PNW Alpine Lake Series - Mason Lake Hike
Local guides › Guided hike
Guided hikePast event

PNW Alpine Lake Series - Mason Lake Hike

by Eugene Paw
Sunday, July 19, 2026 · 10:30 AM
Duration6 hours
Distance7 mi
Elevation gain2300 ft
DifficultyHard
Group sizeMax 15
Minimum age14+
LanguagesEnglish, Russian
PriceFree
Meeting pointhttps://maps.app.goo.gl/TayPXRVYay2Z74pU9

An intermediate/advanced but incredibly beautiful hike: sun-drenched mountain ridges, blankets of wildflowers, stunning views of Mount Rainier, and a refreshing alpine lake hidden among the peaks await us. Physical fitness is a plus (the climb is a bit steeper than Annette Lake), swimming is optional! As always, we’ll make a Reel after the trip to save the best moments!

Pass & parking

Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful is required. If you don't have one, a day pass e-coupon costs $5. It is highly recommended to buy it in advance online at Recreation.gov and print it out, as there is no cell service at the parking lot.

Lot fills quickly, be on-time and be ready to search for a parking spot

Timing

  1. 10:30Meet at the Trailhead
  2. 10:45Start Hiking
  3. 17:00Back at trailhead, start home
  4. 18:30Back at home

Carpool

I am driving and starting at 09:00 AM from 4700 Charter Lane, Mukilteo. There are 6 open spots in my car. If you'd like to join to split gas costs, please DM me.

What to wear

Shorts or lightweight athletic pants.T-shirt (preferably moisture-wicking tech wear, as it will bCap or sun hat (mandatory — there are many exposed sectionsSunglasses.Hiking boots or trail shoes with good, stiff traction (the tGood hiking socks (no cotton — save your feet from blisters)

What to pack

Water: minimum 1.5 litersLight snacks (energy bars, nuts, dried cranberries for energLight windbreaker (it can get breezy in the mountain shade bSunscreen (or apply in advance)Optional: Bug spray (there might be bugs near the water)Dry underwearDry t-shirtHiking poles: highly recommendedIf you plan to swim: swim shoes and towel

Good to know

Getting there

Ira Spring Trailhead

Get directions

What's included

Route planning, video content (reel)

Reviews

Loading reviews…

⚠️

The outdoors carries inherent risks. ExplorOFF is a listing directory and does not lead, vet, or insure these activities. You take part at your own risk. See our Terms.

Was this helpful?

One tap. It goes straight to Yulia and Margarita.

Free permit watch

You can't hike it if you can't get the permit.

The best hikes in America run on lotteries that open once a year and sell out in minutes. Every trail runs on its own calendar. Pick the ones you want and we do the watching.

6 trails watched daily

How it works

  • An email the morning each window opens, never the day after.
  • A 14-day heads-up so you can line up your group and dates.
  • Win odds and a ranked backup plan for every trail you pick.

Didn't win? We keep watching. We check recreation.gov every day for The Enchantments, Half Dome and Angels Landing, and email you the moment a sold-out date frees up. Cancellations are the second chance most people never hear about.