Surprise, Spark Plug & Liberation Peak

Washington Hiking & Climbing

Surprise Mtn. 6,330 feet (1,500 gain from Glacier Lake)
Spark Plug Mountain 6,311 feet (1,500 gain from Glacier Lake
Liberation Peak 6,594 feet (1,800 gain from Glacier Lake)

These three mountains are three of the four peaks that encircle Glacier and Surprise Lake. All three are possible during one trip to the area. The fourth peak, Thunder Mountain is best climbed during a Thunder Lakes trip. All three peaks offer views, each with similar perspectives but each peeks at different lakes far below. Surprise is a great destination for hikers who don't want a scramble. The mountain top has remnants of a historic fire lookout built in 1932.

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Access:

A short distance south of Glacier Lake, the Pacific Crest Trail turns right and climbs to 5,900 foot Pieper Pass. (This is a long way to Deception Lakes, if that is your destination. Taking the old trail over Surprise Gap is faster, less elevation gain, and a shorter distance.) This old Crest Trail climbs in a half mile through rock gardens to Surprise Gap at 5,780 feet. For Surprise Mountain, take a right at the pass and hike a trail that will take you up to the summit. Return back to Surprise Gap or take a very faint trail down the opposite ridge to Pieper Pass, offering a loop. From the summit, find a trail heading west, follow it a short distance to a viewpoint, then drop down (left) about 20 feet and find a faint trail through the meadows. This trail goes all the way to Pieper Pass but one short section is very steep in the woods, where the trail is difficult to follow. If you loose it, just regain the ridge when the terrain gets easier and you pick it up again.

Surprise Mountain & Deception Lakes from Glacier Lake:

Surprise Lake Trail

To scramble up this peak, leave Surprise gap on a trail going east. As soon as you enter the woods, start climbing up the hill in the forest. Keep the ridge and cliff off to the left and avoid being right on it as the trees are thicker. Just angle up the ridge below the ridge and in time, you arrive on the summit. No difficulties except minor brush.

Liberation Peak

From Pieper Pass, two trails head in the direction of Spark Plug. Take the left one that traverses the first bump. This climbers trail is rather nice and goes 2/3 the way before becoming faint in places. When it does, just stay near the ridge and regain it when terrain allows. The summit should have a benchmark and a register with a spark plug it.

Sparkplug Mountain