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CHS 1 Hike - Mount Defiance

Field trip: Conditioning Hiking Series

CHS 1 Hike - Mount Defiance

Go-Getter Hike! Hike the Ira Spring trail, known for its oodles of beargrass and other wildflowers in early summer, to pretty Mason Lake and then continue on good trail to the summit of Mt. Defiance. On a clear day, a multitude of the Snoqualmie lakes and nearby peaks can be seen from its 360-degree summit vantage point. CHS hike led at a CHS 1 pace (1.5-2.0 mph).

Contacts

Julie Cauthorn
Julie Cauthorn
Primary Leader
  • Strenuous/Very Strenuous
  • Challenging
  • Mileage: 11.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 3,500 ft
  • Pace: 1.5-2.0 mph

Meet at trailhead at 7:30am, ready to hit the trail by 7:45am.

Driving directions: Head east on I-90. Some 44 miles west of Seattle, take Exit 45 (Forest Road 9030.) The pavement ends in a quarter mile, and beyond that there may be significant potholes. At a fork 0.8 miles from I-90 take the left branch onto Road 9031. The right branch, Road 9030, goes to the Talapus Lake trailhead. At 3.8 miles from I-90, reach the large parking area for the Ira Spring Trail (#1038.) A privy is available, but no regular water source. A Northwest Forest Pass is required.

Feel free to arrange carpools independently, depending on your comfort level.

Route/Place

Ira Spring & Putrid Pete's Peak Trails

Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

Ten Essential Systems

  1. Navigation (map & compass)
  2. Sun protection (sunglasses & sunscreen)
  3. Insulation (extra clothing)
  4. Illumination (headlamp/flashlight)
  5. First-aid supplies
  6. Fire (waterproof matches/lighter/candle)
  7. Repair kit and tools
  8. Nutrition (extra food)
  9. Hydration (extra water)
  10. Emergency shelter (tent/plastic tube tent/garbage bag)
Trip Reports