will not post it here.

[33teeth]

I did Ira Spring to Defiance on Sunday. Your pictures look better than it did in person! I saw a bear just above the Ira Spring trail on the slope of Bandera and another on the Slope just shy of the summit of Defiance. A very fine day!