First time on this trail. We were headed up to Jade Lake. The first five miles were easy when you reach the bridge with the hand rail over the calm river. The miles after that were steep. About a mile up you reached some snow in patches big and small, just follow the foot prints. We reached mile 7 and it was getting late so we turned back. I will be back, maybe later with the snow melts all the way.

Trail run with some friends - trail was in great shape except for a few blown down trees. Very enjoyable, rolling hills and flats for the first 5.2 miles, then a good start on climbing up to the lakes. Sadly I didn't have time to make it to the top. Bugs are just starting to come out, but lack of bug spray wasn't a hindrance. I will be back.

Solo trail run to 5 Mile Camp and back. The trail is in pretty good shape with some shallow creeks to hop through and a few downed trees to crawl over. The campsites at 5 Mile Camp looked very inviting and I'll return with the family for a backpacking trip. Looking forward to the climb up to Necklace Vally on the next trip.

Today we hiked Necklace Valley. This is a beautiful green route through old second growth timber. It’s an easy hike with some ups and downs, but no serious altitude gain until after the second river crossing at about 5 miles. After that the trail is steep and rocky. There are 3 pretty large camp sites and one small one in the area we covered with the first I’d guess near the first mile. And all are on the river and pretty. There were few people on the trail (on a Friday), too early for many bugs, but the spring flora and Fauna is outstanding. This is a green garden that inspires fantasy. There were a few blowdowns, and deadfalls, but nothing too hard to climb over or under. It’s interesting that everything we read indicates we should have gone just over 10 miles round trip today, but my GPS shows we covered over 16. I can’t understand the discrepancy but regardless it leaves lots of places to ooh and aah over the surroundings. No snow, little mud, few bugs, no litter.

Attempted to head out to Jade Lake on Sunday and the first 5 miles was nice and easy up until you cross the river and head up to the valley. I went by myself for this one and I felt very comfortable until the snow patches started and I had to follow boot prints in the snow at times to find the trail. I think I almost made it into the valley (1-2 more miles) but I turned around because it was getting late and I didn't feel comfortable to continue. The hike along the river was pretty albeit easy, I personally wouldn't go back out to the valley for another month or so until more snow melts but if you are looking for just a longer flat hike go up to the river crossing and then turn around. Saw some pretty flowers, no idea what kind, and heard plenty of birds. All in all it was good time out there.