Pass · Alpine Lakes Wilderness
Pieper Pass
13 mi round trip4,024 ft gainVery hardDay hike: Free self-issueOvernight: Free self-issue
Get alerts for this hikePermits and reservations
Day hikeFree self-issue
Fill out the free wilderness permit at the trailhead kiosk.
OvernightFree self-issue
No reservation. Use the same free permit, keep groups to 12 or fewer, and camp at least 200 ft from water.
Alpine Lakes Wilderness rules from the Forest Service. Matched from official wilderness boundaries. Always confirm with the land manager before you go.
About the trail
Distance13 miRound trip, out and back
Elevation gain4,024 ftTotal climb, round trip
Pass elevation5,945 ftFrom elevation data
Overview
Pieper Pass is a pass reached by a 13-mile round trip from Surprise Creek Trailhead. The route follows Surprise Creek Trail, then Pacific Crest Trail to the pass.
Photos from hikers
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What you need
Parking and passes
Forest Service trailhead: display a Northwest Forest Pass or an interagency pass (America the Beautiful).
Buy a Northwest Forest PassGetting there
The hike starts at Surprise Creek Trailhead. Save directions offline before you leave, since mountain roads often lose cell service.