East Fork Foss - Necklace Valley — Saturday, Jul. 23, 2016

Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West

This is the 3rd time hiking this trail. We took lots of short breaks and snack time and it took about 5 hr one way. Carry lots of water or a water filter if you do this during day time. First 5 or so miles are relatively easy and pretty trail. Few campsites along the trail before the end of 5 miles but I've heard last year someone saw bears on the trail so I haven't tried to camp at one of those. There are overgrown bushes and long pants are good to avoid getting cut or wet by those plants. After crossing the bridge and going up the rocky parts, you pretty much only going up and up. It's hard but not difficult. There were not many bugs till you get to the lakes. There were 3 or 4 tents around the lakes but everyone was spread out so not crowded. We stayed at Ilswoot lake. There were many mosquitoes but we had very good repellent so weren't bothered. There were some a little aggressive bees though. It's a good hike. I wish we had one extra day to enjoy the lakes.