Like the bleached skeletal fingers of a long-buried giant, the burned carcass of once mighty evergreens push upwards out of the remains of a decades-old forest fire. The place is Mount Defiance and is one of the most beautiful trails in the Snoqualmie region. The trail begins at the end of FR-9031 which is exit 45 off of I-90 in Washington State. As of this writing the road is passable. However, there is still a small washed-out portion to be wary of. Ample parking is available at the end of the loose gravel road but a Northwest Forest Pass is required. Before entering the trail, be sure and fill out a registration card at the small stand. Permits are free but are required for trail use. The trail that leads to Mason Lake has been recently renamed the Ira Spring Trail in honor of the late nature photographer and naturalist. A plaque is visible at the crest of the saddle leading down to the lake. In Summer, be sure to bring plenty of bug repellant and sun screen as both are plentiful this time of year. This is what you will find on most of the Ira Spring Trail—the end […]