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Gabigabs
Trail Breaker
Joined: 07 Nov 2007
Posts: 841 | TRs | Pics
Location: Seattle |
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Gabigabs
Trail Breaker
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 Sun Nov 23, 2008 10:23 pm |
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It was absolutely spectacular day to be outside. Little chilly before we got moving - well, it's end of November so who would complain about few minutes of freezing toes when the sun is shining and the sky is blue.
The trail led us through forest first. The walk boards along this part of the trail were still icy and slippery around 9:30 ish. Some of them were also tilted which provided for some tricky creek crossings. It took us relatively long time to gain the first 500 ft where we encountered first larger snow patches and with them the traction improved and our pace got little faster.
Solid snow coverage started at 2900 ft and for most of the way we were hiking in about a foot of snow. The powder deepened once we got close by the lake where we encountered the trickiest creek crossing of the trail consisting of two narrow logs, one after another, covered in snow enough that it wasn’t clear where the log ends and week unsupported snow bridge starts.
Once at the shore we were submerge to a beauty of winter wonderland with sparkles of icy crystals shining on the surface of the white blanketed lake all surrounded by mounds of fresh snow. The magic of the winter was occasionally disturbed by a snow bomb sliding from brunches of surrounding trees aiming for us with precise perfection.
 Surprise Lake Surprise Lake Surprise Lake Surprise Lake Surprise Lake Surprise Lake Surprise Lake Surprise Lake
Life is simple... Eat, Sleep, Hike!
Life is simple... Eat, Sleep, Hike!
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geobob
Member
Joined: 29 Sep 2007
Posts: 183 | TRs | Pics
Location: seattle |
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geobob
Member
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Sun Nov 23, 2008 10:53 pm |
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Looks like a nice trip..By the way, where is Surprise Lake?..or is it supposed to be a surprise.
I think there's an easier way on the far side
I think there's an easier way on the far side
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Obi Tony Kenobi
Waterfall Crazy!
Joined: 25 Jun 2007
Posts: 1899 | TRs | Pics
Location: Marysville, WA |
Wow that is a lot of snow! Or at least it looks like a lot of snow!  Great pictures!
| Gabigabs wrote: | Surprise Lake |
Looks like an igloo in the middle of the lake 
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Go Jo
of the lykkens
Joined: 08 Jun 2003
Posts: 2248 | TRs | Pics
Location: Around The Bend |
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Go Jo
of the lykkens
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Mon Nov 24, 2008 12:47 am |
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| Gabigabs wrote: | Surprise Lake |
Looks like a crowd of people smart enough to take advantage of the weather! Glad you enjoyed your adventure under clear skies ~Jo
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Gabigabs
Trail Breaker
Joined: 07 Nov 2007
Posts: 841 | TRs | Pics
Location: Seattle |
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Gabigabs
Trail Breaker
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Mon Nov 24, 2008 9:52 am |
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| geobob wrote: | | Looks like a nice trip..By the way, where is Surprise Lake?..or is it supposed to be a surprise. |
It's on Hwy 2. There is a turn south (right if heading from Monroe) near milepost 58.7 that takes you across the railroad tracks. There is a larger parking area just behind the tracks or you can follow the gravel road for about 1/4 mile to the actual trailhead.
I
Life is simple... Eat, Sleep, Hike!
Life is simple... Eat, Sleep, Hike!
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sarbar
Living The Dream
Joined: 28 Jan 2002
Posts: 8055 | TRs | Pics
Location: Freeland, Wa |
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sarbar
Living The Dream
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Mon Nov 24, 2008 12:09 pm |
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Surprise Lake also connects to the PCT  In summer it is a second way in.
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Sadie's Driver
Sadie's Driver
Joined: 24 Apr 2006
Posts: 1763 | TRs | Pics
Location: Welcome Pass |
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Sadie's Driver
Sadie's Driver
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Mon Nov 24, 2008 12:23 pm Never a Surprise
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Thanks for the report - it appears Surprise is under its winter blanket of snow. Likely it won't be log before the route gets a bit "iffy" due to avalanche issues between the boulder fields on either side of the creek. Still one of the prettiest places any time of the year!   s.d.
Four-paw buddy lets me tag along!
Four-paw buddy lets me tag along!
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Hiker Mama
Member
Joined: 25 Jun 2006
Posts: 3451 | TRs | Pics
Location: Lynnwood |
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