Mason Lake

Difficulty: Hard
7 miles round trip
Northwest Forest Pass Required

I have rated this hike difficult because it is VERY steep. You really are climbing up the whole mountain from practically the bottom. At one point the road came up half way before the trail started, but with so many washouts (and you will see them as you hike) most of the road was just turned into trail making this hike even longer. You really need to be in shape to go up this one, but very worth it.

One thing that this hike has going for it is it's abundant greenery and view points. It is a very lush trail.

Of course waterfalls abound in the PNW.

I-90 is below me, so you can see how high we were, and we weren't even to the top yet. Maybe 2/3's of the way.

After about 2/12 - 3 miles you will come to a switchback with a sign directing you one of two ways. You can either head straight up the rocks to the summit of Banderas Mountain, or you can turn left and continue on to Mason Lake. We started the climb on this day, but the clouds quickly rolled in, as you can see from the picture below. View gone. If you go at the right time of year however there are blueberries all up and down this mountain.

Mason Lake. It is a very peaceful place for a rest and lunch. We were up on a Sunday and there were quite a few people up there, so this is a moderately popular trail, but we still were able to find a quiet place. Huckleberries also crowd all around the lake. If you like them, and are here in late September, bring containers. You won't be disappointed.

Directions: Take 1-90 East about 15 miles out of North Bend. Take the USFS Road no. 9030, Exit 45. Turn left and go under the freeway. You will follow this road till it's end, about 3 1/2 miles. The trail head is right there.