
Details
The trail begins on level old road grade for 0.4 miles, going west at first, and then doubling back with a steady but easy climb east. Pass Mason Creek at 0.8 miles, a good source of water, but filter carefully because of frequent exposure to dogs. At 1.0 miles, pass the vague and unmarked junction to the old Mason Trail. At 1.3 miles, the reconstructed trail begins, following a historical jeep track at a steeper grade. The lower grade continues below, obscure but passable, if you care to explore.
Long switchbacks take you through avalanche cuts, light forest, and the occasional boulder field as views become more open. Enjoy the patches of vigorous bear grass. There are sweeping to Mt. Rainier and the I-90 corridor below.

At 3800 feet, 2.8 miles, pass a left-turning switchback.
An unmarked or poorly marked side trail branches off to the right and straight
up the slope to Bandera Mountain. Continue
left as the main trail begins a long westward sweep, up and across boulder
slopes in the sun, passing vigorous clumps of bear grass.
Reach a thin forested area and drop over the ridge at 3.5 miles, with a brief steep run, then a few short and easy switchbacks down the shady northwest ridge face. The way soon levels and takes you on a direct path in old growth forest to Mason Lake. Cross the outlet creek at 4.0 miles on easy flat-topped boulders.

Continue along the west shore to a gentle pile of boulders for lunch, or continue on the trail an additional 0.3 miles (perhaps dodging a few mushy spots in early summer) to connect with the Mount Defiance and Bandera Plateau trails. If you have webbed feet, you could consider wandering west from Mason Lake to find Little Mason Lake, ringed by muck and dense brush. My suggestion: view it from above on the Defiance trail.
Adventurers with extra time, route finding skills, and no fear of boulders boulder scrambling and obstacles might like exploring the historic Old Mason Lake trail. While it reduces trip distance, it will probably take longer because it is steep where not rough.
