We snowshoed toward Surprise lake and stopped in the last steeper ascent section before the lake.
This trail is challenging with the current snow conditions. You need at least snowshoes although skis would probably be better for that last ascent. We put our microspikes shortly after starting and switched to snowshoes a little bit after crossing Surprise Creek.
We didn't make it to Surprise lake but it was still a fun challenge. The first challenge was crossing Surprise Creek. On the way up we jumped from rock to rock over a shallow section and on the way down we found a smaller log to cross near the original bridge. Another hiker we met on our way back also didn't find any good spot and decided to just cross directly in a shallow water section. There is an obvious bridge but the several feet of snow melting on top of it make it look like a dangerous trap at this point.
Our second challenge was the snow and trail conditions 3.5mi in, roughly when the trail starts to zigzag and goes up more steeply. The few tracks that existed disappeared at that point and while I had a map, there was both a lot more snow there and it was very soft which made the ascent all but enjoyable. I'd certainly go up with skis but we were with snowshoes, postholing and there were no tracks to rely on so we decided to stop there.
Great views, fun challenges and a lot of sun, so this was a great day.
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