Simple hike - nothing technical and no obsticals to worry about; few fallen trees across trail, but just walked over or ducked under them. Very little snow on trail around Deception pass, but nothing worth worrying about. Did not see a soul after leaving Hyas Lake - looks like most hikers were headed the opposite direction toward Cathedral Rock. Deception Lakes was beautiful - best camping spot was on the center island in a large open clearing; slight breeze kept away the flies. No mosquitoes between Deception Pass and Surprise Mtn.

Surprise Mtn. does not look to be hiked often - I got the impression I was the first person on the 1063 trail in a year. There was snow pack around Mtn. base, so bring sun glasses, but no gear needed to hike through / up.

On the way back down, LOTS of mosquitoes between Hyas Lake and the Tucquala Meadows Trailhead (6 PM bad time to hike through). Ended up jogging w/ full pack the last 2 miles to avoid getting eaten...at a brisk hiking pace, they were landing and biting in droves, and following me (never had to worry about the biters while hiking quickly before...felt like I was in AK).

Decent, easy hike w/ no other people around. Best sight was Deception Lakes and the view of Mt. Baker from Surprise Mtn.

Five miles after joining road 4330 in the approach to the trailhead, the road is signed as being closed to all traffic except 4 wheel drives with high clearance. Road has been damaged in several places and Scatter Creek, which the road crosses, was running swift and about 2 feet deep so at least the high clearance part of the advice is sound. The trail was in good shape except for being very wet with only occasional snow patches that posed no difficulty for route finding or travel. Crews have obviously removed many downed trees from the trail and only about 2 remain near the lake and do not pose any difficulty. There are numerous creeks that must be crossed at this time of year and 3 standout as being more significant. Our group included 4 kids age 3-6 and all were able to get across on slippery logs and rocks with the help of adults. Rest stops along the way were very buggy, but surprisingly camping near the lake was nearly bug free because of a gentle breeze coming off of the lake. Only a few snow patches remain around the lake.

C2 took off after work for 3 days of fishing at Tuck and Robin. Passed Hyas in the dark and reached the junction at dawn.At the Robins we set up camp on the knoll overlooking everything- Tuck, both Robins and Granite Mountain, with even a small rock birdbath for water. Not to mention Mount Daniel. We found the lower 2 Granite Mtn. Potholes before dark. Next morning we revisited the potholes and down the gully toward Phoebe Lake. Fishing here was splendid, nearly every cast was a winner (we caught fish in every lake we visited, Tuck, Tucks Pot, both Robins, all 3 Granite Mountain Potholes, Phoebe, Hyas and upper Hyas). It rained some and and later we made it back up the gully. Spent a windy night on the knoll. Day 3 we found the highest Granite Mountain Pothole. We might have camped here had we found it sooner. We fished then walked to the top of Trico Mountain. Great views. Did some more fishing on the way out including among others 15 inch plus dolly varden at Hyas. I think we caught 4 different fish during the trip (I'm not the ""fish"" guy). Fun stuff.

Hiked in Monday, lousy weather pushed us out Weds. 2"" of snow fell around 6000' feet, constant rain and drizzle from Tues night until we got out Weds.

Make sure to go when clear and warm