Skip to main content
Recreation Region: Snoqualmie Ranger District

Ira Spring (Mason Lake) Trail 1038

Accessed via Ira Spring Trailhead. Start on an abandoned road grade, crossing Mason Creek at milepost 0.6 and continuing east for another mile before leaving the road grade to switchback up through open south-facing slopes to the junction with Bandera Mountain Trail at 2 .8 miles.

At the junction take a right for a steep scramble up Bandera Mountain or continue 0.2 miles left to the ridgeline, which marks the boundary of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Continue 0.4 miles, losing 300 feet in elevation, to the Mason Lake outlet at milepost 3.4 and follow the west shoreline before gradually climbing to the junction with Mount Defiance Trail 1009 at milepost 4. From the junction, head west to Mount Defiance and Thompson Lake or east to Rainbow and Island Lakes.

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

Washington Trails Association Hiking Guide and Trip Reports

Specific Trail Information

Trail Number

1038

Trail Type

Standard/Terra Trail — A trail that has a surface consisting predominantly of the ground and that is designed and managed to accommodate use on that surface.

General Information

A valid Recreation Pass is required at Ira Spring Trailhead.

Wilderness regulations apply within Alpine Lakes Wilderness. The trail is also closed to stock. Dogs must be on a leash.

Snoqualmie Ranger Station sign in front of District Office

Address: 902 S.E. North Bend Way, Bldg 1 North Bend, WA 98045
Phone: (425) 888-1421
Hours: Open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday 9:00 am-3:00 pm. Closed Wednesday, Friday, and Weekends. (Closed on federal holidays)

Getting There

Directions

From North Bend, Washington follow I-90 east and take exit #45. Go north and turn left on Forest Service Road #9030. Continue on #9030 for three-quarters of a mile. At the “Y” stay left onto Forest Service Road #9031/Mason Lake Road. (Forest Service Road #9030 turns right and goes to Talapus Lake Trailhead.) Continue for 3.2 miles to Ira Spring Trailhead at the end of road.

Nearby Recreation Sites

Recreation Opportunities

Last updated June 26, 2026