With fond memories of this trail, same time a few years ago, we planned to hike to the five mile point where the trail crosses the Foss River and enjoy a great variety of wildflowers. Instead, we found occasional snow patches beginning at 2 1/2 miles or 2000 feet and extensive snow in the valley bottom at 3 miles, where we lost the trail and turned around due to relentless rain. Flowers were limited to many trillium and a lovely show of fairy slippers. Occasional blowdown was easy to traverse and the trail was surprisingly not muddy.

The first five miles are a nice hike through the woods -- a bit of a rolling trail -- not bad heading in but a bit tiresome on the way out at the end of a 16 mile dayhike. We had a little trouble locating the trail a little ways after the main creek crossing at 5 miles. There is another fairly well-used log that crosses another creek but at first we didn't see the cairns on the other side and weren't sure if it was the ""designated"" crossing -- there seemed to be other crossing options (incorrect ones as we discovered). The worn log is correct and the indentifiable cairns are to the right up the slope not to the left as we initially had looked. Then it is straight forward up to the lakes. The trail gets a bit muddy and wet at spots but nothing some well placed steps on appropriate logs or in the mud can't accomplish. The first and second lakes were rather low, but the whortleberry bushes are turning that fine shade of russet magenta that turns the slopes into a natural verions of stain glass windows in the late afternoon light. But alas, no berries -- a bad berry year overall as far as I can tell. We reached the first lake in around 5 hours or so give or take a few breaks and returned in 3 hours. A long but pleasant journey. We passed 5 parties of overnighters as we headed in -- none of whom had seen the other while camping in the vicinity.

Necklace Valley: Sept.11-13. We left early Friday morning, the first part of the trail was in great shape and it was a very nice morning walk in the woods. Once we started to climb the uphill portion of the trail our progress started to lag just a little. The trail climbs steeply up into the necklace valley and is in reasonable shape. Lots of tree roots and rocks.We arrived at Jade Lake in mid-afternoon and took a well needed break before heading up to the head of the valley to find a campsite. We ended up camping in a small meadow right below La Bohn Gap. We saw just a couple of other people the whole time we were there. The bugs were also non-exsistent, which is always a bonus! On Saturday we decided to hike up to Tank Lakes. Once we got up to them the views were awsome. North to Glacier Peak, South to Chimney Rock and an assortment of other peaks all around. This was the first time either of us had been here and we both loved it and would like to come back again. Leaving on Sunday was a bit of a bummer but I suppose it had to happen.I would recomend this hike to anyone. Fantastic!

Six of us hiked up to the Necklace Valley over Labor Day Weekend, Sept. 4th - Sept. 7th. What a nice getaway it was, The crowds were not too bad, and there are a lot of lakes to spread out at once in the valley. We departed at 4:00 PM on Friday evening, and arrived at the first lake, Jade Lake at 10:30 PM. The first 5 miles of the hike is a pretty level forest walk , gaining only 600 feet of elevation. The last 3 miles is steep and rocky but worth every step. We camped at Jade Lake Friday night because of our late arrival. There were 3 camps on the lake that I noticed, and a great place to stay the night for light arrivals like ourselves. The next morning we conintued to Opal and Cloudy Lakes, and further south to view La Bohn Gap. Two in our group with plenty of energy to spare scampered up to Foehn Lakes over several ridges. We eventually made our way to a beautiful (big) campsite on Ilswoot Lake (thanks to the advice of two sweet ladies). Ilswoot is a large deep lake, and made for nice afternoon baths in the hot sun. Several members of the group (mostly male) caught fish at Ilswoot, and Locket Lakes. Some of fairly good size. All were returned for future fisherman. I'd highly reccomend this hike this time of year. Mosquitos and bugs were nearly non-existant. Hot summer days and cool nights. The trail is a little rough the last 3 miles but no major obstructions. If you like log bridges, you'll love this hike. There is also a cabin located near Opal lake, which was kind of a surprise to stumble across. Make sure you refill your water bottles at the last log crossing before heading up the steep section. The water is scarce the last two miles or so. Where to next time guys' Tom & Lisa de Vera Matt & Heidi Kane Dan Campos Rick Cheyne Cascadia Flora Sir Bailey.

Trail in overall good shape. Lower section (first 5 miles) is mostly level and a beautiful hike near the river; some mosquitoes in the lower portion were a little annoying but not bad. There are a couple of nice camp sites adjacent to the trail at about 4 to 4.5 miles. After a log bridge river crossing the trail begins a 2.5 to 3 mile steep hike up to Necklace Valley. There aren't many switchbacks but it is a rather steep and often rocky ascent. The trail is quite diverse in scenery and there are many shadey areas for breaks. Once at the lakes you will realize the sweat was well worth it. They are wonderful. I highly recommend taking off your pack (or keeping it on if still energetic) and walking among the different lakes to locate a campsite. There are a number of different spots. The best swimming lakes appear to be Locket and Ilswoot. The bugs were not bad in the 3 days we were there. Enjoy the mountain & valley roaming.