8.04 miles and 3,548 feet of elevation gain.
Putrid Pete's Peak (P3) is a high point on the ridge between Mount Defiance and Webb Mountain. It is at the top of a rock cliff.
From the Ira Springs trailhead, start up the trail to Mason Lake and at the sharp right turn look for a boot path continuing straight. There are a couple of splits, keep to the right/uphill. At one point the trail hits a small talus field with no visible trail on the other side. The trail is at the top on the far side, you might see a cairn. Also, there is one short section that does require some scrambling, long legs are a plus. Once above the trees, the trail can be hit and miss, stay on the ridge and keep going up.
After peeking over the rocks at the peak, descent slightly and follow the ridge. Stay as high as possible, a trail is on the very top of the ridge not too far from the peak. As you approach Mt Defiance the trees get thicker and the trail can be hard to follow. At about 4,950 feet of elevation start watching for a split in the trail and following the one to the left. The main trail is a short distance to the left, the ridge trail parallels it for a few hundred feet before it intersects the main trail.
Up the ridge
The picture in the summit register is of Pete according to SummitPost.org. Link to a Seattle PI article about Pete's life-saving belay on K2 in 1953.
Looking east towards Mount Defiance
Looking west towards Webb Mountain
Sitting on top, well almost. We peered over the top and looked down the sheer cliff, it is not a place I would sit.
The ridge we came up.
Leaving P3
Looking back at P3 and the ridge to Webb Mountain.
Mason Lake
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