Day Hike - Ira Spring Trail

2 meeting place options but the first P&R option is recommended due to limited parking at the trailhead: 

#1.  Meet at the EAST North Bend Park and Ride at 9am, 234 E North Bend Way, North Bend, WA 98045.  We will then travel together to the trailhead.   This P&R is located off I-90, Exit 31. Go towards the city on Bendigo Blvd S until you get to North Bend Way.  Turn right onto E North Bend Way, go  about one block and the P&R is on your left. 

#2.  Meet at the Ira Spring Memorial Trailhead, North Bend, WA 98045 at 9:45am.  Take Exit 45 off I-90 and go left at the end of the exit if driving east which most will.  Turn left on to National Forest Service Rd 9030. Go about 1 mile and then continue straight onto Mason Lake Rd. (NFS Rd. 9030 actually turns right here but do not go there!)  Continue on Mason Lake Rd for about 3 miles until you reach the trailhead parking lot. 

Recent Washington Trails Association Trip Reports have all noted that the trail is open and snow free so this is one of the first beautiful alpine lakes that you can see without microspikes!

PASS REQUIRED:  Northwest Forest Pass or similar (like America the Beautiful Pass )

LEADERS NOTES BASED UPON 6/22/18 SCOUTING HIKE:  The hike to the lake is  a lot of fun and absolutely beautiful but due to safety reasons we will not be able to go up the Bandera Mountain trail.  We will likely travel slower going up to the lake to allow all to enjoy the views and wildflowers.  Lunch will be at the lake. Leader will have a book about wildflowers so that all who wish can look  to identify and learn about the wildflowers seen.  We will travel quicker on the way down; it is generally a very nice easy  hike on the way down.  Only negative (minor one) was some bugs at the lake so do not forget  your insect repellent.