GREAT DESTINATION but TERRIBLE HIKE If you are even considering a hike to the Necklace Valley (Jade Lake, Opal Lake, Emerald Lake, Locket Lake and so forth) you had better be in SUPERB physical condition. The first five miles are just good, normal trail but the last 2.5 miles are the worst I've ever hiked because it was not only steep (2500 ft climb) but it was over rocks and roots that made each step extremely difficult. A trail report said the hike was ""very strenuous"" but I didn't believe it could be that tough. Coming back downhill was even worse as each step threatened to be my last from a fall on rocks. Hiking poles helped a lot. Once you get to the top, however, the pain fades as the vistas are enjoyed. It is truly a beautiful area. Watched a heron searching for frogs -- we didn't see any fish but heard from others that they caught some. Even the mosquitoes, although there were many, didn't seem to be hungry so the bites were few. Bring a facenet if you don't enjoy having them in your eyes and ears, however. Lots of photos and good memories, however, but I don't think I'll be back.

I took the high route - from Necklace Valley, over Iron Cap peak, to the West Fork of the Foss river. Having failed to entice anyone to accompany me, I started walking a (to the tune of a very loud owl) a bit before 6AM, arriving at the end of the trail a bit after 9AM. The Necklace trail is in as good a shape as ever, and while requiring some care near one water/log/rockfall crossing it is mostly straightforward to follow. Walking at a steady clip kept the mosquitos away, though some campers that I met along the way complained of how bad they had been the previous evening. In checking the Big Snow 7.5' map (the Green Trails map is inadequate for this route) there is an obvious way from the Necklace valley towards the eastern ridge of Iron Cap. I was surprised to find nearly a dozen campers at southern Tank Lake, though I'd seen no other sign of people since leaving Necklace. While I had preprogrammed my GPS with the route, this was unnecessary - the paper map and compass were more useful, though there are always differences between map and terrain. This is still somewhat slow going as the terrain has a great deal of talus, so I didn't get to the beginning of the challenging part until nearly 1PM. The crux of this route is the route from about 5700' of elevation to the peak at 6347'. I had originally hoped to make my way to the crest of the ridge some distance from the peak, and follow the ridge to the top. Unfortunately the ridge is cut by deep slots too narrow for the map to show. Much of the this ridge is climbing (rather than scrambling) terrain. In retrospect I wasted at least an hour seeking a reasonably safe route up, and while I managed a gully fairly close to the top I feel sure there is a better way. It was also in this area that I had to cross some steep hard snow - this is not to be attempted without an ice ax. Mosquitos were slowing increasing in number and took advantage of my slower movements and inability to retaliate as my arms were generally occupied with my scrambling. I finally crestied the top about 3:45PM. There was only one prior entry in the summit register for 2006. With wonderfully clear weather there were excellent views all around. I couldn't be sure, but it seemed from there that the western ridge would be passable - and it was. This makes for a much easier descent towards the West Fork. It still had some tricky places, so it took nearly to 5PM to reach point 6077. Once there you can see a wide array of the lakes that inspires so many when they see the Big Snow map (or Green Trails Skykomish). From 6077 it ""looks"" like just a quick romp to Chetwoot. But no, its more talus hopping - easy but slow - so it wasn't until nearly 6:30PM that I finally found a nice big campsite between Chetwoot and Little Chetwoot. I was amazed to find two parties there. The bugs got less intense as darkness fell, so star gazing was quite nice. Somewhat sluggish the next morning, I didn't start walking until about 8AM. There is a trail through the cliffy area adjacent to Little Chetwoot; then the trail to the south end of Big Heart lake is absolutely delightful, with great views, tons of wildflowers, and many picturesque tarns. I'd never seen hummingbirds drink the nectar of heather before! The route over the spine between Big Heart and Angeline can occasionally confuse, but there are many cairns. The day got pretty hot, especially that long descent northeast of Copper Lake. Final trailhead time: 1:15PM. The road between the WFFoss and Necklace trailheads is only about 2 miles, so even in the heat I was able to return to the car in 45 more minutes. I have talked to a number of people who have expressed an interest in making this traverse, or something like it. The high route avoids most brush and many cliffy areas present at lower elevations, but still requires significant scrambling skills. Do not attempt this route unless you have (at a minimum) the scrambling skills equivalent to what you learn in the Mountaineer's scrambling course.

We got a late start on Saturday morning, but hey - it's a four-day weekend and just pass the Solstice, so what's the rush? The ranger at the Skykomish station told us that there were ""lots"" of people in the Valley and wished us ""good luck."" If only her definition of ""lots"" were true all season - there were about 6 other cars parked at the trailhead - and we passed two parties on their way out. A bunch more came in through the weekend, but it was relatively quiet. The first 5 miles of the trail were as advertised - fairly flat and easy. That part of the trail was in very good shape - only overgrown in a few small parts, but for the most part freshly trimmed and clear. There are really not many campsites on the first five-mile section along the river - two good ones (miles 4 and 5) and a few questionable ones. The final 2.5 miles were as advertised - steep, rooty, and rocky. There were no blow-downs, but there was a lot of water on the trail (and some snow higher up at the lakes). I'm not sure that gaiters are necessary, but a fresh coat of waterproofing on the boots would be advised. The first lake (Jade) was mostly clear, however, there was only one good campsite that was usable (right at the North end of the lake). The other ones were wet and muddy. The trail on east side of the lake is partially submerged, but the best option. Taking off your boots for a 20 foot section is much preferable to picking your way through the boulder field on the west side (trust me - we tried both). The second lake (Emerald) has spots of snow (on the trail and elsewhere), but nothing that makes it impassable or unusable. There were several campsites over there that were clear. Didn't make it to Opal or other lakes, but my guess is that they will be mostly clear in a week or so. The bugs were pretty bad on the lower section of trail, but not bad at all (yet) at the lakes. Hiking the last three miles back to the car were rough – 80 degrees, humid, and buggy – DEET was of no use, since we had streams of sweat dripping off of us. No bear activity that we noticed, but the ranger said there was some pilfering of food a few weeks ago. Overall, a nice trip – it was hard work, but enjoyable. We thought the stands of old growth (miles 4 – 6) were more exceptional than the lakes, but we prefer the higher alpine variety, so make your own judgment!

First five miles were extremely ""buggy"". Take DEET - even that will have limited effect. On warn days this portion of the trail is very humid. Camped overnight at the river crossing - bugs wern't bad here- a good breeze helped. 56 deg. F for the low that night. Saturday punched into the upper lakes - visited Jade, Emerald, Opal and Illswoot lakes. All are snow free. The route past Jade lake is partially submerged - you'll need to remove boots and wade that portion. Some snow in the the afore mentioned lake area's but is melting extremely fast. Prepare for a lot of bugs in the upper lakes basin in the coming weeks. 80 deg weather made for an outstanding trip though.

The original plan was a snow slog up Maloney Ridge but on the drive out Hwy 2, we discussed the idea of the Necklace Valley trail. I think it was a great choice. We made it past the creek crossing (5 miles from the car) and up to the 2900' level on the trail toward the first lake. One other person was ahead of of us and probably punched in steps all the way to the lake. The first 5 miles only gain 500' of elevation but it is a very pleasant forest walk - the creeks are full but easily crossed, there is a ton of trillium and (my favorite) skunk cabbage, and the frogs. The frogs were downright noisy at the marshy area just inside the wilderness boundary. There are some blowdowns to negotiate and there is some snow for at least the last mile to the creek crossing. At one of the blowdowns there is some tempting vegetation to hang on to but upon closer inspection one will note that it is Devils Club. Why would I make special mention of that? Some of the brush that is covered by the snow is getting ready to release so men should be especially paranoid when stepping over these little plants. The logs are in place at the creek crossing but there is a short section of slippery log and rock after the the last crossing. Cairns mark the spot to pick up the trail above the ""mine field"".