Follow Mike Carey to his destination of Mason Lake, located on the Ira Springs trail off exit 45 along the I-90 highway. The guide books and the Forest Service rate this hike as "more difficult" and Mike would have to concur. Although only a 3 mile or so hike to the lake, the elevation gain is almost 2,000 feet so it's a steep ascent. Mason Lake is a moderate sized lake, listed at 33 acres and holding rainbow trout. The shoreline is boulder-strewn making it tricky to easily work around the entire lake. You definitely need to watch your step! Total distance hiked: 8.9 miles, elevation gain 2,337 feet, maximum elevation 4,285 feet.
