East Fork Foss - Necklace Valley, Tank Lakes — Friday, Sep. 26, 2003

Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West

I would not do this trip to visit only the Necklace Valley since the trail is downright long, dull, rooty, muddy and miserable. The lakes are not the greatest and neither are the views. Access to nicer areas make this hike worthwhile, however. Tank Lakes is as nice a place as The Alpine Lakes area offers the cross country roamer. At the end of the valley just below LaBohn Gap, go right and up rocks until reaching a valley containing the Pendant Glacier. You eventually reach a pass and wonderful parkland at about 5,800 ft. similer to The Enchantments. Dozens of small lakelets and granite slabs along with views across the Middle Fork valley to the Dutch Miller Gap area make this large plateau a magic wonderland. From the head of the valley,scramble up LaBohn Gap for a climb of mighty Mt. Hinnman. The valley is an o.k. place when the bugs are gone, but I see it as a great base for exploring.