Surprise Creek Trail #1060

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Highlights: Mountain views, forest, lakes, creek

Distance: 4.7 miles one-way

Beginning Elevation : 2200 feet

Ending Elevation: 4900 feet

Difficulty level: More Difficult

Map(s): Green Trails #176

Visitor Use: Heavy

SUMMARY:The trail starts out under power lines but quickly finds the shade of giant trees on a well maintained trail. You will hike for about a mile before you reach a foot log that crosses Surprise Creek. If your feet are still dry after that, you'll get another chance in half of a mile, where you'll be crossing the creek again.

All along the trail you can catch glimpses of beautiful waterfalls (ranging from 2 to 6 feet) and icy clear pools. After 2.5 miles, the hike steepens as you head east on the trail and begin switchbacking up the side of the valley. You'll travel up the valley wall for about a mile on the switchbacks gaining close to 1000 feet in elevation. At the top, you can catch an awe-inspiring mountain view through a gap between the two ridges through which you will pass.

Here you'll find the trail that links to the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail (PCT), and down the other side of the gap is Surprise Lake. At the lake, there are great rocks to lounge on while enjoying the view.

TRAILHEAD ACCESS:Drive State Route 2 to milepost 58.7. Turn south onto an unmarked road to the service center for Burlington-Northern. Cross the railroad tracks. Turn on to the spur road on the far right. Continue for 0.2 mile to the trailhead.

Northwest Forest Pass required to park: Yes

TRAILGUIDE

Best Seasons: Summer/Fall

AREA

US2 Skykomish River Stevens Pass

RANGER STATION (NEAREST)

Skykomish Ranger Station

TRAIL REVIEW submit your review

Notice: Hiking in the backcountry can be dangerous. Information on this website comes from a variety of sources. You have to be responsible for using good common sense and researching trails carefully. Things change constantly in the outdoors.

Use caution while hiking so you can enjoy it safely. Don't get in over your head. A call to the ranger station and avalanche hotline(winter) are highly recommended. Bring the ten essentials and make sure someone knows where you are going and expect to be back.