Surprise Mountain is right off of Section J of the Pacific Crest Trail #2000 in Washington. We were hiking south from the Steven’s Pass trailhead and camped at Deception Lakes - about 17.5 miles from the trailhead. From that point, it is only 1.3 miles and a 1300’ gain up the Surprise Mountain Trail #1063 to the summit. Following the horse camp signs along a very well maintained trail got me on the right path. The trail first reaches a saddle between Thunder and Surprise Mountain called Surprise Gap with a nice view of Glacier and Surprise Lakes. The trail continues up to the southwest, wrapping around to the other side of the mountain, before turning northerly and ascending to the top.
Note: You can also get here by intersecting the PCT via the 4.7 mile Surprise Creek Trail #1060, and then travel south to the base of the mountain. The PCT continues around the mountain to the west, up Peiper Pass, and on to Deception Lakes where we camped. But for a shorter distance, you could go straight up the west side of the coulee on an abandoned trail to attain Surprise Gap. I’d try it that way next time.
Leaving camp at the same time in the morning, my hiking partners had continued on south while I took this side-trip up the mountain. When I reached the summit about 9 AM, I was able to make a couple of 2M contacts with them before setting up the HF antenna. There is a metal pole at the peak where a lookout used to be. It looked very convenient for lashing my telescoping pole to, but in order to keep the dipole straight, I didn’t end up using it. There are some trees around the top, but it is generally open with plenty of space to work with. On one side, there is a sheer drop-off and a fantastic view to the north and east. It was very cloudy at first, but opened up some a bit later. Beautiful spot.
Once on the air, I discovered that the logging sheet I print out with summit information and notes didn’t have the peak reference number on it! Since this was the last thing I did the evening before we left, I was in a hurry and just didn’t check it very well. I hadn't posted an activation alert either. Fortunately, AE9F answered my call, came to my rescue, and looked up where I was. Many, many thanks Daniel!
Propagation was good, if not strong - and after 40 minutes, I ended up with one S2S and 23 contacts from 14 States and one Province on 20M. Thanks to all the chasers who made this activation so much fun! I tried calling on 40M for about 10 minutes with no takers before packing up and heading out – now in a real hurry to catch up with my group before nightfall.
.
