The Unexpected Hike to Mason Lake
Mason Lake, Washington | Lensbaby Velvet 28
One early winter day, we set out to hike a nearby peak. We packed our microspikes, anticipating some ice and patchy snow along the trail. Just over a mile and a half in, it became obvious that a summit was not in our future. Despite the crystal clear, bluebird sky day, the snow up to Bandera Mountain was just too deep to attempt without snowshoes. So, we switched course and headed around the mountain towards Mason Lake. Not having researched the trail ahead of time, we werenât sure what to expect. But, we were rewarded with a breathtakingly beautiful, snowy wonderland. We sat on the shores of the frozen lake, watching piles of snow fall from the trees under the warmth of the sun. This hike quickly became one of my favorites we had done on the I-90 corridor.
It just goes to show that the sometimes when things donât go as planned, they can be even better than we imagined.
These images were created using my Sony rx100 mVI and Sony a7riii and Lensbaby Velvet 28. Visit Lensbaby and use promo code wCarr for 10% off your purchase.
Duke of Kent (4853 feet), Mount Kent (5076 feet), and McClellan Butte (5109 feet)
Mount Rainier (14,411 feet) in the distance
Bandera Mountain Trail
McClellan Butte (5109 feet)
Ira Springs Trail
Mason Lake, Alpine Lakes Wilderness | Lensbaby Velvet 28
Mason Lake, Alpine Lakes Wilderness | Lensbaby Velvet 28
Mason Lake, Alpine Lakes Wilderness | Lensbaby Velvet 28
Snow Covered Evergreens | Lensbaby Velvet 28
Mason Lake, Alpine Lakes Wilderness | Lensbaby Velvet 28
Mount Rainier as seen from Ira Springs Trail
