Ira Spring Trail (Mason Lake/Bandera) Trail #1038

Ira Spring Trail (Mason Lake/Bandera) Trail #1038

Highlights: Mountain views, Forest, Lakes and Meadows

Distance: 3.15 miles one-way

Beginning Elevation : 2200 feet

Ending Elevation: 4200 feet (Mason Lake)4700 feet (High Point to Mason Lake)

Difficulty level: More Difficult

Map(s): Green Trails #206

Visitor Use: Medium

SUMMARY:

Fantastic wildflowers late spring through summer. On a clear day there are several vantage points with views of Mt. Rainier. Bandera Mountain summit is at 5,240 feet elevation.

TRAILHEAD ACCESS:I-90 to exit #45. Go north and turn left on Road #9030. Continue on Road #9030 for three-quarters of a mile. At the “Y” stay left (straight) onto Road #9031 (Mason Lake Road). At 3.2 miles the road is blocked. Park here, walk quarter-mile across Mason Creek and continue to walk the old road for 1 mile past the old user built trail.

The new trail begins the gradual ascent for 3 long switchbacks. At 2.25 miles, take a right at the junction for a steep scramble up Bandera Mtn. or continue half-mile (left) to the ridgeline and high point of the Ira Spring Trail crossing into the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area. Continue quarter-mile, losing 500’ elevation to the outlet of Mason Creek and on to the lake. Head west beyond Mason Lake to Mount Defiance and Thompson Lake or east to several alpine lakes, including Rainbow and Island Lakes, reached via trail #1009.

Northwest Forest Pass required to park: Yes

TRAILGUIDE

Best Seasons: Summer/Fall

AREA

I-90 Snoqualmie Pass

RANGER STATION (NEAREST)

North Bend Office42404 SE North Bend WayNorth Bend, WA 98045 Open Monday - Friday 8 am - 4:30 pm (425) 888-1421

Snoqualmie PassVisitor Center Open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekendFriday - Monday8:30 am - 4:00 pm (425) 434-6111

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Notice: Hiking in the backcountry can be dangerous. Information on this website comes from a variety of sources. You have to be responsible for using good common sense and researching trails carefully. Things change constantly in the outdoors. Use caution while hiking so you can enjoy it safely. Don't get in over your head. A call to the ranger station and avalanche hotline(winter) are highly recommended. Bring the ten essentials and make sure someone knows where you are going and expect to be back.