Peak · Alpine Lakes Wilderness
Surprise Mountain
12.5 mi round trip4,325 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
Distance12.5 miRound trip, out and back
Elevation gain4,325 ftTotal climb, round trip
Summit6,247 ftFrom elevation data
Overview
Surprise Mountain is a peak reached by a 12.5-mile round trip from Surprise Creek Trailhead. The route follows Surprise Creek Trail, then Pacific Crest Trail, then Surprise Mountain Trail to the summit.
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.