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Trip

Backpack - Surprise & Glacier Lakes

This is a beginner-friendly backpacking trip visiting a beautiful lake.

Contacts

Gabrielle Orsi
Gabrielle Orsi
Primary Leader
Qualified Youth Leader
  • Strenuous
  • Challenging
  • Mileage: 11.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 2,800 ft
  • Pace: 1.5 to 2mph

We will meet on Saturday, July 7, at 7:00AM at the Brickyard Park and Ride, 15530 Juanita Woodinville Way NE, Bothell, WA 98011, off the 405. We will then make any carpool arrangements to drive to the trailhead.

Note: This trip was originally scheduled to visit West Cady Ridge and Benchmark Mountain. However, this route depended on the re-opening of Forest Service Road 63, which remains closed and the trail has not been maintained.

This trip is oriented towards new backpackers and building skills but will also offer some challenging hiking. Our travel plan is to depart from the Surprise Lake trailhead then set up camp either at a well-established campsite near Surprise Lake -- and then relax. Hike out on Sunday.

Approximately 5-6 miles each day, with Saturday's hike offering the climb up to Surprise Lake and Sunday's hike descending back to the trailhead. 

A Northwest Forest Pass or equivalent is required to park at the trailhead.

More details as the trip date approaches.

Route/Place

Surprise & Glacier Lakes

Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

The Ten Essentials plus overnight gear which may include:

  • Tent with footprint/ground tarp
  • Stove and fuel
  • Sleeping bag
  • Sleeping pad
  • Water filter or water treatment
  • Several liters of water
  • Bear canister or extra stuff sack and cord designated for hanging food
  • Cooking pot/pan with plate and utensils
  • Toilet paper and shovel or blue bag to deal with waste
  • Food and snacks to fuel your adventure
  • Personal toiletries and any medications you need
  • Bag/container to collect your trash to pack it out with you
Trip Reports