We got a late start and were hiking during the hottest part of the day. The trail was also a mile longer than the description based on gps and it felt like it. The trail is pleasant enough but most of the reward comes when you reach the first lake. We rambled around a bit until we found a decent spot on a hill just before you reach the historic cabin. There are a decent amount of lakefront spots but they were all taken when we got there. The bugs were relentless until 8 or 9 at night. 

In the morning we hiked to the back of the valley and got a little off the trail as we went: it’s a bit of a maze of trails. We hiked up the waterfall route and were able to follow cairns all the way up to the La Bohn Lakes without much trouble. Just start up the talus field along the tree line to the right of the falls. From the lakes, it’s a straightforward hike up to the ridge. At this point you can see Hinman across a snowfield with a large bowl. We hiked around the south edge of it on the way up but chose to glacade down the bowl on the return. As others have posted, we likely stopped short of the actual summit but we couldn’t discern the other side of the rocky spine as being any higher and who really cares anyways. Views were great and the rainshowers to the south never made it to us.

So first things first, on the forest road there is an unsigned split 1/2 mile before the trailhead for East Foss River. Stay to the right. At the trailhead, I was a little nervous getting my to young children out of the car because I was bit by mosquitoes within 30 seconds of opening the door. Also the car next me was kind of being swarmed by wasps- I don't really know what was going on there.
However, as soon as we stepped onto the trail there were no bugs to be found. Could have been the bug spray I suppose. My three and a half year old hiked all the way to the bridge with the big waterfall, which is about a mile in. We decided to turn around there to keep everybody happy and frustrations low. The trail was nice and flat with only a little bit of elevation right before the bridge. It's a great hike for young walkers - not too many dangers on the sides of the trail. My 17 month old also hiked about half a mile on the trail. The only thing to be wary of are the amounts of berries that are ripening right now. We found ripe thimbleberries, and both blue and red huckleberries. Mixed in with those edible ones, there were also little berries on the false Solomon's Seal, and some other red berries that were growing low to the ground of which I have no identification. It's only because I'll let my children pretty much free range on berries where I know it's safe that I had this issue, so just a heads up for families that forage.
So we did a little over two miles on this nice easy flat trail. Easy to follow, no obstacles and beautiful scenery. There is a pay box on site.

The trail is in very good condition. Some spots are a little overgrown, but some kind people widened a good portion of the trail. First 5 miles is a wonderful and gently rolling trail through the forest. Several campsites we passed were very nice and near the river..not many mosquitoes down here either. The next 2 miles you gain elevation quickly. Some exposed areas so threw on some sunscreen.

The hike flattens out again when you hit the lakes. The first lake you hit is Jade lake and was gorgeous. Saw many fish swimming in the clear water. However, this is also where the bugs are thick. We ended up camping off to the side of emerald lake, which is just a bit past Jade.

We were going to camp 3 days but ended up cutting the trip down to two. The mosquitoes were very active and made hanging out at camp pretty unbearable outside of the tent. 

Gorgeous hike, just keep moving to keep the bugs away!

Great three day weekend trip in the Necklace Valley. It was my first time there, and I found it completely enchanting. 

The road and trail in are both in fine condition. Trail from 5 mile camp up to the lakes is tough, way tougher than the numbers would lead you to believe. No snow anywhere on the trail, and you’ll be lucky to find anything bigger than a tiny patch in the valley either. 

The bugs were really bad. I know that’s just one of the things about this particular destination, but I was underprepared. I ordered a bug head net on the drive home. We spent a lot of time sitting in the tent and hanging out to avoid the bugs. 

Fantastic trip. I want to come back up here and try for the Tank Lakes. Next time!