Surprise Lake Snowshoe — Saturday, Dec. 19, 2015

Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West

This was my first time on this trail and my first snowshoe of the year. We parked just off the road due to snow making the last 1/4 mile or so to the trailhead more challenging than desired--and we didn't know what the parking area at the trailhead is like anyway so best to place it safe. We were among the first to snowshoe on this day. A few of us were new to snowshoeing so we only went about two miles in. There were a few blowdowns that were relatively easy to navigate (especially compared to Mt Defiance a few weeks ago.) The trail is narrow at times and it is easy to find yourself knee deep in the snow. There are also a significant creek crossing via log that required a bit of skill but nothing too bad. It was a beautiful day and nice trail to start the season. Note that the GPS coordinates for the trailhead are incorrect but the written directions are accurate.