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Backpacking Building Blocks Student-Only Backpack

Field trip: Backpacking Building Blocks (B3) Course

Backpacking Building Blocks Student-Only Backpack - Surprise Lake

Two-day backpack in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness off Hwy 2. We’ll hike to lovely Surprise Lake where we’ll set up camp. Once we set up camp, we’ll have an optional side trip to Glacier Lake, Surprise Gap and on to Surprise Mountain for some great views of the surrounding alpine lakes area (if snow conditions and weather allow). Priority sign-up will be given to Sarah and Tricia’s B3 Mentor Group. Non-priority registration opens June 22; request permission to sign up by sending an email to hess@whidbey.com with your mentor's name and your recent trip experience to ensure this trip is a good fit for you.

Contacts

Sarah Hess
Sarah Hess
Primary Leader
  • Strenuous
  • Moderate
  • Mileage: 9.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 2,700 ft
  • High Point Elevation: 4,500 ft
  • Pace: 1.5-2 mph
  • 8 (8 capacity)
  • FULL (2 capacity)
  • Sun, Jun 14, 2026 at 8:00 AM
  • Mon, Jun 22, 2026
  • Sat, Jul 11, 2026 at 8:00 PM
  • Cancellation & Refund Policy
  • iCal Google

This trip is designed for B3 students interested in a moderate to more difficult trip.  Mileage and elevation will vary based on the optional side trip.  The trail description can be found on WTA: https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/surprise-lake-1

 Day 1: 4.5 miles and 2,700' gain from the trailhead to our base camp.  We’ll determine interest in optional extensions for the day to explore Glacier Lake and/or hike up to Surprise Gap and possibly on to Surprise Mountain with our day packs.

 Day 2:  We’ll break camp and return to the same trailhead at a reasonably early time to avoid the worst of the Hwy 2 Sunday traffic (4.5 miles, +300' / -2,700').

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

Drive Hwy 2 east to Scenic (before Steven's Pass), where we'll meet at the Surprise Creek Trailhead with boots on and packs ready to go at 9am (rain or shine).

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