Surprise Lake Trail & Glacier Lake

Surprise and Glacier are two lakes at the edge of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness that make for a popular destination for overnight trips. The first lake is Surprise, ringed by green trees, shallow waters, and granite boulders out in the middle of the lake. Glacier Lake is a bit further but is much larger, deeper and has the cliffs hanging above in all directions.

Take US 2 toward Stevens Pass. Shortly after seeing signs and the road to the Iron Goat Trail, look for an unsigned road to the right. If a highway bridge crosses over railroad tracks, you went too far. On the unsigned road, it will drop down to a crossing of the tracks. Drive over the railroad tracks and look to the right for a minor road in the trees. This dirt road goes a quarter mile to the trailhead. You can actually drive higher on the powerline access road but you save little distance and there is no parking where the trail leaves the road.

Walk the powerline road several minutes until you see the signed trail cutting left into the forest. The trail climbs through some old trees soon reaching Surprise Creek which it follows nearly to the lake. The first few miles aren't to difficult, slowly climbing up the valley. But the last two miles the trail must get up and over the hanging valley. The switchbacks are well built, just keep trudging up and soon enough, you crest out of the valley, reaching the old Crest Trail. A left on this trail would take you climbing up to Trap Pass, in route to Stevens Pass. Go right instead, the lake is just a short walk away. Several good campsites are available at Surprise Lake. Continuing on, the trail climbs a forested ridge for a half mile up to Glacier Lake, gaining the PCT along the way. About mid-way above the lake (limited views), a sign points to the Glacier Lake camp down below. The camp has several spots but you will have company on busy weekends. For some privacy, there is another camp (shown on the map) at the outlet of the lake. A minor trail skirts the shore getting there. Note: I walked the entire lake rim and saw no other camps. For those who like distant views more than lake views, hike up to Surprise Gap and Surprise Mountain (which towers above the lake). See the link below for hiking Surprise Mountain and scrambling two other peaks that surround the lake.

Surprise & Glacier Lakes

Washington Hiking & Climbing