Swim in Mason Lake via Ira Spring Trail

Start your hike at the Ira Spring Trailhead Hike to Mason lake (there is a parking lot at the end of Mason Lake Road, and trail signs from there). The trail is easy to follow and ascends at a challenging (meaning sweaty) yet comfortable incline for the majority of the hike. Over the course of your 3.25 mile hike you'll encounter gorgeous wildflower fields (depending on the season), giant slopes of rocks, and a perfect view of Mount Rainier on a clear day. There is very little forest cover on the majority of the hike, so the views will get better as the hike climbs higher. 

Once you get to the lake, continue heading left on the trail for just under a quarter mile (or about halfway to the far side of the lake) before the trail splits further from the lake and meets with Mt. Defiance Trail. At this point the trail will have risen a bit and you should be looking down on the lake and shore areas where people may have set up campsites. You should see a slope of large rocks and boulders pointing out into the lake. This part requires some rock hopping!

At this point you want to head off the trail towards the rocks and boulders, but it's easier if you stay on the flat land above the rocks rather than try to head down the slope. Once you get to the rocks it's fairly easy to scramble down safely to the large rocks pointing into the water where you can eat lunch, scope out your landing spot, and jump in! There is also sandy ground below the rocks, so you can always get in the water slowly. If you choose not to jump and splash around, you may see rainbow trout!