On a mild, grey day in October, I used the upper trailhead in the Ironmask Hills area to hike cross-country and on single tracks through the hills, across grasslands, and through open forests.    I traversed above Wallender Lake, fringed in alkali salts and pickleweed. 

Spring ponds become are fall meadows and provide open routes between the hills.  

A few grassland ponds and lakes retain their water, like Nelson Lake.  

There are a number of single tracks through the open forests of the Ironmask Hills too.  

Some images of the landscapes of the area are shared here.    Click an image for a lightbox view and a caption. 

Off-trail wandering

Wallender Lake, looking south

dry ponds become meadows

Nelson Lake

Galaxie Lake

Galaxie Mine

open douglas fir and ponderosa pine forests

On other days I hike up onto the rocky hilltops, following some trails, but also making my own routes through the hills.  

More Information:

• Trailhead at N50 39.107 W120 27.043.
• A trail map can be found on Trailforks.
• A YouTube video can be viewed on the Ramble On Channel.  
• Post – Wandering in the Ironmask Hills