No one has ever listed this hike on WTA. You have to drive on National Forest Development Road 7810 (aka NF-7810) which runs near the Carbon River. Before you get to the Summit Lake trailhead there's a road to the right called NF-7840; it's not listed. Across from there on the other side of the road is a completely unmarked road/trail that leads to Surprise Lake.
If you have a built 4x4 you can drive all the way up to Surprise Lake. Don't even attempt it if you do not have a built up 4x4. Otherwise you will have to park your car on NF-7810 near NF-7840 and hike your way up like I did.
I've hiked Summit Lake & Bearhead Mountain at the end of NF-7810 before. It's premiere compared to Surprise Lake but I wanted to try something new and different.
This trail is mostly rocky. About half way up there's a beaver dam with water you must cross that is a foot deep. It's not an issue. It climbs in medium elevation with about four or five switchbacks.
The lake is gorgeous with an island in the middle and a hill in the background.
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