East Fork Foss - Necklace Valley — Wednesday, Jul. 21, 1999

Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West

Jade Lake is reachable with care, thought the final 100ft ascent is over a snow field. Jade lake is 50% ice covered and trail beyond mouth of lake is solid snow. First 5 miles are easy & pleasant, and to counter previous report there definitely has been a bunch of brushing done in the latter part. Some good campsites next to river. We camped here and appreciated lighter packs for the next part.After crossing the Fosse the trail gets much steeper and rougher (allow 2 1/2 hours from here to Jade lake). Having crossed the 2nd footbridge over the Fosse, look directly up the boulder field, some cairns slightly to your right, mark the way to the trail. At about 3800ft you cross the memorial footbridge over the side stream. Next 1/2 mile is very muddy, but trail improves after this. At 4200 ft snow patches get more frequent, but are not difficult to cross. Just when you can ""smell"" the lake, the final 100ft ascent is a solid snow field. No turning back at this point! 1 camp/picnic site is snow clear at the mouth of Jade lake. Beyond this point the trail is on solid snow across steepish gradient.