East Fork Foss - Necklace Valley — Tuesday, Jun. 3, 2014

Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West

Geezer Patrol at full compliment plus a spouse opted for the first 5 miles of this hike knowing that the path up to Jade Lake is now lost forever due the lack of warm beds and a hot tub. The "naturally regenerated" forest extends into the Alpine Lakes Wilderness about another mile before you begin to commune with the Ancient Ones. The trail is in fine shape with all water passages easily forded. Lots of fresh brush alongside and a few skeeters around near the damp zones. This trail has lots of small up and downs and you actually accrue 1000' elevation gain on the way in and another 300' on the way out. So if yer thinking of chucking a 10lb bag of M&M's in your pack cuz it's a cake walk, drop it to 5. On the way, your eyes can find the elusive and mysterious calypso orchid in the undergrowth and the views North to the granite wall a thousand feet above lends itself to those internal discussions about where to run when you hear the rock cracking above. The first campsite at 4+ miles is inviting but we continued on to the mongo campsite 200 yards shy of the footbridge for beachy sun bathing at the rivers edge. A fine place for the luncheon before heading back. The river and feeder creeks are really moving so some care is required during transits. Cold, clear snowmelt good for giardia free drinking and sore feet soaking.