Necklace Valley #1062,Mt. Hinman

More like early spring than midsummer. Lowland forest wildflowers in full bloom. Bugs & flowers go together, remember. Unnamed heroes have removed virtually all windfall, one of them 3' [see photo, loud cheer]. Just before the log crossing the E. Fork Foss is a campsite with a few pieces of ancient machinery (Pat. 1897); see if you can figure out what they are. Trail to here is a lovely, fragrant lowland forest walk. After the crossing, the honeymoon is over and the trail gets rougher as it climbs the old glacial sidewall into the stunning hanging valley. Rocks, roots, water on trail, old puncheon turning to soil. Snow starts above 4000', just before Jade Lake; it's firm, no post-holing, and melting fast, not a serious impediment if you're OK with snow. At about 3800', the trail crosses the stream on a log bridge that is potentially dangerous at high water (i.e., now) and the handrail is just a trap; I belayed the dog although the footing is easy when it's dry [see photo]. Jade lake had some open water, but for a week or two yet you could get really wet if you slip there. Opal Lake is 1/2 open. Trail kind of hard to follow here but you don't need it, it's snow travel still. Know how to use your compass if visibility is poor. Locket Lake is nearly open.

Snow conditions were firm but not too hard, ideal for ascent up the snow chute to La Bohn Lakes; steep, ice axe required, but not crampons yet. In later season, this is a much less pleasant talus slog and scramble (ascends talus, then curves left and follows the outfall). La Bohn Lakes completely frozen. One can camp on snow, or there is at least one marginal site for a tiny tent on bare bedrock for a near-zero-impact bivvy. Please avoid moving rocks; this creates permanent unsightly scars. Snow travel conditions for ascent of Hinman or skiing are ideal.

Tank Lakes/Foehn Lakes area still has lots of snow, but if you don't mind this, it's a great time to be there, and maybe an easier ascent than on the talus later on.

I had time to remove several small logs, rocks, brush, windfall debris, and open some drains. A couple strong parties I passed hadn't bothered. Consider: if we all form the habit of just a little do-it-yourself trail maintenance, these trails would practically take care of themselves. A 3"" locking blade with a 1.25"" serated section allowed me to clear many branches up to 2.5"".

Salute to the trail crews; the Necklace Valley trail has seen some great recent work. My original plan had been the Alpine Lakes High Route from the West Fork Foss R., but I'd worried about the washed-out river crossing there at high water. Recent front-page press about poor kids needing summer work; there's plenty to be done out here. Write your senators and congress people; there are more worthwhile things than tax cuts for the super-rich.