Surprise Lake Snowshoe — Saturday, Jan. 21, 2017

Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West

Great day for a quick hike. Didn't have time to head up to the lake, but the quick trek to the creek was just what the doctor ordered. Hit the trail around 10:20 and crossed over the creek at 11:20. Non eventful trip. A few things to note. The turn to the trail head is spot on 10 miles from Skycomish before the Hwy 2 hair pin turn and just after the marked trail-head that read closed (01/21/17). We missed the turn and had to head up a couple miles before we found a good spot to turn around and come back to it. The route was fairly easy to follow on a clear day. The only thing to note is that the warmer weather caused large heavy snow chunks to fall out of the trees. Your instinct will be to look up, but don't, just duck and cover. You don't want to get hit in the head or face. Lastly, when you come to the second small creek crossing, you will pass over a log just in front of it. It's hard to see where the trail picks up across the small creek, but when you cross, you'll pick it up quickly just around the bend. Don't follow up the right side of the steep creek bed as it may appear your should. This is a nice little hike to the main creek. We will be back to make it up to the lake on another day. Have fun. Hope this helps.