Hike To Surprise Lake

This hike is an out and back hike of approximately 8.5 miles starting at just over 2,000 feet. The trail begins with a slight uphill where you walk for a couple hundred feet up and old gravel access road until you see a trail cutting left with a sign to Surprise Lake.  The first 1/2 of the trail is pretty mellow crossing several log foot bridges and crisscrossing the river.  After about an hour you'll reach a section with quite a few switchbacks which is where you'll get most of your elevation gain in.  There is a little stream running down the main part of the switchbacks giving you plenty of chances to splash some water on your face to cool down or refill your water bottle.  Once you get to the the lake there is a path that goes around most of it and a trail that continues to Glacier Lake about another half hour walk ahead.  The lake water is wonderfully clear creating a mirror image effect.  There are also various camping spots scattered around the lake if you're in the mood to turn the hike into an overnight.