by Sarah Shaffer
If you’re seeking an adventure filled with serene lakes and tranquil creeks, the Tunnel Creek to Surprise Creek trail should be on your list.
On a warm September day, I, along with a group of friends, ventured into the Cascade Mountains for a scenic trek. To make it a through-hike, we parked one car at the Tunnel Creek trailhead, just west of Stevens Pass, and another a few miles down at the Surprise Creek trailhead.
Our journey began with a steep ascent for a couple of miles, leading us to Hope Lake, a charming body of water cradled by trees and huckleberry bushes. From there, the trail opened up to sweeping mountain vistas framed by the vibrant reds, yellows, and oranges of early autumn. We paused near talus fields, enjoying the distant calls of pikas while savoring lunch and laughter in the warm, summer-like breeze.
As we continued, the trail hugged a slope, offering our first glimpse of Trap Lake, a gem tucked beneath Trap Pass, where campsites welcome weary travelers. Along the way, we crossed paths with Pacific Crest Trail thru-hikers, who had just six days left before reaching Canada, a reminder of the grandeur of this region.
Our hike concluded at Surprise Lake, a large, inviting lake dotted with small boulders, perfect for a summer swim. Though Glacier Lake, only 1-2 miles further, was on our radar, the impending rain urged us to pass on the detour. For those willing to hike the extra miles, it’s a must-see on any lake lover’s list.
From here we made our way down the trail to Surprise creek and back to the car. We saw many a frog, Pikas and a couple of Marmots. A variety of mushrooms were observed ranging from deep purple, white, yellow, orange and speckled. It was a trip to remember-between the good company, critters and lively colors of not only the mushrooms but the fall foliage.
Details, Details.
Distance: 11.21 miles from Tunnel Creek trailhead to Suprise Creek Trailhead. Elevation gain of 3,212 feet.
Skill: 2 as an overnight, 3 as a day hike.
Activities: Hiking, trail running. Although this trail region is in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness this section of trail does approve of dogs on leash. Please do your part keeping your dogs on leash, there are many Pikas and Marmots on this trail and we don’t want the wildlife to be disturbed or worse eaten, thank you.
Access: Tunnel Creek Trailhead. Drive west on highway 2 until after you are coming down Stevens, directly after the hairpin turn flip around when able and take forest service road 6095 only possible from the eastbound lane. Remain on the road for 1.2 miles (in good condition). Keep left on FSR (6095) at 1.3 miles you will arrive at the Tunnel Creek Trailhead. We did this outing as a through hike parking another car at Suprise Creek Trailhead less than a 10-minute drive from the Tunnel Creek Trailhead.
Surprise Creek Trailhead. When coming from the east side of Stevens Pass continue past the hairpin turn when coming down the west side of Stevens. 3.4 miles past the hairpin turn (10 miles east of Skykomish) turn left, and then left again at the fork (the right will have a closed gate). Cross the railroad tracks and continue right, parallel to the railroad tracks for another 0.3 miles. There will be a trail kiosk at the trailhead.
Map: See attached map.
Trip Reporter: Sarah Shaffer 9/30/2024.
Misc: Northwest Forest Pass required.
Leave It Better Than You Found It. This should be every outdoor user’s goal. Pick up trash left by others, pull some noxious weeds along your route, throw branches over unwanted spur trails, don’t ride or walk wet trails when you’re leaving ruts/footprints deeper than ¼ inch…
Disclaimer. Treat this information as recommendations, not gospel. Conditions change, and those contributing these reports are volunteers–they may make mistakes or may not know all the issues affecting a route. You are still completely responsible for your decisions, your actions, and your safety. If you can’t live with that, you are prohibited from using our information.
