We hiked a fun loop from the Ira Spring Trailhead - up the P3 Trail, across Defiance Ridge to the Mt. Defiance Trail, then down to Mason Lake and back via the Ira Spring Trail. Definitely don't attempt this hike if you aren't comfortable on very steep terrain. Total stats were 9 miles with 3800 feet of elevation gain.
When we got to the Ira Spring Trailhead at 9:15, it was packed. We had to park a little ways down the road. Fortunately, there weren't many people on the P3 Trail, and no one between P3 and Mt. Defiance. I-90 is audible throughout the hike, but it was never too bad. There were also some target shooters across the valley that were a bit annoying.
The P3 Trail is obviously unmaintained, but still in decent shape. The junction with the Ira Spring Trail is clear - on the first large switchback, take the faint trail heading west. The first 1.5 miles climb steeply through the forest, with switchbacks that help ease the grade. All other junctions are obvious - simply keep heading up. At about 4,000 feet, the switchbacks end and the trail continues straight up the ridgeline. The trail is very rocky and steep, so we ditched our poles so we could have our hands free for support. At 4,600 feet the trail leaves the trees, and the summit is visible. The views were good today - one can see the entire South Fork valley. It was a little hazy, so we could just make out the outline of Rainier. The final 25 feet up the summit block was a solid Class 2 scramble. Use caution as the north face drops away steeply.
After eating lunch and enjoying the views, we traversed east along Defiance Ridge. This section was quite difficult, as we had to navigate steep, rocky terrain with only a faint trail that was hard to follow. The best way we found was to stay on the south side, but not drop too low below the ridge. Once we reached the P3-Defiance saddle, a solid trail appeared in the woods that we followed all the way to the Mt. Defiance Trail. The short spur trail up to the summit was rocky and steep, but nothing like P3. Once again we had stellar views, this time of both the Middle and South Fork valleys, as well as the surrounding peaks and mountains, and even Mt. Stuart! The meadows below the summit still have some wildflowers, but they will definitely be gone soon.
The remaining 5 miles back to the trailhead were uneventful, albeit long. Mason Lake was beautiful as always, and the Ira Spring Trail was well maintained. We passed the junction with the old Mason Creek Trail - not only is there a sign stating it is closed for restoration, but the land managers have blocked the entrance with logs. We got back to the car without much difficulty - a super fun hike!
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