Island Lake
Nestled at the base of Bandera Mountain about a mile beyond the beckoning shores of Mason Lake, Island Lake is a little beyond the range of most day hikers.
Total Distance: 10.2 miles
Total Ascent: 2500ft
Highest Point: 4400ft
Total Ascent: 2500ft
Highest Point: 4400ft
To get there, take I-90 to Exit 45, going left under the freeway to Forest Road 9030. Follow FR 9030 for .9 miles until the road splits. Veer left onto FR 9031 and follow it for 2.9 miles until the road terminates in a parking lot. View Google Directions >>
The hike begins on the bones of the re-purposed fire road and at 1.5 miles, the trail abruptly leaves the road to exchange gentle grade for a steep and rocky path. After a short climb, the dusty trail moves beyond the pines for ever-larger glimpses at the valley below.
At just under 3.0 miles, the Mason Lake Trail and the Bandera Mountain Trail diverge. Head left and to the west, reaching the Ira Spring Memorial just before dropping down to Mason Lake. Push past Mason's lakeshore, following the trail along the lake to reach the Mt. Defiance Trail. Head right and soon find yourself wandering through peaceful tree-lined meadows. Pass Rainbow Lake at 4.0 miles and the signed junction to Island Lake at 4.5 miles. From here it’s just a short jaunt past a few tarns to sparkling Island Lake.There's a lot more to Island Lake, and you can learn all about it in Alpine Lakes Wilderness: The Complete Hiking Guide. You'll find a trail map, route descriptions, history, and more for this and many other hikes throughout the State. Help support hikingwithmybrother.com and the work we do by picking up a copy!
At just under 3.0 miles, the Mason Lake Trail and the Bandera Mountain Trail diverge. Head left and to the west, reaching the Ira Spring Memorial just before dropping down to Mason Lake. Push past Mason's lakeshore, following the trail along the lake to reach the Mt. Defiance Trail. Head right and soon find yourself wandering through peaceful tree-lined meadows. Pass Rainbow Lake at 4.0 miles and the signed junction to Island Lake at 4.5 miles. From here it’s just a short jaunt past a few tarns to sparkling Island Lake.There's a lot more to Island Lake, and you can learn all about it in Alpine Lakes Wilderness: The Complete Hiking Guide. You'll find a trail map, route descriptions, history, and more for this and many other hikes throughout the State. Help support hikingwithmybrother.com and the work we do by picking up a copy!
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