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They don’t call it Mount Defiance for nothing. This past weekend, I headed out to the I-90 corridor to tackle this famous local hike, and let’s just say, it lived up to its name. Between the late-season slush and an 80-degree spring heatwave, this hike absolutely kicked my butt.
Trail Stats
- Anna’s Rating: ★★★★☆
- Date Hiked: May 3, 2026
- Distance: 11 miles
- Elevation Gain: 3,850 feet
- Pass Required: Northwest Forest Pass
- Trailhead: Ira Spring Memorial Trail
- Difficulty: Strenuous (especially in the heat!)
The day started off deceptively easy. The lower section of the Ira Spring Memorial Trail is well-maintained and offers a moderate grade. It’s a popular spot for a reason. The views of the Snoqualmie Valley and looming McClellan Butte across the way are stunning right from the get-go.
As I pushed toward Mason Lake, the trail threw in a few steep sections to get my heart pumping, but nothing unmanageable. There were plenty of fellow hikers out enjoying the sun, and the lake itself was buzzing with people taking a break by the water. If you’re looking for a moderate day trip, stopping at the lake is a great call. But I had my sights set higher.
Once I left the shores of the lake and began the ascent toward the summit of Mount Defiance, the real hike began. Almost immediately, the trail started to climb aggressively.
To make matters more “interesting,” there was still quite a bit of snow along the trail through the trees above Kulla Kulla Lake. Picking my way through it was tedious and exhausting and made following the trail more complicated. It slowed my pace considerably and turned what should have been a steady climb into a high-intensity leg workout.
The last stretch to the summit was the true test. It is incredibly steep and rocky, requiring some careful footwork as you scramble up the ridge. In the heat with no breeze, I was really melting. Honestly, I can’t imagine doing this one on a full-blown summer’s day. Maybe if I were in better shape. lol. Of course all day long I was getting lapped by trail runners and teenagers in Adidas slides.
But then, I crested the final ridge. The upper section of the trail to Mount Defiance offers some of the best views of Mount Rainier to the south, and the summit offered a great spot to find a rock, sit and have a snack while admiring our favorite local volcano, along with 360-degree views of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. To the north, you can look down over the sparkling waters of Lake Kulla Kulla and Mason Lake, a view you only get from this specific peak. Mason Lake was still partially frozen, and the ice was much more noticeable from the summit vantage point.
While the trail to the lake was crowded, the extra effort to the summit paid off in a different way: solitude. I had the entire peak to myself for about 20-30 minutes (enough time to take a few selfies using my hiking poles as a tripod without embarrassment).
If you’re planning to tackle Defiance soon, bring more water than you think you need and definitely pack your trekking poles for the rocky summit push. It’s a “leg burner,” but the views of the Cascades from the top are truly second to none.
Washinton Wandering 