Hiked the PPP trail up, traversed to Mount Defiance (did not summit), looped down to Mason Lake, and returned via the IRA Spring TH. There was somewhat nasty weather early on the PPP ascent. The traverse to Mount Defiance is a bit more interesting than the one to Web Mountain, with some great boulder sections and more forested sections that I recalled from seeing photos – some slippery areas on roots on the path to the Mount Defiance trail. The rain made all the rocks slippery. The trail up PPP was the same as my report from a few days ago – a great hike once you pass the tree line – bear grass abounds, as well as burnt-out stumps and a few single trees from a fire long ago. The ridge traverse is a great hike – it would be better with some views (0 for 2 now). Opted not to summit defiance as it was socked in cloud and fog. The trail down to Mason Lake is muddy in some areas – take some care of the roots. The route down to the IRA TH was in good condition.
