East Fork Foss - Necklace Valley — Wednesday, Apr. 26, 2006

Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West

The original plan was a snow slog up Maloney Ridge but on the drive out Hwy 2, we discussed the idea of the Necklace Valley trail. I think it was a great choice. We made it past the creek crossing (5 miles from the car) and up to the 2900' level on the trail toward the first lake. One other person was ahead of of us and probably punched in steps all the way to the lake. The first 5 miles only gain 500' of elevation but it is a very pleasant forest walk - the creeks are full but easily crossed, there is a ton of trillium and (my favorite) skunk cabbage, and the frogs. The frogs were downright noisy at the marshy area just inside the wilderness boundary. There are some blowdowns to negotiate and there is some snow for at least the last mile to the creek crossing. At one of the blowdowns there is some tempting vegetation to hang on to but upon closer inspection one will note that it is Devils Club. Why would I make special mention of that? Some of the brush that is covered by the snow is getting ready to release so men should be especially paranoid when stepping over these little plants. The logs are in place at the creek crossing but there is a short section of slippery log and rock after the the last crossing. Cairns mark the spot to pick up the trail above the ""mine field"".