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.

Hiked the Necklace Valley trail on July 8-11, 1998. Trail in very good condition up to 6 mile mark. Trail maintenance workers were clearing trail that week and doing a great job. From 6 mile mark to Jade Lake has numerous muddy spots though no real heavy water on trail. Need to skirt trail 10-20 times to avoid total muddy boot - slip result on that section. Hiked to and camped at both Jade and Al Lakes, (walked over to Locket Lake... beautiful!). Swam in both so no ice and only a few snow patches at that altitude. Mosquitos were plentiful at both lakes and along entire trail if you stopped for long. Need tent at night and Deet for protection. Tried to get to Tank Lakes but stopped by solid snow fields at about 5,700 level. Hiked through solid snow to Tahl Lake which was 90 ice still. Very pretty at all the Necklace lakes. Extremely rugged hike from mile 5 to Jade lake with backpacks. Mud in spots adds to the load but well worth it once you get to the valley.

Trail was in very good shape up to around the 4 1/2 miles in. A huge muddy area and then water a foot deep running through the trail. Other than that, it was a very pleasent hike and a pleasure to see no debris or junk along the trail. The birds were singing and there were waterfalls to see. We went 5 miles in and out. There is a pit toliet just inside the trailhead off to the right. This is the hike to take for enjoyment. We crossed only a couple of blowdoens, but not large enough to be a bother. Our dog had no trouble going under them and over them. There are many old huge trees that were spared during logging, and they are the real giants of the forest.