Trip Report
Day Hike - Surprise & Glacier Lakes
Beautiful hike up along side cascading Surprise Creek through forests and lush meadows to Surprise Lake.
Glen Strachan
- Sat, Jun 25, 2016
- Day Hike - Surprise & Glacier Lakes
- Surprise Lake & Mountain
- Day Hiking
- Successful
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- Road rough but passable
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The winter storms left fallen trees and brush on the trail for my scouting of the trail on June 7; however, by encouraging the Forest Service and WTA only two blow down sections of trees remained for the June 25 hike to Surprise Lake for the Mountaineers. I met Forest Service staff on the trail and was told that the trail will have to be re-routed around one of these sections. However, the group was able to pass around and under the damaged area.
The weather was cloudy in the morning with a little mist becoming partly sunny in the afternoon. Vegetation was damp along the valley with wildflowers galore. There were patches of snow and some water on the trail near Surprise lake. We had to cross a couple log bridges. Mosquitoes were few.
The short access road was rough in places and proceeded over railroad tracks. A low clearance vehicle may have difficulty. The parking area is small.
One person new to the Mountaineers was inadequately prepared with clothing and food. That person was advise appropriately. Another person was not aware that the hike was not going to Glacier Lake, even though it was stated "not Glacier Lake" in the trip title and leader's notes.