The Unexpected Hike to Mason Lake

Mason Lake, Washington | Lensbaby Velvet 28

One early winter day, we set out to hike a nearby peak. We packed our microspikes, anticipating some ice and patchy snow along the trail. Just over a mile and a half in, it became obvious that a summit was not in our future. Despite the crystal clear, bluebird sky day, the snow up to Bandera Mountain was just too deep to attempt without snowshoes. So, we switched course and headed around the mountain towards Mason Lake. Not having researched the trail ahead of time, we weren’t sure what to expect. But, we were rewarded with a breathtakingly beautiful, snowy wonderland. We sat on the shores of the frozen lake, watching piles of snow fall from the trees under the warmth of the sun. This hike quickly became one of my favorites we had done on the I-90 corridor.

It just goes to show that the sometimes when things don’t go as planned, they can be even better than we imagined.

Duke of Kent (4853 feet), Mount Kent (5076 feet), and McClellan Butte (5109 feet)

Mount Rainier (14,411 feet) in the distance

Bandera Mountain Trail

McClellan Butte (5109 feet)

Ira Springs Trail

Mason Lake, Alpine Lakes Wilderness | Lensbaby Velvet 28

Mason Lake, Alpine Lakes Wilderness | Lensbaby Velvet 28

Mason Lake, Alpine Lakes Wilderness | Lensbaby Velvet 28

Snow Covered Evergreens | Lensbaby Velvet 28

Mason Lake, Alpine Lakes Wilderness | Lensbaby Velvet 28

Mount Rainier as seen from Ira Springs Trail