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Surprise Lake resides a short distance southwest of Stevens Pass, just inside the border of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness area. The snowshoe and crossing-country skiing route more or less follows the same trail that accesses Surprise Lake in the summer, winding through a narrow creek valley filled with ancient forests and abundant wildlife. Once you reach the basin (which also houses neighboring Glacier Lake), the peaceful lakeside dishes up outstanding wintry vistas of surrounding Surprise, Thunder and Spark Plug Mountains.
After parking at the winter trailhead near the well-attended section of railroad, snowshoe or ski your way west into the woods while keeping parallel to the railroad tracks. The official trailhead will appear in a little under 0.25 miles near where Surprise Creek flows through a tunnel underneath the railroad. In another 0.5 miles the trees become remarkably larger, indicating your entrance into the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Wind along the creek bank over the next 3 miles while enjoying intermittent views of avalanche slopes and powdery rock gardens as the valley walls gradually tighten and begin to force the route to cross the creek when convenient.
Some choose to call it a day here, as the creek bed can be very deep during seasons of high snowfall. The final mile becomes much more demanding as you make short switchbacks up to the mouth of the lake basin. Hang in there for another undulating 0.25 miles before popping out of the forest at the northern tip of Surprise Lake. Here you can explore the east shore, or opt to hang left and continue around the hill into the meadows to join the Pacific Crest Trail route to Glacier Lake (a 1 mile, 300-foot elevation gain).
Note: Always stay cautious of creek holes and unstable snow while traveling near running water in the back-county.
Recommended Gear
Before you head out on your next Mount Hood adventure, make sure you have the right gear!
Here's a list of our go-to snowshoeing essentials to get you started:
Snowshoes: MSR Lightning Ascent Snowshoe
Cushioned, Made in USA, Ultralight, 98.8 oz
Men's • $299.95 • MSR | Amazon | Backcountry | REI
Women's • $299.95 • MSR | Amazon | Backcountry | REI
Jacket/Shell: Arc'teryx Zeta AR Jacket
Waterproof, Adjustable Drawcord Hem, Pit Zips, GORE-TEX
Men's • $431-475 • Arc'teryx | Amazon | Backcountry
Women's • $475 • Arc'teryx | Amazon | Backcountry
Pack: Mammut Nirvana Pro Pack
35L, Carry-On Size, Hip Belt, Ice Axe / Pole Loops, Hydration Compatible
Standard Fit • $189.95-199.95 • Mammut | Amazon | Backcountry
Small Fit • $199.95 • Mammut | Amazon
Insulating Layer: Moosejaw Dequindre Down Jacket
Water-resistant, Insulated, Adjustable Drawcord Hem
Poles: Black Diamond Traverse Pole
Aluminum, Adjustable with Lever Lock System, 21 oz.
$79.95 • Black Diamond | Amazon | Backcountry | REI
Gloves: The North Face GORE-TEX Gloves
Waterproof, Adjustable, Insulated, GORE-TEX
Men's • $99.95-181.63 • The North Face | Amazon | Backcountry
Women's • $99.95-100.00 • The North Face | Backcountry
Boots: Vasque Snowblime UltraDry Boot
Waterproof, Cushioned, Insulated
Men's • $149.99 • Vasque | Amazon | Backcountry
Women's • $149.99 • Vasque | Amazon | Backcountry
Gaiters: Outdoor Research Verglas Gaiter
Waterproof, Breathable, Lightweight, Abrasion-resistant
Men's • $41.32-65 • Outdoor Research | Amazon | Backcountry | REI
Women's • $49.95-65 • Outdoor Research | Amazon | Backcountry | REI
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