We looked for a one overnight trip in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness that would provide adventure and views without the crowds. We planned on first making it to the Necklace Valley and then deciding on whether to continue to the Tank Lakes. We left the parking lot, 1600 feet elevation, at around 10:45. The first 5 miles, relatively flat, were pain free with a couple logs over the trail that were easily passable. After a lunch break, we began the grueling 3 mile ascent to the Necklace Valley. The way was steep and a little rocky, but our swift pace made the going tougher. By 3 p.m. we reached the first of the lakes, Jade Lake, a spectacular sub alpine lake at about 4,700 feet. All the lakes and surrounding area were snow free. Continuing past Emerald Lake, we took a break near a cascading stream. From this area, an alpine high route outlined in Beckey's guide climbs up through the sub alpine forest and rock terraces to the Tank Lakes plateau. Descriptions of a “unique alpine tableland” with “ice-polished granite” and “scattered evergreens” motivated us to continue. We found a faint trail, but it ended within 100 meters. Compass and map came out and a cross country adventure began. In this portion, the mosquitoes were in a frenzy. We hurried to the snowfields above reaching the half-frozen Foehn Lake (5,600+) where the mosquitoes were nowhere to be seen. After a magnificent walk across the plateau, we reached Tank Lakes (5,800) at little over 5 p.m. The higher lake was still about half frozen and the lower lake was ice free. The descriptions of the tableland were accurate. Setting up camp on a grassy knoll between the two lakes, we enjoyed a commanding view of Chimney Rock and Summit Chief mountain. The calm, mosquito-free conditions prevailed throughout the evening. After a beautiful sunset and wonderful weather in the morning we decided to climb higher to Otter Point (6,350) which is described as a “stroll”. In actuality the ridge is very long, involved some precarious boulder crossings with exposure on both sides, and potentially dangerous snow patches. After gaining the ridge at about 6,100 we decided not to waste the time (possibly 2 hours) to gain a little more elevation. We enjoyed views of Mt. Baker, Glacier Peak, Mt. Hinman, the Olympic mountains, Mt. Rainier poking out from behind Chimney Rock, and host of other mountains. We began our descent at about 11:00. A quick glissade and jog through heather meadows brought us back to the trail in 25 minutes. Continuing down, we reached the West Fork Foss River for lunch at 1:00 and the parking lot at 3:15.

This was our first hike in the Cascades since moving here from Alaska. It was a great trip! Since we haven't hiked in a while, the grind up to the lakes was tiring but definatly worth all the pain! The trail is in pretty good shape with some wet and muddy spots at the upper end of the trail. We didn't encounter any snow until right before Jade Lake. It's only patchy snow and for the most part, could be walked on without punching through. All the lakes are 100% open. Some of the good campsites are still covered by snow but with a little patience a nice place to rest our weary heads was found. We did venture up towards La Bohn gap but did not hike through. Decided to explore all the lakes in the valley instead. We camped for three nights and only saw two groups hiking out on Sunday. It was great to have this whole place to ourselves. Even the bugs weren't there to enjoy it with us. Not much wildlife was seen except for frogs and snakes. We saw three snakes in one spot on the way up and another in the same spot on the way down. Since Alaska doesn't have snakes we were very surpised and shocked!! Keep your eyes out for them!

January' This is January' It certainly is a low-snow year. The first couple of miles of this trail provided a nice hike in 2 to 6 inches of old snow (snowshoes certainly not needed). One large blow-down at about 1.5 miles, otherwise the trail is in fine shape.

Jade Lake is reachable with care, thought the final 100ft ascent is over a snow field. Jade lake is 50% ice covered and trail beyond mouth of lake is solid snow. First 5 miles are easy & pleasant, and to counter previous report there definitely has been a bunch of brushing done in the latter part. Some good campsites next to river. We camped here and appreciated lighter packs for the next part.After crossing the Fosse the trail gets much steeper and rougher (allow 2 1/2 hours from here to Jade lake). Having crossed the 2nd footbridge over the Fosse, look directly up the boulder field, some cairns slightly to your right, mark the way to the trail. At about 3800ft you cross the memorial footbridge over the side stream. Next 1/2 mile is very muddy, but trail improves after this. At 4200 ft snow patches get more frequent, but are not difficult to cross. Just when you can ""smell"" the lake, the final 100ft ascent is a solid snow field. No turning back at this point! 1 camp/picnic site is snow clear at the mouth of Jade lake. Beyond this point the trail is on solid snow across steepish gradient.

The trail is snow free to 3000', which was as far as I got (about 1 mile past the foot-log over the E Fork Foss River). From the appearance of the trail and vegetation, the trail has been snow-free at 3000' for about 2 to 3 weeks (my estimate). There are a couple of logs across the trail prior to the foot-log. The trail itself is fairly dry, with little mud. However, the story is different after the foot-log. The trail is good at first for about .2 mile, but the following 2 or 3 tenths are very poor. The trail is simply a worn track in the forest (no trail construction whatsoever), and then goes across medium-sized talus marked by small cairns. Afterwards, the trail is better, but has a fair number of blow downs. I don't know what the Forest Service has been doing with our Trail Park Pass fees, but they certainly have NOT done much maintenance on this trail, at least after the foot-log. This appears to me to be another ""Fleecing of America"". Many blooming wildflowers were noted, including Trilliums, Salmonberry, Lady's Slipper, Pioneer Violet, Sandwort, Mountain Lover, Wild Ginger, Bleeding Heart, Vine Maple, and probably others that I overlooked. [Onlineline Editor's note: I'm amazed that so many people think that theTrail Park Pass program means that all our trails would instantly becomeperfect. Congress cut funding for our trails in the late 80's. The TrailPark Pass program didn't get started unitl '97. In the mean time Region 6(Washington and Oregon) accumulated a $50 million backlog of trailwork.The revenue from the Trail Park Pass program isn't even close to whatfunding once was before Congress cut it and the backlog is continuing togrow. Consider this - The Skykomish Ranger District had two trail crewlast year for 280 miles of trail! For information on how your Trail ParkPass dollars were spen last yearclick here]