We started out with overnight packs and two dogs at about 1pm. There were several other cars in the parking lot and three other groups waiting to fill out permits so we were a little wary. The bathroom at the trailhead was the cleanest I’ve ever seen through! The first five miles are beautiful and pleasent with multiple shallow stream crossings that were easy to cross without getting feet wet. They were great for keeping the dogs hydrated. You follow the river most of the way as well. The log bridges were in okay shape and were easily crossed. There are camp sites sprinkled out for the first 5 miles, many of which were right by the river and easily accessible. Two of the groups made camp down by the river with plans to day hike up to the lakes the next day. We really took our time with pictures and chatting and made 2mph along this section. This alone would make a nice walk in the woods that is worth the drive. The scramble up started without mercy and the cairns were helpful for moral-that yes, you are supposed to go right up these rocks. We are young and in decent shape, but with our packs the next 2-3 miles up were difficult. It’s not quite Mailbox Peak, but if you didn’t enjoy that hike I would skip this one. There are a couple of areas of respite, but in general you get to work for your prize. Bug spray was helpful here! The bugs were pretty bad. Jade lake was amazing and clear. The two best camp spots were taken. By this time it was getting cold and there were some spots of snow on the ground. To get past the lake we had to take our shoes off and walk along the lake shore – ouch! There are many trails to the other lakes that are easy to follow, but a topo map was nice for peace of mind. The trails were all very muddy, and most had become streams for the melting snow. Several stretches of snow had to be crossed and we did them in boots, but cramp-ons/spikes would have been helpful. We explored Emerald, Opal, and Cloudy lakes quickly-all of which were clear, hiking another couple miles before going back to a secluded camp site we had seen. The next day we passed a lot of people on the trail, and were very glad we came the day before. It seems that this hike and the camping spots get on long weekends. I’d post pictures, but we left the camera on top of the car… if anyone sees a black camera in a black case shoot me a message  Thanks!

Started Saturday morning at 10am. 5 cars in the parking area with 2 other couples gearing up (1 pair day hiking and the second with overnight packs and a dog). Trail map, signage, current trip report, and box for permits were in good order. About 10 water crossings in the first 5 miles. All shallow enough to keep feet dry. The big log crossing the river at mile 1 was in good condition. River flowing very fast here. Looked to be a campsite just after this crossing - which was intentionally blocked by cut limbs but still usable. Generally flat hiking the rest of the way to the 5 mile mark. You can hear the river in some spots, not may spots to see or feel the cold river air. The bend in the trail at the 5 mile mark has a few large open areas for tents, nearly on the trail. 2 easy access points to the river make this spot nice. There is also a stone fire ring here. The mosquitoes and flies are starting to get bad. With good bug spray we were not bothered much but they are there. The bridge just after the camping area is okay. The water is nearly at it's bottom, honestly surprised it is still functional. We had to take 3 steps from the trail to the log in deep water (see picture). There is a back way around - but it was tougher and I got my feet wet this way too. There is another campsite just after this bridge. Small and right on the trail - but an option if the bigger area is taken up. Then the climb begins... Steep for sure. Exposed in some areas. It was tough for me with the 85-90 degree heat. No water first 1.5 miles, but more frequent after that. Little snow the last scramble to the lake, manageable with shoes/boots only although microspikes are helpful. Jade Lake is almost completely clear. Very little ice remains. The 1 campsite at the lake was used by 2 groups (happy we camped at the bottom). Overall a good weekend hike. Not overly crowded but definitely others out there with us. 'grueling climb' the 3 miles from the river crossing to the lake is no joke.

Hot days = find some snow! We headed out with an ambitious goal of making it to tank lakes if snow levels were accommodating. They weren't :) Less than 10 cars in the parking lot and the trail seemed surprisingly empty. There was a WTA work party in progress (Thanks, guys!) working on some retread (?) and clearing brush. The first five miles were gentle, if warm, and bugs were not an issue. The log bridge was partially submerged in the river (near mile 5 or so), which was a first for me (though coming here this early in the year is a first for me too). The climb up to Jade was HOT and seemed longer than I always try to remember it. Started hitting patchy snow around the final half-mile before the lake and had one steep wall of snow to climb before popping down into Jade. Jade was mostly frozen over and it was dicey navigating the snow to get to the far end of the lake (I made it about halfway to the far end before calling it quits while Rob and Cooper went the whole way). Set up camp on "Jade Island" and settled in for the night - it was surprisingly warm and we woke to the lake having melted out more during the night instead of re-freezing. Mind blown. Assuming we have another week or so of warm weather, Jade should be melted out soon! Will have to return to make the trek up to Tank.

Similar conditions as previous trail reports. Snow at about 1 mile from lake. Some steep snow slopes and potholes, still. Snow covers about 3/4 of Jade Lake and the valley above it is completely snow-filled.No bugs, a bit brushy in spots.

Awesome trail on a beautiful day. The tread on this trail is so easy to hike on. The trail is in great condition and the bridges and wood walk ways over the boggy areas are for the most part sturdy (although watch your step they do have some holes). There are some blowdowns that are not to difficult to straddle over or around. There is a lot to see on this trail. You are in the woods most of the time but never feel closed in. There are plenty of open areas where you catch glimpses of the surrounding mountainsides, you come close to the river a few times and you pass through some meadows with flowers blooming. I followed the trail as far as the bridge over Foss River where there was a very elaborate camp set up (someone knows how to camp) and had lunch alongside the river before returning. A good way to put some easy miles in. When I am a little faster and a little stronger later in the season I may try this again and push on to the lakes. There were two other groups that started about the same time I did this morning (10am ish) but I never caught up to the pair in front of me and the pair behind me didn't catch me until I was eating lunch so it was a very quiet, uncrowded hike. Passed a few groups heading up as I was heading back. Easy access as his trail is not far off of HWY 2, 4 miles of which the first is paved and the second is county maintained which only leaves 2 miles of dirt road with a few big potholes in it.