East Fork Foss - Necklace Valley — Friday, Jul. 23, 2010

Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West

Trail into valley is snow free with just a couple of established blow downs. Once you leave the valley snow starts about 5300 feet. The back wall of the valley with the gap leading up to Labonne lakes/chain lakes had too much snow to be passable without climbing equipment. The valley to the right up to Tank, Tahl, Bonnie etc was fine. Did a lot of rambling around up there. Good little lakes for skinny dipping right now. Found a route to Labonne lakes around the backside via Chain Lakes. Upper lakes are still full of snow but are melting out. If you haven't been on this hike before, just a navigation tip. at about 5 miles you'll hit a camp site by the river. Just go straight and a bit to the left and you'll find the continuation of the trail. A bit after that there is a nice river crossing on a footbridge/log with a rail. Continue up the trail on the left side of the stream coming out of Necklace Valley for a bit. The trail will suddenly end and there will be a log off to your right. Follow the trail markings and cairns across the stream on the log and then up through the rock slide to intersect the old trail in about 50 yards from the stream. One other navigation tip. After you get to the first lake, the trail crosses the stream at the head (far end) of the lake just past the big camp site. There are TONS of mosquitoes in the valley. Also recommend NOT camping too close to the lakes in the valley as you'll end up getting soaked in dew.