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June 26, 2000

For the fist mile the trail follows an old road with little elevation gain until it reaches the junction, where the trail going straight leads to Bandera Mt, and the one going to the left leads to Mason Lake. Pass the junction the trail starts gradual climb zigzagging through new growth forest for about 0.3 mile. At the end of the last zigzag the trail divides into two again. Left fork is a non maintained fisherman trail that enters an old grown forest and follows the creek until it meets with the main trail before reaching the lake. There are lots of blow-downs, mud and roots on this part of the trail. Main trail goes to the right, climbs quite steeply for about 0.1 mile, enters old grown forest and follows the ridge for about 0.8 mile. As the trail reaches open boulder field continue on following stone cairns for about 0.2 mile. The trail enters forest again and in about 0.3 mile reaches the lake . After creek crossing the trail leads along north-west side of the lake passing several nice campsites and turn to Little Mason Lake (in about 0.1 mile). Pass the turn to Little Mason Lake the trail continues on for about 0.2 mile until it meets Mt. Defiance Trail #1009. The trail to Little Mason Lake is short (0.2 mile) and brushy with lots of water and some snow patches. There is a campsite near the lake with a good view of Mt. Defiance.