"Witness, not achievement, is what I was after".  - Barry Lopez

With my move away from trail running and slowing down on the trails, it has brought a fresh perspective on how I see and experience the places I have already visited.  It has been a breath of fresh air to go back and experience trails and areas I have previously visited and I find myself wanting to go back to places and re experience them.  I have also come to realize that the more familiar and intimate I become with a place, the more I cherish it.  

With that out of the way, I felt compelled to re-visit Necklace Valley and once at it's head, either go to La Bohn Gap and perhaps Mount Hinman or re-introduce myself to Tank Lakes.  A spot I had not been to for over nine years and only as part of a bigger loop that found me pushing right past the lakes and not truly taking some time to soak it all in.

As you can see from the trip report, Tank Lakes was what I chose but I did not make that choice until I had reached the decision point deep in the valley.  

Road to the East Fork of the Foss is in very good shape and even not very washboard(ey).  At 7:30 AM the parking lot was mostly full but I found a spot to squeeze in.  Restroom is stocked and in good shape.

I hadn't been on this trail since 2017 so even it felt fresh and new.   The first four or five miles of flat may be boring to some but I delighted in the forest around me and smiled at the thought that in hours, I would be in terrain that would be so significantly different than what I was traveling through.  The trail was in great shape with not much to note.  There are some brushy sections and one ankle did get the stinging nettle treatment (on the way out) that could have been prevented if I had just worn some longer socks.  Plentiful water sources to top off along the section.

Two solid and easy to cross log bridges over the East Fork and then the climb to the valley begins. I vaguely remembered it being a stout climb and my memory served me correctly.  Because of my later start, I began my ascent as the temps warmed up and was kicking myself for not starting earlier as I broke out of the trees and climbing in the direct sun.  But this section isn't too long and you find yourself back in the trees and cooler temps.  Again, plenty of water sources to rely on and even some flat sections between steep climbs.  

The climb went quicker than I anticipated (benefits of having just a day pack on) and before I knew it, I was at the outlet of Jade Lake.  This really is the start of this magnificent valley of forest with sub-alpine sections surrounded by at times, sheer cliffs on either side.  I had forgotten just how beautiful this valley is!  

Relatively easy meandering means you can take it all in as you move deeper into the wilderness. Some berries are starting to show so I was hoping for a bear sighting but no luck.  I made my way up the valley.  The trail is obvious to follow and again, plenty of water sources to take advantage of on the hot day.  As you near the head of the valley, there are some tricky sections where the trail either goes through some small boulder fields or around them, so just take your time and look around if you lose the trail.

Eventually I was a the decision point for the day.  I sat down to take a break and have a snack to ponder my decision but the mosquitoes were just too persistent for an enjoyable break even with DEET on.  Which was unfortunate because even the head of the valley is worth a trip along.  The cascading waterfall coming of the outlet of La Bohn Lakes and the towering rock walls is a sight to behold.

I eventually chose the "easier" of the two and went right to make my way to Tank Lakes. This climb felt almost brand new to me and I marveled at how in this severe landscape there was a relatively easy, broad slope of talus and open terrain leading up into the deeper mountains.  Surely the work of a glacier as it slowly retreated.  Stay right of the creek that is flowing down the slope and you will see a social trail that leads up past the most difficult part of the climb.  I did have to cross back and forth over the creek a couple of times but it is easy to keep your feet dry.

After a steep 150' or so of talus/choss (but still a trail) the slope mellows and the views really open up.  This big wide open wandering really reminds me of the High Sierra and is such a treat.  At the time of this writing, there are still snow slopes you will have to traverse but they are mellow with no consequence if you slip.  I did not use traction or an ice axe as the snow was so soft and my footing secure.  You will want to trend to climbers left to avoid some cliffs which means re-crossing the creek.

The climbers path fades but cairns continue to mark the way.  I probably stopped every minute to gawk at everything around me.  Such dramatic landscape!  I believe it's about a mile from the valley floor to the lakes, give or take.  Then as you pop over the saddle and look down on Tank Lakes, you are treated to another jaw dropping view.

I immediately regretted taking the easy route and leaving my overnight gear at home, even with the mosquitoes.  This is a place you want to put the extra work in to be able to stay at least a night if not more.  So much exploring to do as it feels like a mini-Enchantments.  You could even choose to day trip up La Bohn Peak or for a longer day trip, La Bohn Lakes/Chain Lakes and even a Hinman attempt.  I will definitely be back.

I stayed as long as I could deal with the mosquitoes, then headed back. 

Highly recommended that you take the time to visit this place.  A truly unique experience!  I wish I had better pictures to share but a quick Google search will take you to some proper ones! 

Hiked first up to Jade Lake to set up camp. Lowland area was largely flat and very easily traversed. The last few miles before Jade were a bit trying-- the incline was steep, the trail was quite rocky and/or rooted, and the sun was unrelenting. But with support from hiking poles and the promise of imminent dinner, we pressed onward and upward. The mosquitoes and blackflies were plentiful, and swarmed constantly (one member of our party had suffered 52 bites by our return to the trailhead). Mosquito nets and repellent staved off some of the horde.

We traipsed through the valley, admiring wildflowers and waterfalls and frogs, before beginning our ascent towards the Tank lakes. This was a tough scramble, some areas questionable in terrain and others in clarity of direction. Cairns seem to contradict each other at points, marking multiple possible routes, and can be elusive unless looking quite closely. Snowfields were navigated best through the observation of others' tracks, laid earlier in the morning. 

Altogether very pleasant, if physically taxing. The views make it all worth it.

The official trail is in good shape. Off-trail section snow covered a complex area to navigate. There are a lot of bugs on the upper section of the route.

Full report at the link below.

This trip was a WTA logout. The East Fork Foss-Necklace Valley Trail is now logged out to Jade Lake, except for one duck-under log at approx. 3.5 miles from the trailhead. This one log unfortunately had some complications that kept us from making a clean sweep. 

The trail is very brushy from about mile 3 to mile 5. Watch out for nettles and devil's club here.

The Forest Service has fixed the rails on the bridge over the East Fork Foss River past 5-mile camp. We added rocks in the river so you don't have to scramble over a root wad to get on the bridge (at least for this season).

Flowers lower included fringe cup, tiarella, columbine, fireweed, and goats beard. Salmonberries and huckleberries were ripe. Heather was blooming close to Jade Lake. Snow-free as far as Jade.

Necklace Valley Trail is in great condition. First few miles before the climb are very brushy, recommend long sleeves and pants. Lots of water on trail, plan to get your feet wet, but the Foss was easily crossable. Small patches of snow remain up in the valley. The way trail to Locket Lake was tricky to follow but affords great views.

Bugs were terrible, I used a net but definitely should have used bug spray on extremities as well as my ankles and hands are covered in bites.

Besides that it was a nice, peaceful trip. Only four cars at the parking lot when we arrived, only ours left on Sunday afternoon.