"Witness, not achievement, is what I was after". - Barry Lopez
With my move away from trail running and slowing down on the trails, it has brought a fresh perspective on how I see and experience the places I have already visited. It has been a breath of fresh air to go back and experience trails and areas I have previously visited and I find myself wanting to go back to places and re experience them. I have also come to realize that the more familiar and intimate I become with a place, the more I cherish it.
With that out of the way, I felt compelled to re-visit Necklace Valley and once at it's head, either go to La Bohn Gap and perhaps Mount Hinman or re-introduce myself to Tank Lakes. A spot I had not been to for over nine years and only as part of a bigger loop that found me pushing right past the lakes and not truly taking some time to soak it all in.
As you can see from the trip report, Tank Lakes was what I chose but I did not make that choice until I had reached the decision point deep in the valley.
Road to the East Fork of the Foss is in very good shape and even not very washboard(ey). At 7:30 AM the parking lot was mostly full but I found a spot to squeeze in. Restroom is stocked and in good shape.
I hadn't been on this trail since 2017 so even it felt fresh and new. The first four or five miles of flat may be boring to some but I delighted in the forest around me and smiled at the thought that in hours, I would be in terrain that would be so significantly different than what I was traveling through. The trail was in great shape with not much to note. There are some brushy sections and one ankle did get the stinging nettle treatment (on the way out) that could have been prevented if I had just worn some longer socks. Plentiful water sources to top off along the section.
Two solid and easy to cross log bridges over the East Fork and then the climb to the valley begins. I vaguely remembered it being a stout climb and my memory served me correctly. Because of my later start, I began my ascent as the temps warmed up and was kicking myself for not starting earlier as I broke out of the trees and climbing in the direct sun. But this section isn't too long and you find yourself back in the trees and cooler temps. Again, plenty of water sources to rely on and even some flat sections between steep climbs.
The climb went quicker than I anticipated (benefits of having just a day pack on) and before I knew it, I was at the outlet of Jade Lake. This really is the start of this magnificent valley of forest with sub-alpine sections surrounded by at times, sheer cliffs on either side. I had forgotten just how beautiful this valley is!
Relatively easy meandering means you can take it all in as you move deeper into the wilderness. Some berries are starting to show so I was hoping for a bear sighting but no luck. I made my way up the valley. The trail is obvious to follow and again, plenty of water sources to take advantage of on the hot day. As you near the head of the valley, there are some tricky sections where the trail either goes through some small boulder fields or around them, so just take your time and look around if you lose the trail.
Eventually I was a the decision point for the day. I sat down to take a break and have a snack to ponder my decision but the mosquitoes were just too persistent for an enjoyable break even with DEET on. Which was unfortunate because even the head of the valley is worth a trip along. The cascading waterfall coming of the outlet of La Bohn Lakes and the towering rock walls is a sight to behold.
I eventually chose the "easier" of the two and went right to make my way to Tank Lakes. This climb felt almost brand new to me and I marveled at how in this severe landscape there was a relatively easy, broad slope of talus and open terrain leading up into the deeper mountains. Surely the work of a glacier as it slowly retreated. Stay right of the creek that is flowing down the slope and you will see a social trail that leads up past the most difficult part of the climb. I did have to cross back and forth over the creek a couple of times but it is easy to keep your feet dry.
After a steep 150' or so of talus/choss (but still a trail) the slope mellows and the views really open up. This big wide open wandering really reminds me of the High Sierra and is such a treat. At the time of this writing, there are still snow slopes you will have to traverse but they are mellow with no consequence if you slip. I did not use traction or an ice axe as the snow was so soft and my footing secure. You will want to trend to climbers left to avoid some cliffs which means re-crossing the creek.
The climbers path fades but cairns continue to mark the way. I probably stopped every minute to gawk at everything around me. Such dramatic landscape! I believe it's about a mile from the valley floor to the lakes, give or take. Then as you pop over the saddle and look down on Tank Lakes, you are treated to another jaw dropping view.
I immediately regretted taking the easy route and leaving my overnight gear at home, even with the mosquitoes. This is a place you want to put the extra work in to be able to stay at least a night if not more. So much exploring to do as it feels like a mini-Enchantments. You could even choose to day trip up La Bohn Peak or for a longer day trip, La Bohn Lakes/Chain Lakes and even a Hinman attempt. I will definitely be back.
I stayed as long as I could deal with the mosquitoes, then headed back.
Highly recommended that you take the time to visit this place. A truly unique experience! I wish I had better pictures to share but a quick Google search will take you to some proper ones!
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