Surprise Lake Trail

This is a fun little trail. Went up there today. Unfortunately, pretty foggy.





Where Kennedy Creek crosses the trail, it is getting pretty torn up. Some big holes.

 

Had a good time today, nice little trail.

 

Awesome pics, glad you guys checked it out. That stump area is pretty gnarly, it took me a few approaches to get over it.

Might go back up next weekend.

 

It was nice to find something "new" and a bit of a challenge to boot. I don't think I had been out there since the bridge over the carbon river was rebuilt. In our exploring we were very disappointed to see the back way into Even Creek blocked off. Any word on why?

A few more from yesterday.

 

It might be seasonal, but that seems a little too soon. I called the Mt.Baker-Snoqualmie Nat'l Forest Dept. and the guy didn't know shit. It was open the few weeks ago when we went

If I go this weekend I'll check it out.

 

If you go this weekend, I'll be eager to join. Truck is all fixed up and ready for more adventure

 

Would you be down for a day-trip on Sunday?

 

The road that Mike is talking about has been closed for more than a few weeks. You could tell by the big ditch and huge boulders blocking it that has been there for a long time.

 

We must be thinking of different entrances. I saw tons of rigs in & out of the entrance off 165 (right @ the Y of the Carbon River Rd.) I must be thinking about the Main Entrance (???).

 

Yessir

 

No, I'm not referring to the main entrance on 165.

We used to be able to get from EC down to the Carbon river without having to go all the way back to that Y. The road is still there but as Mark indicated, it is now blocked. The road we are talking about comes out next to a creek that feeds into the carbon river. It is a ~.5-1 mile north of the park entrance.

 

I will have to check it out next weekend. Sounds like a permanent closure though, not seasonal.

 

Can we do this trip?

 

I'm down, but I will be out of town all week through the weekend.

It's not too difficult, but there are a couple technical spots. You shouldn't have a problem though. I know you guys were talking about scouting Evan's Creek which is nearby.
It would be cool to run this and then head over to Evans for some exploring.

 

I took the bike through Evans and it seemed a little tight. Especially since it has rained! But I'd be down to drive around it!

 

Yeah, looking at the map, it seems like there are quite a few switchbacks that are pretty tight. I'd still be down to check it out. The main entrance is less than 30 minutes from Surprise Lake, so it's not too far out of the way.

Here's a map I found for Evans Creek. We would be coming from the Wilkeson side on Hwy. 165:
http://www.nwjeepn.com/Maps/Evanscreek.pdf

This video shows a few really narrow obstacles that would surely pucker my ass, and most-likely avoid:
http://www.nwjeepn.com/files/EvansCreek.wmv

 

i know this is an old thread but do you think a stock 2013 taco could make it? this place seems awesome and i want to check it out this weekend

 

Honestly, I'm not going to say it's impossible, but I wouldn't recommend it. You could probably get through the first 3/4 of the trail no problem, but the last bit is pretty rocky. I would at least recommend a lift and sliders, unless you want to get your first body damage out of the way early, and then you'll have a lot more fun wheeling not having to worry about pin-striping and dented rocker-panels.

 

Very cool report. Jealous of the stuff you guys have in the PNW.

 

Yea, it's a fun little trail with a great destination to end at. I went there again last fall, but eneded up getting a killer migraine and it ruined the trip (for me anyway). I need to get back there before summer ends and camp out for a couple nights.

I wouldn't mind heading down to your region too, and exploring NV, UT, AZ. I've always wanted to hit up Zion and Valley of the Gods.