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CHS 2 Hike - Surprise Mountain

Field trip: Conditioning Hiking Series

CHS 2 Hike - Surprise Mountain

Please see update below. Surprise Mountain is the destination on this strenuous but highly rewarding hike through old growth forests leading to two stunning alpine lakes nestled between steep granite slopes before taking the route to the summit and enjoying its grand views. CHS2 hike with pace averaging 2.0-3.0 mph.

Contacts

Beth Morrigan
Beth Morrigan
Primary Leader
  • Winter Scramble
  • Challenging
  • Mileage: 15.5 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 4,000 ft
  • Pace: 2.0-3.0 mph

We'll meet at 7am a the Monroe Park & Ride located at the Evergreen State Fairgrounds on US Highway  2 in Monroe.

From there we'll travel the TH. Take US 2 approximately 10 miles east of Skykomish to the old town of Scenic. Turn right off US 2 to Scenic, cross the RR tracks and take a dirt road 0.3 miles to the Surprise Lake TH. 

We'll stop for dinner afterwards at the Wallace Falls Cafe, where the menu includes everything  from burgers and sandwiches to gyros and pho.

**Update: It looks like lingering snowfields will keep us from hiking to the top of Surprise Mountain. Instead,  we will shorten the trip by hiking the PCT partway up Surprise Mountain towards Piper's Pass. We will still have some great views! The trip will be closer to 13.5 miles/3500' elevation gain.**

This trip will take us through the rich forests of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, to  lovely Surprise Lake then past the somewhat secluded Glacier Lake. But we won't stop there! Our destination is the top of Surprise Mountain (we will not be going to Sparkplug Mountain). Surprise Mountain is the site of an old fire lookout and we should have some amazing views if the day is clear. 

Route/Place

Surprise Lake & Mountain

Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

**Microspikes and poles recommended for snow.**

Ten Essential Systems

  1. Navigation (map & compass)
  2. Sun protection (sunglasses & sunscreen)
  3. Insulation (extra clothing)
  4. Illumination (headlamp/flashlight)
  5. First-aid supplies
  6. Fire (waterproof matches/lighter/candle)
  7. Repair kit and tools
  8. Nutrition (extra food)
  9. Hydration (extra water)
  10. Emergency shelter (tent/plastic tube tent/garbage bag)
  11. Insect repellent (it is that time of year!)
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