NOTE: As of June 2007 the Cayada Creek road has been closed due to a land slide at about the 1 mile point. I cannot stress enough the importance of checking the status of this road with the Forest Service in Enumclaw at 360-825-6585 before you go, it might just save you a lot of time and hassle.
The Surprise Lake Trail runs from the Cayada Creek road up to Surprise lake and is located to the east of Carbonado. For the most part the trail is fairly easy if not a bit rocky. Two obstacles shortly after the 2nd switchback earns the trail it's 'More Difficult' rating.
Over the years Kennedy Creek, which crosses the trail in several places, has re-routed itself to follow a portion of the trail shortly after the 2nd switchback. After crossing Kennedy Creek for the last time the road smooths out a bit but becomes very brushy.
A word of caution: Don't go open cockpit on this trail, make sure you have doors, unless you want to end up looking like a tourist caught tagging cars with spraycans in Singapore. If you care about your paint job this is not the trail for you.
The 2nd half of the trail runs along a narrow shelf and affords some beautiful views of Mt. Rainier and the Carbon River below. Occasional rocks along the road will tilt you off-camber towards the side and might leave some feeling a little weak in the knees.
Just before you reach the lake the trail splits. The road to the left runs around the south side of the lake and someone has put in a lot of effort clearing the brush from this road but it eventually comes to a dead end with no real view of the lake or access to it. Following the trail around to the right will lead you through more brush as you work your way around to the northeast side of the lake. There are a couple of rocky spots that will challenge your suspension here. There is one more track splitting off to the right just before the trail end but it is short, pointless and just a lot more brush.
Surprise lake is a beautiful view as are the surrounding hills. For those who like to camp there is a small area to pitch a tent at the end of the trail. Parking here is tight and getting six Jeeps in here was about all there was room for. |
