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Great trail to three beautiful lakes with awesome views.


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Map Key

10.5

Miles

17.0

KM

Out and Back

4,429' 1,350 m

High

2,207' 673 m

Low

2,772' 845 m

Up

2,771' 845 m

Down

10%

Avg Grade (6°)

42%

Max Grade (23°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Lake · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall

Overview

This is a fairly long out-and-back that features views galore, serene lakes and the stunning beauty of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. If you're looking for a shorter/easier hike, consider turning around at Mason Lake. If you're feeling rambunctious, tack on the Bandera Mountain Trail for added mileage and views.

Need to Know

Take exit 45 off I-90. Then head up Forest Service Road 9030 until you come to the 9030/9031 junction. Switch onto 9031 where the sign for Ira Spring (Mason Lake) Trail #1038 points. The parking lot is a good size, but this is a very popular trail since there are so many places to go, so be sure to get there early or you might have a long hike to get to the trailhead. A Northwest Forest Pass or equivalent is required for parking.

Description

The trail starts at the Ira Springs Trailhead and follows the Ira Spring (Mason Lake) Trail #1038. The trail crosses over a few streams, both of which have beautiful waterfalls flowing right on the side of the trail. You'll start to get glimpses of Mt. Rainier after crossing the streams, but once you get above the tree line the views are spectacular! About 3 miles in, you'll come to a fork in the trail that is very well marked. Follow the trail to the left towards Mason Lake.

Continue around the lake following the signs for the "Main Trail." Shortly afterwards you'll turn away from the lake and come to a junction that goes to left to Mt. Defiance (Mount Defiance Trail #1009) and right to Pratt, Rainbow, and Island Lakes (Island-Rainbow Trail). Continue on this trail past a small pond until you come to Rainbow Lake.

This is a beautiful lake and has some amazing scenery. You can then continue on until you come to another junction (Island Lake Trail) that goes toward Island Lake. Straight will take you down to the Pratt Lake Basin. Turn towards Island Lake.

As you continue on the trail you'll catch a glimpse of Pratt Lake. Shortly after you'll arrive at Island Lake. Be sure to check out the waterfall that flows out of Island Lake and eventually flows into Pratt Lake.

Contacts

Shared By:

Mark Davidson with improvements by Matt Schonwald

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 11 votes

#1402

Overall
  4.5 from 11 votes
5 Star
55%
4 Star
45%
3 Star
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2 Star
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1 Star
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Recommended Route Rankings

#100

in Washington

#1,402

Overall
7 Views Last Month
3,537 Since May 8, 2015
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

0%
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70%
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Photos

Clear view over the Cascades on the way down from Mason Lake.
Nov 16, 2021 near Riverbend, WA
Mount Rainier from the Ira Spring Overlook
Jul 17, 2018 near Riverbend, WA
Mason Lake
Jul 1, 2015 near Riverbend, WA
Trail between the overlook and Mason Lake
Jul 17, 2018 near Riverbend, WA
Mason Lake covered in snow
May 8, 2015 near Riverbend, WA
Check out the lower falls on the Ira Spring Trail #1038.
Jun 19, 2017 near Riverbend, WA

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Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Sep 10, 2024
David Scott
Aug 2, 2019
Ryan W
Sep 16, 2018
Bethany V
Trail run 5.8mi
Jul 22, 2018
Sophia Riffkin
11mi
May 20, 2018
Michael Piedmonte
Nov 12, 2017
Cameron Martin
Aug 8, 2017
John Et
7mi
Jul 4, 2017
Matt Leber
Bring trekking poles next time

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