Island Lake Trail

Island Lake Trail is one of many in a particularly enjoyable part of Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Streams, other lakes, and mountains peeking through the vibrant forest follow you to the lake. The wildflowers in summer are great, but the serenity in the shoulder season is also a draw.

Beginning from the Ira Spring Trailhead, hike a few steps before taking a sharp right at the first junction. You’ll cross Mason Creek and continue on, covering a fairly relaxed section before heading up some switchbacks. Where you reach a junction on the corner of a switchback, stay left.

The trail leads you above Mason Lake. There are several intersecting trails, so keep hiking straight and then keep right towards Sir Richard Pond. Wrap around Rainbow Lake, keeping right again to drop south towards Island Lake.

After enjoying the lakeshore, you can either turn back and retrace your steps, wander down to Mason Lake, or set up camp at one of the nearby sites.