Ira Spring Memorial Trail

Ira Spring Memorial Trail is a wonderful hike, offering pretty much everything you would want in an outing: gorgeous mountains, carpets of wildflowers and sunny ridgelines. This trail does get quite busy, but it’s well worth the effort to enjoy the picturesque setting. It honors late conservationist and nature photographer Ira Spring.

The hike begins from the parking lot, passing through thick forest along some leisurely switchbacks. You’ll cross Mason Creek at about 0.8mi. A new bridge has been constructed here to safely ferry hikers across in all seasons, as this was previously a difficult crossing when the water hit its springtime highs.

After crossing the bridge, continue to traverse east. You’ll gain consistent elevation, which increases as you approach the ridge. While this route terminates at a three-way junction with the trails to Bandera Mountain and Mason Lake, you can choose to go a bit further to the lake if you’ve still got gas in the tank. Otherwise, retrace your steps to the trailhead.