Surprise Lake

Surprise Lake resides a short distance southwest of Stevens Pass, just inside the border of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness area. The snowshoe and crossing-country skiing route more or less follows the same trail that accesses Surprise Lake in the summer, winding through a narrow creek valley filled with ancient forests and abundant wildlife. Once you reach the basin (which also houses neighboring Glacier Lake), the peaceful lakeside dishes up outstanding wintry vistas of surrounding Surprise, Thunder and Spark Plug Mountains.

After parking at the winter trailhead near the well-attended section of railroad, snowshoe or ski your way west into the woods while keeping parallel to the railroad tracks. The official trailhead will appear in a little under 0.25 miles near where Surprise Creek flows through a tunnel underneath the railroad. In another 0.5 miles the trees become remarkably larger, indicating your entrance into the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Wind along the creek bank over the next 3 miles while enjoying intermittent views of avalanche slopes and powdery rock gardens as the valley walls gradually tighten and begin to force the route to cross the creek when convenient.

Some choose to call it a day here, as the creek bed can be very deep during seasons of high snowfall. The final mile becomes much more demanding as you make short switchbacks up to the mouth of the lake basin. Hang in there for another undulating 0.25 miles before popping out of the forest at the northern tip of Surprise Lake. Here you can explore the east shore, or opt to hang left and continue around the hill into the meadows to join the Pacific Crest Trail route to Glacier Lake (a 1 mile, 300-foot elevation gain).

Note: Always stay cautious of creek holes and unstable snow while traveling near running water in the back-county.

Recommended Gear

Before you head out on your next Mount Hood adventure, make sure you have the right gear! 

Here's a list of our go-to snowshoeing essentials to get you started:

Snowshoes: MSR Lightning Ascent Snowshoe

Cushioned, Made in USA, Ultralight, 98.8 oz

Men's • $299.95 • MSR | Amazon | Backcountry | REI

Women's • $299.95 • MSR | Amazon | Backcountry | REI

Jacket/Shell: Arc'teryx Zeta AR Jacket

Waterproof, Adjustable Drawcord Hem, Pit Zips, GORE-TEX

Men's • $431-475 • Arc'teryx | Amazon | Backcountry

Women's • $475 • Arc'teryx | Amazon | Backcountry

Pack: Mammut Nirvana Pro Pack 

35L, Carry-On Size, Hip Belt, Ice Axe / Pole Loops, Hydration Compatible

Standard Fit • $189.95-199.95 • Mammut | Amazon | Backcountry

Small Fit • $199.95 • Mammut | Amazon

Insulating Layer: Moosejaw Dequindre Down Jacket

Water-resistant, Insulated, Adjustable Drawcord Hem

Men's and Women's • $179

Poles: Black Diamond Traverse Pole 

Aluminum, Adjustable with Lever Lock System, 21 oz.

$79.95 • Black Diamond | Amazon | Backcountry | REI

Gloves: The North Face GORE-TEX Gloves

Waterproof, Adjustable, Insulated, GORE-TEX

Men's • $99.95-181.63 • The North Face | Amazon | Backcountry

Women's • $99.95-100.00 • The North Face | Backcountry

Boots: Vasque Snowblime UltraDry Boot

Waterproof, Cushioned, Insulated

Men's • $149.99 • Vasque | Amazon | Backcountry

Women's • $149.99 • Vasque | Amazon | Backcountry

Gaiters: Outdoor Research Verglas Gaiter 

Waterproof, Breathable, Lightweight, Abrasion-resistant

Men's • $41.32-65 • Outdoor Research | Amazon | Backcountry | REI

Women's • $49.95-65 • Outdoor Research | Amazon | Backcountry | REI