My daughter was dying to go on a backpack. This was not my first choice but Dorothy and Snoqualamie Lakes were reported to be snowed over. The trail is in excellent shape to the river crossing. There are nine blow-downs, several of which are trivial, and all of which are easily passible with full packs. We discovered that there are no camping sites at the river crossing so backtracked about one quarter mile to a very nice spot by the river. There was one other backpacker there by then, who later was kind enough to share his stove after ours malfunctioned (despite being tested at home before the trip). We were not intending to cross the East Fork of the Foss River, but it is important to note that the log bridge is broken about eight feet from the end of the bridge. There is a small log thrown across but I wouldn't want to try it, especially in the afternoon when there is a higher water level in the river. However at least two backpackers coming back from Necklace Valley had made it over and had not mentioned any problems with the bridge.

I headed in around noon with plans to camp at the lakes that night. The snow is deep, real deep. Wound up camping just before the river crossing at a lovely bend. There were many trees down on the trail. It's still a great hike and beautiful territory, but Necklace Valley is not quite done with winter yet. If you camp, remember to hang your food - three black bears (a momma and two kids) were in the neighborhood.

This is a nice, easy hike along the East Fork Foss River. The first two miles are on the road leading to the summer trailhead. The road is open to motorized traffic, but on a nice Tuesday there was nobody except two cross-country skiers. No snowshoes are necessary, as I made out just fine with cleats. Good hiking boots would also have sufficed. What a change when entering the actual trail portion! It was like a tunnel into the forest primeval. There were lots of trees down, the trail is rather primitve, and there were plenty of big trees. I felt like Lewis, and I think my dog Daisy felt like Clark. We only went about three of the five miles of trail until you would then have to climb up the avalanche chute to the Necklace valley. There are lots of side trails and such off to the river on your right. This would be a great rainy-day hike, or anytime you wanted to see some good old-growth without doing a lot of vertical feet.

Fleetfoot and I started hiking at 1:15. One couple in front of us. Parking lot full. Couple of guys just came down. Many cedar stumps with springboard notches in them. Temp. is great for hiking. Many ups and downs- we begin to wonder if we are going to get to the river crossing. We pass young couple and lone hiker just before river. Large campsite in here is taken. We break at river- lone hiker goes on. Just on other side of river we meet a guy trying to give away food before going out. We trade a quart of water for a can of spam. Just about 4 o’clock as we head up rocks. Gain several hundred feet quickly then traverse uphill some. About 12 ladies come down from dayhike. Even though it is overcast it gets warm in here. Lots of bugs on lower section but not too bad as we go up. Pass lone hiker and break at Memorial Bridge. Couple adults with kids going down to site by river. About 800 feet of elevation from here but with lots of mud, rocks and roots. Trail seems to go on forever. Hopefully most people are out as we are tired and now plan to stop at first spot we see- had hoped to go to Ilswoot. On and on but we finally reach Jade lake- site at north end is taken. We spot another tent at south end- lucky us there is another spot. We stop. Lone hiker comes right behind us-he finds a spot. It is 6:45 –put tent up and get dinner going. Young couple come by. Call it a night at 9o’clock. Up at 7o’clock. Have warm Spam on bagel. Would like to see Al and Locket lakes but first to Emerald with lighter packs. Pass tents at Emerald and Opal lakes. Check at shelter built in 50’s.Trail is friendly in here as we go to end of basin. Take a break to decide if we want to go up by La Bohn lakes. No ice axes so we go toward Foehn lakes. Follow stream up rocks and decide to go for saddle between peaks 6263 and 6585. Take break by large rock- we set a 1o’clock turnaround time- 9:30 now so we leave our packs and head up more. Sloan peak and Glacier Peak come into view. Still some snow fields in here. Fleetfoot finds glacier glasses under a rock. About 10 o’clock we are heading up to saddle. Lots of loose rocks as we get off snow-little better above. WOW! What a view-Summit Chief, Chimmy Rock and Overcoat Pk..We can see a little of IronCap- La Bohn lakes and Foehn lakes. Our turn around time has arrived so we will not get to Tank lakes. Slowly down this section and back to our packs by 110’clock. Marmots and pika in the area. We want to get to Ilswoot as the food guy said the color was out of this world. A group camped here. We ask if a short swim will disturb their fishing. No! It has been sunny this morning but overcast now. I am not to sure about a swim but fleetfoot goes for it. I must also get the first swim of the year in. Cold- in and out. Little cross-country gets us to Jade at 1:15. Side trip to Ilswoot worth the delay- will have to get to Al and Locket some other time. Start back at 1:40. One couple and group of four going in. Back to car at 6:30-very tired. First backpack of the year. Excellent!!

My wife and I celebrated our 12th wedding anniversary by taking a fantastic seven-day backpacking trip to the Necklace Valley (6/30/01 through 7/6/01). Once again Washington Online Weather was right on and we enjoyed blue skies the entire trip. The Necklace Valley is virtually snow free, all the campsites are open, and the snow line is consistent at approximately 5,500 feet. We had a great time investigating most of the lakes and the countless social trails, but the highlight of our trip was a hike to Foehn and Tank Lakes (both lakes starting to melt, up to three feet plus of snow but South facing hillsides were clear). The views from Foehn to Glacier Peak and from South Tank Lake to Summit Chief and Iron Cap Mountain were fantastic! That entire area has outstanding scenery and cairns from the valley floor marked the route. My wife and I also visited the “Streeter” cabin and enjoyed reading all the messages. We were particularly impressed with the Marken family history spanning three generations from 6/76 through 8/00. Despite the great weather there were very few backpackers in the area. We did see evidence of two reported backpackers who lugged their skies up the trail and skied down the large snow patch that ascends from the end of the valley floor just SW of La Bohn Lakes. I assumed they went on to greater adventures. We also met two day hikers and several other overnight parties. We saw marmot, pika, squirrels, chipmunks, mice, and a garter snake, tons of birds, frogs galore, and fish. (Oh, did I forget to mention mosquitoes!) There were no signs of any large animals such as deer or bear. As I write this report my body still aches from hiking out on 7/6/01. The final three miles of trail from the East Fork of the Foss River to Jade Lake isn’t difficult just because it gains 2,400 feet, it’s because it gains this altitude through an obstacle course of roots, rocks, and mud. However, the effort is well rewarded. The bridge across the East Fork Foss River is damaged at the West end but is passable with minimal caution. Parts of the first five miles of trail through the Foss river valley is heavily overgrown with devils club and nettles next to the trail. Lastly, be prepared for low over flights by military jets coming down the Necklace valley at about 350 knots, they are very loud and very low. We received an early Fourth of July show on 7/3/01 at 18:38 while eating our dinner at Emerald Lake.