Started a five day/4 night backpack to Necklace Valley on Thursday. Only a few cars in the parking lot both on the day we started hiking and the day we left.
We did the same hike four years ago but stayed two nights instead of four. The goal this year was to summit Mt Hinman so added a few days to the trip. Last trip we stayed at Lake Ilswoot which was colder with less sun so planned on finding a site at Opal Lake. Opal Lake is higher up in the valley and close to the trail leading up to the higher lakes.
The first half of the hike (4.5 miles) is level with some sections in the forest and other sections in boggy/muddy areas. At a shoe adjustment break two miles into the hike an owl flew down close to us and watched. Very cool!
At about 4.5 miles the climb starts. Up to this point there are several river crossings on logs but at this time of year the river is down so not as dangerous as crossing in the spring. Cross the river and start climbing the boulders. Be careful in the first boulder section to follow the brown dirt boot markings on the rocks or you will get off the trail. Nothing is marked. In about half a mile the trail reappears
The trail from here on out is at times muddy and full of roots. There are three sections where long legs help because the step up is about 3' high. I admit this section of the trail is one of the most difficult I have hiked and with a full backpack is down right awful. We cursed and sweated our way up for several hours. Drink lots of water.
We headed straight to Opal Lake and after scouting for a camping spot found a shelf on the cliff across the lake from the trail where we easily fitted two tents. Behind our site was Cloudy Lake where we filtered water. The lakes are smaller than on the maps possibly due to the low water level in the higher lakes.
The next day we made our way up to Tank Lakes (2 of them) where we had lunch and then hiked down to Foehn Lake and went for a swim. There is not a marked trail so good idea to have a downloaded map. The terrain is boulders and scree.
The next morning we hiked around Cloudy Lake and bouldered to the north end where it drops down to Lake Ilswoot. No trails here but easy to navigate. In the afternoon we scrambled to the top of the 5,000 peak north of Opal Lake where there are great views of the upper valley and Opal Lake.
The next morning at 6 am two of our group started out for Mt Hinman. There aren't trails so navigation is important. It is a 2,600' climb over boulders. They made it to the top and had 360 degree views. It is good to wear gloves for hand holds and downloaded maps. The boulders are sharp and larger. I did not head to Mt Hinman but instead hiked and scrambled around the lakes including Ilswoot, Emerald, Jade, Al and Locket. Couldn't find a way to Jewel Lake. No bugs and perfect weather. Only saw five people all day.
The way was uneventful but slippery due to the muddy trail for the 4.5 miles down to the river crossing. Poles helped a lot. Again, no bugs.
The climb out was uneventful and fast.
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