We arrived at the trailhead at 9am. We were a party of three and we brought our dog. There was no one else at the trailhead when we arrived. We wore our microspikes at the beginning of the trail and kept them on until about 1.5 miles away from the lake when we put our snow shoes on. You won’t be able to do this hike without snow shoes (based on the weather we had) and micro spikes were critical as well. Luckily it was a no rain, no snow day which made the hike more enjoyable. The first 3/4 of the hike had some elevation but was pretty, snow covered and enjoyable. There had been a snow fall since the last hikers had been on the trail so we had to make our own trail. This became very challenging with about 1.5 miles to go to the lake. We were unable to see the trail so made our owd trail and that is really tough in new snow with steep terrain. We had a map downloaded on our Gaia app which was the only way we could really figure out where to go. Based on these conditions, I don’t recommend going alone and you must have some experienced navigating in snow where there is no trail. I should also add that the avalanche conditions were low risk when we hiked. The steep snowy terrain was tough for us hikers and also for our dog but we made it. The last 1/2 along the creek was gorgeous and the best part of the hike. We were too exhausted to fully enjoy it though. When we got to the lake it was snow covered and it’s hard to tell where the lake starts so we didn’t spend much time at the lake before heading back. We got back to the car at 3:30pm. We are fairly fast hikers so the reason it took 6.5 hours was the 1.5 miles of uphill terrain trying to blaze our own trail which took a very long time at a slow pace. There were some couples behind us that got to use our created trail so I’m sure they had a different experience. A gorgeous and challenging hike that we really loved and would recommend. When it snows again just make sure you are experienced enough and in shape enough to make your own trail - it’s exhausting. Also make sure to check the avalanche conditions before you go.

We set off before sunrise for Surprise Lake since we both needed to be back in the mid-afternoon for other appointments. This snowshoe is in an avalanche prone area-- a narrow valley with steep sides full of avalanche chutes. However, avalanche danger is currently low and the chutes don't have enough snow to potentially wipe out the trail route so we decided to enjoy this hike while it was a safe option. Please always check avalanche danger through NWAC before considering a hike/snowshoe here! 

The parking area just across the RR tracks (watch for trains, this is an active track!) is very icy so be careful walking! A higher clearance vehicle can probably navigate the icy road to the actual trailhead, there was a truck parked there.  From the parking area near the tracks, don't walk down the obvious road, instead walk parallel the tracks initially and you'll end up on the road to the TH, which is a short walk. From the TH, continue on road under the power lines and then turn left on the signed trail. The trail itself is snow covered almost the whole way, intermittent and icy at first, then nice snow. Microspikes/poles helpful in the icy section, then boots would be OK. Trail is well packed and no snowshoes required, we booted up.

Around 3800 elevation the summer trail switches back across some boulder fields. At this point, the packed trail completely disappears. I lead us up some steep (sometimes icy, sometimes loose) snow more directly, there are lots of other very minor paths-- basically everyone took their own route here. You'll want some basic navigation skills here but it's pretty easy IMO. After about 500 gain of climbing, the paths converged again and there is a packed trail leading into the lake basin. 

We parked just over the railroad tracks. The access road had plenty of snow and ruts, and looks like a high-clearance road right now anyway - we were not willing to risk it in a Prius!

There are patches of snow and ice almost from the start, but the trail was so packed down that we didn't really need the snowshoes. We opted to put them on for traction at the log crossing: there was only ice on the log! ... and then wore them on the way up. Most of the small creeks have snow bridges, although there were a few collapsed bridges - nothing difficult to cross, though. The trail was still very packed even above the log crossing, and the snow off-trail had a hard rain crust. There is one spot on the ascent where you could follow several paths or just make your own - as long as you head up, you'll be fine. 

We had started very late, so we turned around at 4,200 ft but it looks like easy travel from there to the lake. One party in front of us warned us that the ice around the lake was thin and hard to see where the lake started: one of their members had stepped through the ice! 

Today we snowshoed to Surprise Lake. It's easy to get there, just off Hwy 2 across the railroad tracks. We didn't drive to the trailhead due to heavy slush and snow on the access road.

The trail was snow covered the entire way. Saw no boot prints, so not recently hiked. Hiked in boots until after the 2 log crossings, then put on snowshoes. Early snow was "cascade concrete" 2-8" deep, then softer (drier) and deeper as we ascended. When we reached the switchbacks it was 2-3ft deep with drifts > 5ft. There was no trail visible. Route finding skills and experience traveling in snow required. Breaking trail was tough - be prepared to sweat!

We thought today's avalanche danger was low. The trail is mostly below treeline and snowpack in the chutes before Surprise Lake looked well anchored. We didn't go up to Trap Pass though. Accessing the lake was tricky due to snow covered boulders and running water (weak snow bridges).

The frozen lake was beautiful! We made our way to the back of the lake and had lunch. Descent was straightforward. GPS said 9.5mi and 2800ft elevation gain.

This is a *current conditions* report for Nov 9 2018 (not about the trail itself).

Did an overnight at Surprise Gap.  

Snow level begins halfway up the vertical section of trail to Surprise Lake (2-3", maybe 3800'?), and is about 4-6" deep at the lake (4500').

By Glacier Lake it reaches 10-14" (4800'), and by the meadow above Glacier 24" (5200').

I broke trail to Surprise Gap without snowshoes which was a 'fun' early season post-holing training slog, snow was about 30-36" by camp (5700').

All soft first season snow, so I'd say anything above 5000' is snow-shoe territory.  

Saw no other people or tracks until exiting, one solo day-hiker.  Blue bird morning, perfect views of Daniel and Glacier on opposite sides.

The creek log bridge was particularly treacherous with a perfect slime/frost layer.  

Lakes were still ice-free, but not for long.