Mount Defiance

April 20, 2015: Dry and beautifully kept trail until descent into bowl of Mason Lake, where it became muddy. Trail beyond lake was very wet and steep, with patches of slushy snow, max 2-3 inches deep. Dry again at avalanche chute crossing. Again, beautifully maintained trail! Steep but short (and dry) ascent to summit which rewarded with beautiful 360-degree views, including Seattle/Olympics to West, Glacier Peak to North, Granite Peak to East, Rainier to South. Worth the soggy slog!