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Backpacking Building Blocks Student-Only Backpack

Field trip: Backpacking Building Blocks (B3) Course

Backpacking Building Blocks Student-Only Backpack - Surprise & Glacier Lakes

An early season overnight backpack in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness off Hwy 2. We'll hike to Surprise Lake and then continue on to Glacier Lake where we’ll set up camp. There will be an optional day hike to Surprise Gap and/or Surprise Mountain pending snow and weather conditions. Priority sign-up will be given to Jenny S and Jennie H's B3 Mentor Group. Non-priority registration opens June 6th - please email jnnys04@gmail.com with your B3 mentor's name and your recent trip experience to ensure this trip is a good fit for you.

Contacts

Placeholder Contact Profile
Jennifer Sager
Primary Leader
  • Strenuous
  • Challenging
  • Mileage: 9.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 3,500 ft
  • High Point Elevation: 6,300 ft
  • Pace: 2.0 mph
  • 8 (8 capacity)
  • FULL (2 capacity)
  • Sat, Mar 28, 2026 at 8:18 PM
  • Sat, Jun 6, 2026
  • Tue, Jun 16, 2026 at 5:00 PM
  • Cancellation & Refund Policy
  • iCal Google

This trip is designed for B3 students interested in an an early season overnight trip with moderate elevation gain.   The trail description for the primary route can be found on WTA: https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/surprise-lake-1

 Day 1: 4.5 miles and 3,000' gain from the Surprise Creek trailhead to Glacier Lake where we'll set up camp.   We'll stop at Surprise Lake on the way. 

Pending weather and snow conditions, there will be an optional day hike Saturday afternoon or Sunday AM to Surprise Gap (2.6 mi, 1000' elevation gain RT) and/or Surprise Mountain (3.9 mi, 1600' elevation) for those who are interested.  

 Day 2:  We’ll break camp and return to the trailhead (4.5 miles, +450' / -3000').

More information to participants will be provided one week prior to the trip via the Hello Hiker email. 

Meeting place and time

We'll meet at the Surprise Creek Trailhead with boots on and packs ready to go at 9am. 

Northwest Forest Pass required.

Route/Place

Surprise Lake & Mountain

Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

The Ten Essentials, plus overnight gear as specified by the trip leader

Trip Reports