Search trip reports
IMG_4638.jpeg

Trip Report    

Open Backpack - Mason Lake

One night backpacking trip to Mason Lake. Plus a bonus side trip to Mount Defiance.

Delsin Thomas Delsin Thomas
May 09, 2026
  • Road suitable for all vehicles

  • The trail was in good condition.  There is one small blowdown at the beginning of the trail but it is two small trees and easy to go under and/or over.  After this it is clear sailing the next 3.5 miles to Mason Lake.  There are a couple spots with loose rock as you traverse the winter avalanche zones but they are not hard to navigate and there is a boot worn trail.IMG_0009.jpeg

IMG_4656.jpeg

This was a one night backpacking trip to Mason Lake with a side trip to Mount Defiance.  The weather was pleasant and overcast on the way in.  The trail climbs steadily for 3 miles until dropping into the lake basin.  There are many photogenic spots along the way so don't be in too much of a hurry to get to your destination.  There were even mushrooms to pick to enhance dinner!

The lake was peaceful with several established campsites.  It is recommended to get there early and go on a weekday to avoid the crowds (probably 100 people coming up as we were leaving). After setting up camp we ate a quick lunch and started the hike up to Mount Defiance.  There was snow in spots early on the trail but it soon opened up into beautiful meadows and stunning views to the south.  The final 1/4 mile push to the summit is very steep and does require some large rock step-ups.  I would stop short of calling this a "scramble" since there is a trail the entire way and no tricky moves.  It's a more difficult hike but definitely worth it.  The summit had 360 degree views of many local peaks.  Cloud cover kept the big ones hidden but it was stunning to see into the surrounding valleys nonetheless. 

After getting back to camp we ate a well deserved dinner.  Good company and good conversation!  After dinner we explored around the lake and out to Little Mason Lake.  The campsites were starting to fill in more and I'm glad we claimed the spots we did in the morning.  The night was calm without the reported wind.  Some owls decided they had a lot to say throughout the night.

We packed up pretty early in the morning and at breakfast as a group.  The weather was still great with no wind and moderate temperatures for the mountains.  Heading out we got the money shot of Mount Rainier after leaving the lake basin.  No clouds, no obstructions...just the mountain in all her glory.  An easy trip back to the car with more mushroom foraging and lots of people.

This was a great trip and I would definitely recommend it.  Another cool activity that would be fun is to the explore the many lakes in the area. IMG_4629.jpeg