East Fork Foss - Necklace Valley — Friday, Jul. 10, 1998

Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West

Hiked the Necklace Valley trail on July 8-11, 1998. Trail in very good condition up to 6 mile mark. Trail maintenance workers were clearing trail that week and doing a great job. From 6 mile mark to Jade Lake has numerous muddy spots though no real heavy water on trail. Need to skirt trail 10-20 times to avoid total muddy boot - slip result on that section. Hiked to and camped at both Jade and Al Lakes, (walked over to Locket Lake... beautiful!). Swam in both so no ice and only a few snow patches at that altitude. Mosquitos were plentiful at both lakes and along entire trail if you stopped for long. Need tent at night and Deet for protection. Tried to get to Tank Lakes but stopped by solid snow fields at about 5,700 level. Hiked through solid snow to Tahl Lake which was 90 ice still. Very pretty at all the Necklace lakes. Extremely rugged hike from mile 5 to Jade lake with backpacks. Mud in spots adds to the load but well worth it once you get to the valley.