Started our at the Surprise Lake trailhead off from Rt. 2 late in the afternoon. After a quick trip back to the car for the fuel canister we made it to a campsite about a mile prior to Surprise Lake. Trail is a nice gradual uphill following along Surprise Creek, crossing the creek occasionally, but for the most part the creek is far below the trail. Plenty of small streams gave the dogs plenty of water. Started early the next day and started up spur trail #1060.1 to Trap Pass. Hit snow around 5200 ft when the switchbacks leave the forest. Great western views along this stretch. At Trap Pass there is a nice open area for camping or just taking a break. No western views, but the eastern view is amazing with Trap Lake far below. Occasional snow for the next few miles, but once the trail gets back into the forest solid snow where it is easy to lose the trail. Trail is mostly snowpacked from here on until it reaches the backside of Big Chief Mountain (aka the ski resort). We had snowshoes for the entire trip, but never needed to use them.

Did this in 2 days... Next time 3 would be better but tthe trail is in excellent shape. Some trees where on the trail but totally passable. Bugs were there when After Chickamun Pass till after Ridge Lake but that was about it

We set off from Stevens Pass with the goal of hiking to Snoqualmie Pass, which was a hike that we did in the opposite direction last year. We encountered a few snow patches on the trail in the first 3 miles that we were able to go over or around. At 3 1/2 miles in, Lake Susan Jane was thawed with some snow around it. After Lake Susan Jane we encountered a few more snow patches on the trail, and a lot of snow off the trail, until we reached Lake Josephine at 4 1/2 miles in. This was were it got interesting. We followed the trail from the lake, and less than 1/2 mile later we came across a section that was completely snow covered. We were able to follow the trail for only a short distance before we were unable to find the trail. After some searching we realized that it was probably not our year to make it to Snoqualmie. This section of the trail looked like it has had very little traffic so far this year, which made finding the trail even more difficult. If you don't mind spending your hike walking through snow fields and searching for the trail, then I am sure you will still enjoy the amazing views that this section has to offer!

Kendall Peaks 4/7/07 My little Mountaineers group of 3 had a very Pleasant ski tour up to 1st Kendal Knob. This is an N3 trip in the Mountaineer ski rating system suitable for intermediate or better nordic skiers. Kendall Peaks is a Snoqualmie Pass trail. The trailhead is just off of I-90 at exit 54 on the north side. It's an old logging road that is open only to non motorized recreationists. In the winter you need a snow park permit. At the end of our trip we met a man who had just completed a 50 plus mile backcountry ski trip from Stevens pass to Snoqualmie pass thru the heart of the Alpine Lakes wilderness !!! We only saw one other skier all day. We had a great lunch on top with a 360 degree view of Cascade mountains. Lake Keechelus far below us to the east was full (hiding the stumps) and very photo- genic. WEATHER: Overcast (high fairly thin clouds), With temperature ranging from mid 40’s to low 50’s. No wind. Visibility at least 15 miles. SNOW: Good spring corn snow on the top ½ of the trail, sloppier snow with lots of holes bumps and gouges on the lower ½. About a foot and a half base at the trailhead (elevation 2600 ft.) , about 3 feet a mile or so up, and at least 5 or 6 feet at the 4300 ft. summit. It's about a 7 mile round trip. Now about that other skier, I forgot to get his name. He was a tall slender young man in his 20’s. He started from the Stevens Pass ski area Monday afternoon. Monday and tues- day he was skiing in deep fresh powder. Then it warmed up so by Friday he spring snow to contend with. He showed us on his maps how he avoided the most avalanche prone areas of the route. He skied well away from the summer Pacific Crest trail route most of the way. He ran out of food Friday night since the trip took him a day and half longer than expected. We shared some of ours. He used modern backcountry tele skis and boots and carried a full heavy pack for winter camping. What an incredible journey ! Robert Michelson

This is a multiday post covering a 7 day trip from Stevens Pass to Dutch Miller Gap Day 1 Sunday July 30th, Stevens Pass to Josephine Lake Trail up through the ski area was scenic and fun. Many of our group ski at Stevens frequently and the distraction of looking for familiar ski runs took some of the pain out of the first day under the pack straps. All were wishing they had done more training with weight. The trail down to Josephine is rough and I would nominate for some attention, the fact that we at full pack weight and minimum trail time influenced this… The rain on Sunday evening was not welcome, except it justified carrying some gear that wouldn’t be seen again…