We arrived at the trail head at 8am for an overnight hike to Jade lake. The road up was in exceptionally good shape. Total hiking distance up to Jade lake was expected to be about 8 miles. With some breaks, our group of average hikers with full packs took 7 hours to get to Jade Lake. The first 5 miles is relatively flat with about 600’ elevation gain. There is one large group camp at about the ½ mile point and another large camp area at the 5 mile point at the footbridge crossing the river. There were also a few small primitive sites in the 3-5 mile area. There are many areas that could be very brushy, but some good people spend a lot of time cutting brush back so it was not a problem, today. Bugs were a problem on the whole trip. As soon as we got out of our vehicles we were swarmed by mosquitoes and no see em’s. There were muddy areas throughout most of the hike with some very wet areas on the trail around the 7 mile mark, but remember, this year the snow pack was heavy and the melt is late. The crossing over the Foss river is noted as a difficult crossing on most maps, but a new log with railing now spans the crossing making it a great photo spot. From the river to Jade Lake is a little short of 3 miles, 2400’ elevation gain with no switch backs. Lots of roots, rocks, mud, high steps and pain. While hiking up the hill, there was a small creek for water at about 6 miles (3200’) and a larger one at about 7 miles (3600’). Jade Lake is at 4600’. We did not encounter snow on the trail until the last quarter mile, and this was in a chute at about 4500’. There were a couple of sites at the lake that were snow free and the lake had no ice but we did see a few 7-9” trout. Emerald and AI lakes were also Ice free. Locket lake was about 60% covered in Ice. Traveling from Jade to the other lakes was cross country as the trail was 70% hidden by snow, but we did notice a few dry camp spots. This is the entrance hike to a dozen great lakes. With a day to get up and a day out, this is worth an extra whole day to day hike to all the beautiful areas in the necklace valley. The snow will take a couple of more weeks to melt and a couple more weeks for the mud holes to dry up. Have fun and take extra film for the camera.

My daughter was dying to go on a backpack. This was not my first choice but Dorothy and Snoqualamie Lakes were reported to be snowed over. The trail is in excellent shape to the river crossing. There are nine blow-downs, several of which are trivial, and all of which are easily passible with full packs. We discovered that there are no camping sites at the river crossing so backtracked about one quarter mile to a very nice spot by the river. There was one other backpacker there by then, who later was kind enough to share his stove after ours malfunctioned (despite being tested at home before the trip). We were not intending to cross the East Fork of the Foss River, but it is important to note that the log bridge is broken about eight feet from the end of the bridge. There is a small log thrown across but I wouldn't want to try it, especially in the afternoon when there is a higher water level in the river. However at least two backpackers coming back from Necklace Valley had made it over and had not mentioned any problems with the bridge.

I headed in around noon with plans to camp at the lakes that night. The snow is deep, real deep. Wound up camping just before the river crossing at a lovely bend. There were many trees down on the trail. It's still a great hike and beautiful territory, but Necklace Valley is not quite done with winter yet. If you camp, remember to hang your food - three black bears (a momma and two kids) were in the neighborhood.

This is a nice, easy hike along the East Fork Foss River. The first two miles are on the road leading to the summer trailhead. The road is open to motorized traffic, but on a nice Tuesday there was nobody except two cross-country skiers. No snowshoes are necessary, as I made out just fine with cleats. Good hiking boots would also have sufficed. What a change when entering the actual trail portion! It was like a tunnel into the forest primeval. There were lots of trees down, the trail is rather primitve, and there were plenty of big trees. I felt like Lewis, and I think my dog Daisy felt like Clark. We only went about three of the five miles of trail until you would then have to climb up the avalanche chute to the Necklace valley. There are lots of side trails and such off to the river on your right. This would be a great rainy-day hike, or anytime you wanted to see some good old-growth without doing a lot of vertical feet.

Fleetfoot and I started hiking at 1:15. One couple in front of us. Parking lot full. Couple of guys just came down. Many cedar stumps with springboard notches in them. Temp. is great for hiking. Many ups and downs- we begin to wonder if we are going to get to the river crossing. We pass young couple and lone hiker just before river. Large campsite in here is taken. We break at river- lone hiker goes on. Just on other side of river we meet a guy trying to give away food before going out. We trade a quart of water for a can of spam. Just about 4 o’clock as we head up rocks. Gain several hundred feet quickly then traverse uphill some. About 12 ladies come down from dayhike. Even though it is overcast it gets warm in here. Lots of bugs on lower section but not too bad as we go up. Pass lone hiker and break at Memorial Bridge. Couple adults with kids going down to site by river. About 800 feet of elevation from here but with lots of mud, rocks and roots. Trail seems to go on forever. Hopefully most people are out as we are tired and now plan to stop at first spot we see- had hoped to go to Ilswoot. On and on but we finally reach Jade lake- site at north end is taken. We spot another tent at south end- lucky us there is another spot. We stop. Lone hiker comes right behind us-he finds a spot. It is 6:45 –put tent up and get dinner going. Young couple come by. Call it a night at 9o’clock. Up at 7o’clock. Have warm Spam on bagel. Would like to see Al and Locket lakes but first to Emerald with lighter packs. Pass tents at Emerald and Opal lakes. Check at shelter built in 50’s.Trail is friendly in here as we go to end of basin. Take a break to decide if we want to go up by La Bohn lakes. No ice axes so we go toward Foehn lakes. Follow stream up rocks and decide to go for saddle between peaks 6263 and 6585. Take break by large rock- we set a 1o’clock turnaround time- 9:30 now so we leave our packs and head up more. Sloan peak and Glacier Peak come into view. Still some snow fields in here. Fleetfoot finds glacier glasses under a rock. About 10 o’clock we are heading up to saddle. Lots of loose rocks as we get off snow-little better above. WOW! What a view-Summit Chief, Chimmy Rock and Overcoat Pk..We can see a little of IronCap- La Bohn lakes and Foehn lakes. Our turn around time has arrived so we will not get to Tank lakes. Slowly down this section and back to our packs by 110’clock. Marmots and pika in the area. We want to get to Ilswoot as the food guy said the color was out of this world. A group camped here. We ask if a short swim will disturb their fishing. No! It has been sunny this morning but overcast now. I am not to sure about a swim but fleetfoot goes for it. I must also get the first swim of the year in. Cold- in and out. Little cross-country gets us to Jade at 1:15. Side trip to Ilswoot worth the delay- will have to get to Al and Locket some other time. Start back at 1:40. One couple and group of four going in. Back to car at 6:30-very tired. First backpack of the year. Excellent!!