Haven't backpacked since last year so we started easy and only hiked from Staircase to Spike camp (~3.5 miles). This trail is in excellent shape and well used. Spike camp was very quite and not many people, this may have been because it was close to Staircase or that the privy was closed. The following day we hiked up to Flapjack lakes. The first two miles are at a fairly easy grade and the trail was in good shape. After crossing the bridge over Madeline Creek the trail increased in grade. Once you hit the junction with the Black and White lakes trail things really got steep. That last mile to Flapjack Lakes is a stairclimber. There are a couple of large downed trees but you can make your way under them. Once at Flapjack, we found a nice campground on the western side of the lakes. We were a group 4 people with 3 tents and found a number of spots that would have fit us. We arrived on a Friday afternoon though and things seemed to get busier up there on Saturday. Given that there are lakes and marshes you know you are going to have to deal with bugs and this was the case with Flapjacks. The mosquitoes were on us the minute we showed up. Nothing a little DEET and covering up can't help. Luckily it was mosquitoes only and no biting flies or worse.
We spent two nights at Flapjacks. On Saturday we hiked to Gladys Divide. This trail goes up from the east side of Flapjack and is under the watchful eye of the beautiful Sawtooth Ridge. This trail isn't very long but it is somewhat steep and the last .25 mile was snow covered. Totally doable and a rewarding view at the top. We returned to the lakes for a swim and much needed bath.
There were a few people fishing the lake and many were successful. It may be worth bringing a rod.
The trip down on Sunday was uneventful.
We had a great trip and would recommend it.
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