Surprise Lake Trail #1249
The 2.4 mile Surprise Lake Trail begins within Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness at Summit Trail 1259 junction and ends at Surprise Lake. Take Summit Trail from Mule Shoe Camp at the Wilderness boundary. Travel through subalpine forest and meadows. The last mile is very steep and equestrian use is not recommended.
There are camps at 1.4 mile and at the lake.
At a Glance
Current Conditions: | Click here |
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Permit Info: | Wilderness permit not required. Note: Permit required year round for all overnight stays in the backcountry of North Cascades National Park Service Complex |
Best Season: | summer,fall |
Restrictions: | Wilderness regulations apply |
Information Center: | Chelan Ranger District. |
General Information
General Notes:Maps: Green Trails- Prince Creek
Directions:
From Twisp, head west on Twisp River Road / County Road 9114 / Forest Service Road 44 for approximately 10 miles. Turn left on West Fork Buttermilk Forest Service Road #4300 / County Road 1091. Turn right on Spur Road #500 to West Fork Buttermilk Trailhead. Hike West Fork Buttermilk Trail #411 over Fish Creek Pass; approximately 10 miles to junction with Summit Trail #1259. Hike south on Summit Trail for 2 miles to junction with Surprise Lake Trail #1249. This route is entirely a wilderness route and is not open to motorized traffic.
OR
From Chelan, drive north on Highway 97 to Pateros. Turn left onto Highway #153 for 17 miles. Take the Gold Creek Road #4340/County Road 1034. Take a left on Gold Creek Road and go 6 miles to Crater Creek Road #4340-300. Take Crater Creek for 4.6 miles to the Crater Creek Trailhead. Take Eagle Lakes Trail #431 for 8 miles to Horsehead Pass where the trail crosses into the Chelan Ranger District and becomes the Prince Creek Trail #1255. Continue on Prince Creek trail another 2 miles to junction with the Summit Trail #1259. Turn right up the Summit Trail and go 9 miles to the junction with the Surprise Lake Trail. The first 11.5 miles of this route is in the Sawtooth Backcountry area (before entering the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness) and is open to motorbike use.