Day Hike – Mount Defiance
Challenge yourself on one of Washington’s most rewarding day hikes!
Join CNS for an unforgettable adventure to Mount Defiance, the highest peak in the Issaquah Alps. This strenuous hike rewards your effort with sweeping panoramic views of the Cascade Mountains, Mount Rainier, Mount Baker, Mount Si, and the surrounding Snoqualmie Valley.
The trail climbs steadily through lush old-growth forest before opening to rocky ridges and expansive summit vistas. Along the way, you’ll experience beautiful wildflowers (in season), quiet mountain forests, and a true sense of accomplishment as you gain over 3,000 feet of elevation.
This hike is an excellent training opportunity for hikers preparing for longer alpine adventures, backpacking trips, or mountaineering objectives.
Hike Highlights
- 🥾 Summit the highest peak in the Issaquah Alps
- 🌲 Hike through beautiful Pacific Northwest forests
- 🌄 Enjoy spectacular 360-degree mountain views from the summit
- 📸 Excellent opportunities for landscape photography
- 💪 Build endurance and elevation fitness
- 🤝 Meet fellow outdoor enthusiasts in a supportive group
Trip Details
- Difficulty: Moderate / Strenuous
- Leader Rating: Challenging
- Mileage: 11.0 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 4,500 feet
- High Point: 5,584 feet
- Pace: Approximately 2.0 mph
Recommended For
- Experienced hikers
- Anyone training for backpacking or mountaineering
- Outdoor enthusiasts seeking a challenging day hike
- Members looking to improve endurance and elevation fitness
What to Bring
- ✔ Plenty of water (2–3 liters recommended)
- ✔ Lunch and trail snacks
- ✔ Sturdy hiking boots or trail shoes
- ✔ Trekking poles (recommended)
- ✔ Weather-appropriate layers
- ✔ The Ten Essentials
CNS Adventure Philosophy
Every trail offers more than a destination—it provides an opportunity to challenge yourself, connect with nature, and share memorable experiences with a welcoming outdoor community. Whether you’re training for bigger adventures or simply enjoying a day in the mountains, Mount Defiance delivers an unforgettable journey.
Adventure • Nature • Community
- Meeting place and time: We will tentatively plan to meet at the Ira Spring trailhead between 7-7:30AM. When we get closer to the hike I’ll reach out to settle the final meet-up time. I’d like to go early to avoid parking issues. If others show interest in carpooling we can consolidate vehicles in North Bend.
- Leader's notes:
This will be an out and back using the Ira Spring trail to reach Mason Lake and then continuing on to Mount Defiance. We will stop at Mason Lake both times for a quick break as well as the top of Mount Defiance for a longer break. This hike is fairly steep, but the views make it worth it.
We will stick together and make additional stops as needed for clothing adjustments and water breaks. The goal is to have an enjoyable day in the mountains with good views while getting a good workout.
Only extreme weather (winds, thunderstorms) will cancel this trip.
- RSVP By : July 4, 2026
- Permit/Pass : National Forest Pass
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