Snow Lake
Intermittent snow and ice present
9 this month · 233 reports
Snoqualmie Region
Fall colors are a highlight, with many reports mentioning changing leaves, particularly around Sir Richard's Pond as of September 15 and on the higher elevations as of October 15. Fungi are also abundant, with reports from October 15 noting them coming up all over. The trail itself is in good condition, with no significant obstacles reported in recent trip reports. Snow is not an issue, as the trail has been snow-free for all reports. The road to the trailhead is suitable for all vehicles.
Generated from 47 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.
Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 2 weeks ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.
Fall colors are present, with the most vibrant displays noted around Sir Richard's Pond as of September 15. Fungi are also actively growing, with a significant presence reported as of October 15.
The trail is generally in good condition with no major obstacles reported in recent trip reports. The only minor issue mentioned was missing boardwalk boards on one section as of October 21, though this was noted as posing few problems.
The road to the trailhead is reported to be suitable for all vehicles in all recent reports. There are no significant potholes or washboarding issues noted, with the road described as the best it has ever been as of August 28.
Parking availability varies, with reports ranging from a few cars in the lot early on a weekday as of September 15 to the lot being half full on a Sunday morning as of October 18. On busier days, cars may park on the side of the road.
Intermittent snow and ice present
9 this month · 233 reports
Snowfields to cross, views of Rainier
9 this month · 160 reports
Intermittent icy snow on the trail
8 this month · 102 reports
Fall colors arriving, some slippery spots
6 this month · 200 reports
Fall color departing, lake at low level
6 this month · 183 reports
Fall colors linger, but wind blows
6 this month · 41 reports
Trail notes generated from recent reports. Conditions change fast.
We tried to do this hike last year, but due to some miscommunication we ended up hiking to Island Lake via the Ira Spring - Mason lake trail. All I remember from that day last year is it was very, ver...
Fantastic hike to Mason, Rainbow, and Island Lakes with 9 other Mountaineers on a beautiful Fall day.The trail was in good condition with no hazards, snow or mud.Parking: The Ira Spring Trailhead park...
I was able to barely squeeze in one more overnight trip before the weather turned and visited my favorite lake in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Island Lake, on October 15-16, 2026. This trip was almos...
Up. Lots of up. The trail was fine and a glorious day for a hike. It is a hard long hike
Arrived at the trailhead early on a rainy Tuesday with ample parking. Trailhead bathroom in good condition!Hikes to Mason, Rainbow and Island were beautiful despite the rain. Once around Sir Richard’s...
It was a wet day on the trail, but that gave it to us without the normal Saturday crowds. There were a few other intrepid hikers out, but we didn’t run into too many people past the junction for Pratt...
With smoke on the eastern side of the cascades and many trails closed due to forest fires, I picked Mason Lake on the west side for a Friday hike. Though I have hiked this mountain many times, I have ...
Island Lake and Rainbow lake are just a tad too far to make it onto my day hiking list as an out and back, but I've always wanted to visit these two out of the way gems and this more remote section of...
I think like many backpackers, the choice of where to go out has recently met with obstacles due to fires and closed trails. We had a few more exotic ideas but realized it was best to stay closer to ...
Perfect day - Not too crowded. Mild temps and no wind.I hiked up the Ira Spring Trail to reach Mason Lake as described in the WTA Mason Lake trip report. Once at Mason Lake I continued on the Mount De...