Surprise and Glacier Lakes
Central CascadesBest Jun–Oct
Old-growth forest gives way to twin alpine lakes tucked beneath the craggy spine of Surprise Mountain.
About This Trail
The trail begins with a brief 0.2-mile walk under powerlines before entering old-growth forest along Surprise Creek. Massive western red cedar and Douglas fir line the first 1.3 miles, where a log bridge crosses the creek. The grade then steepens sharply, climbing 1,000 feet in 1.5 miles over rocky, rooted terrain to reach Surprise Lake at 4,508 feet.
Surprise Lake fills a cirque basin backed by the craggy ridgeline connecting Surprise Mountain and Thunder Mountain. American dippers work the inlet stream, and pikas call from the talus shores. Established campsites sit at the north end of the lake. Glacier Lake lies less than a mile farther and 400 feet higher, smaller and more austere, ringed by subalpine fir and rock.
The trail connects to the Tunnel Creek Trail on the north side of Surprise Mountain, making a through-hike possible with a car shuttle. The steep middle section is relentless but short. Snow lingers on the upper trail into June most years.
Seasonal Highlights
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
“Folks like to mention the Iron Goat bathrooms but I like to stop at Deception Falls as long as the parking lot is open and not full.”
Last report: Jun 22, 2026
Scorecard
Less crowded than many Stevens Pass area trails. Weekday visits often see only a handful of other parties. Summer weekends bring moderate traffic.
Safety & Considerations
Today's Hazard
- Strong sun — sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses recommended; water reflection adds glare near the lake
Persistent Hazards
- Steep, rocky middle section gains 1,000 feet in 1.5 miles
- Log bridge creek crossing at mile 1.3
- Snow on upper trail into June
Getting There
Small trailhead parking area holds about 12 vehicles. Access road is unmarked and crosses railroad tracks at Scenic.
Recent Reports
I decided to hike up to Surprise Lake to kick off summer vacation and as per usual, it did not disappoint. Folks like to mention the Iron Goat bathrooms but I like to stop at Deception Falls as long as the parking lot is open and not full.
8 of us from the Seattle Mountaineers CHS-2 cohort enjoyed a lovely day at both Surprise and Glacier Lakes this morning. Start time 7:28, back to the cars by 1:48 with stats of 11 miles / 2700' gain and 2.
After being stymied by a train sitting at a depot, blocking access to the Surprise Creek trailhead, I backtracked to Tonga Ridge and made a day of it at Mt Sawyer and Fisher Lake. First stop, Sawyer; it was a fairly straightforward if unrelenting ascent.
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