East Fork Foss - Necklace Valley — Saturday, Jul. 9, 2011

Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West

Hit the trailhead at 8am Saturday - hiked till 1pm and turned around, returning to trailhead at 5pm. Lower portion has tons of mosquitoes, lucky for me had long pants and sleeves the whole way - upper part of trail had fewer bugs but LOTS of blowdowns, patchy snow towards lakes but only for few yards at a time. I suspect it's mostly snow free to the lakes. I won't be doing this as a day-hike again - too many mosquitoes and quite a climb after reaching bridge at 5 mile mark. Upper portion needs major maintenance. Caution taking younger kids above 5 miles, until it's clear. Old bear scat along lower trail but no tracks.