Trail was in great condition. We were a group of 3 experienced backpackers and found the signage format to be misleading/confusing. Would recommend bringing a downloaded or printed map. Great birdwatching trail! Saw moose scat. Thimbleberry, lupine, columbine all in bloom. We started 730am and had intermittent shade throughout the hike. Bring extra water, esp if you have dog(s). Privy at trailhead.

I woke up too early & couldn't get back to sleep, so decided to go to nearby Antoine Peak for a sunrise hike. I just happened to pull into the parking lot right behind a good friend who had the same idea, so we had an excellent morning hike & chat to the summit. At that point my friend needed to turn back but I still had a little extra time, so I completed my favorite easy 5-miler by dropping down Upper Canfield Gulch and then hiking around the north section of the Emerald Necklace. There were some fresh looking moose tracks, but I didn't spot any this trip. We did spook a grouse on the hike up, which isn't really a common sighting up here so that was fun! And the sunrise was gorgeous; definitely the perfect decision to get outside and move my entire self instead of staying home to let my mind race in the early morning hours. 

Go during sunset. Beautiful right now, minimal mud.

Dry fluffy snow that gets deeper with elevation, but still mere inches, I did not use any boot traction devices. Approximate 5 mile loop with lunch at the Emerald Necklace/Arrowleaf Root junction. It was great to be outside despite eastern Washingtons extreme cold snap.

My first time putting all of the new trails together in one trip! I managed another sunrise hike today, and this time started up the access road on the west side of the Etter Ranch property towards the new trail to hike the loop clockwise. It turns out the portion on the Emerald Necklace is just shy of one mile and the full loop is about 5.5 miles and a little under 1000’ elevation gain. There are numerous ways to extend this hike, though, for anyone looking for a longer version!

The new trail still does not have an official name, and therefore the trail signs have not gone in yet. For that reason I’d recommend sticking to a clockwise hike for now, as otherwise the intersection with the Emerald Necklace can be a bit hidden for the new trail on the west side of Etter. Arrow Leaf on the east side of Etter is well marked.

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