My friend Haley and I hiked this on Wednesday around 1p and made it to Jade Lake around 6p.
The mileage to Jade Lake says 7, but we tracked it at 8.5. Opal Lake is about .5 miles from Jade, rather than the 2 miles the sign claims.
Beware of nettle from miles 3.5-5. High brush between these miles, berries are just about ripe for picking.
Saw bear poop on mile 3.5-4ish that was 2 days old. We were sure to make lots of noises while traipsing through the thick brush.
On mile 5 you will cross two fallen trees after you hit a campsite with a well-established rock fire-pit. After the first tree-bridge, hang a left and after the second tree-bridge hang a right. The trail is nearly impossible to see at this point because it turns into boulders. You will need to veer right until you see cairns (stacked rocks) that signal where the trail is. This is a bit of a scramble until you get back onto the trail about .3 miles later.
From here, it is 3ish miles of very rocky and steep uphill. Around mile 6 you will see a fallen tree that obstructs the entire trail. Be careful crossing over if your pack is heavy.
Bugs at Jade and more at Opal and beyond I imagine. Clear sky. Beauty day.
Enjoy!
B
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