Ira Spring Trail to Mason Lake, Mount Defiance, and Bandera Mountain

With multiple worthwhile destinations, this hike is really three trails in one—two difficult options climb the high peaks of either Mount Defiance or Bandera Mountain, while a moderate option leads to peaceful Mason Lake in between. No matter which one you choose, vibrant wildflowers, alpine wilderness, and great views will be your reward for the effort. The formerly sketchy Bandera Mountain–Mason Lake Trail saw major renovation in 2003 and was renamed the Ira Spring Trail a year later in memory of the famous outdoor advocate and photographer, who had just died from cancer at the age of 84. The tribute was especially fitting, both because the Spring Family Trust was established to support just this type of project and because the trail leads to a Pacific Northwest landscape with deep evergreen forests, grand mountain scenery, and sparkling alpine lakes that Spring would have loved to capture on film. If there is any drawback to the new Ira Spring Trail, it’s that despite the considerable improvements it still can’t be described as easy. Mason Lake is the least-demanding destination, which nonetheless requires a tough climb of 2,000 feet over 3.3 miles. Add 1,200 feet and another 1.75 miles to reach the summit of Mount Defiance, or a little more than a mile to get to the top of Bandera. Still, each destination is well worth the exertion. And the recent rehabilitation of the trail means there has never been a better time to visit.