We finally got around to making this great hike up to Flapjack Lakes again this year. We recognized it was going to be HOT heading up the switchbacks below the lakes so we hit the trail at 7:30AM. The temperature was better than expected as we left the Staircase trailhead but the mosquitoes were a lot worse than expected. We stopped about a half mile from the trailhead and slathered on the bug juice. The bugs didn't bother us much at all during the rest of the hike. This trail starts off relatively flat for the first 4 miles until you turn onto the Flapjack Lakes trail. The next four miles on the Flapjack Lakes trail is nearly all switchbacks and some are pretty steep. I decided it would be a good idea to take some good breaks on on the uphill section and keep spirits high in consideration of the heat. The trail itself was in excellent condition with the exception of the Madeline Creek bridge. The bridge looks like it took a pretty good size tree right across the middle of it. It's marked as closed but we used it anyway. It just looked a little scary and holding on to the railing is a real good idea if you want to brave it. If not, there is a detour and creek ford that has been created. We made it to the Lakes by 12:00 so it took us 4.5 hours. On Saturday, the mosquitoes weren't bad at the lakes but the biting black flies were absolutely vicious. We slathered on more bug juice but even the DEET variety didn't really slow the flies down much. Plus, I got stung by a nasty bee. By 3:30, it got hot enough to justify a swim in the lake which was really nice. We turned in for the evening without the rain fly on the tent and were surprised to be awoken to rain in the middle of the night. The weather was crystal clear again Sunday morning so the tent dried up quickly. The black flies were vicious and the mosquitoes were picking up their attacks Sunday morning so we decided to take off. It took us 3.5 hours to get back to the trailhead, where it was in the mid-80's. Another thing to mention is the campsites at the Staircase Campground are virtually always full. We spent Friday night at a pretty good and pretty cheap ($85 / night) hotel in Hoodsport called the Glen Ayr. It was about a half hour drive from that hotel to the trailhead.

Overnight trip to Flapjack Lakes and Gladys Divide and to the top of Gladys mountain. Arrived at trailhead and ranger was posting signs saying Cougar(s) are in the area (they were finding deer kills) and that hiking alone was not recommended? So, I sharpened my walking pole and started my hike – being sure to make lots of noise. About 2 miles up the trail, I found a lone hiking boot in the middle of the trail! I looked around for a body and when I didn’t see any, I continued up the trail at a faster pace and making more noise. First 4 miles are along an old road bed and easy hiking with a few easy stream crossings. At 4 miles you turn off the road and follow the trail to Flapjack lakes. Here the trail begins up in earnest. At one creek crossing, the trail is blocked with a bypass indicated. I looked at the metal bridge and it’s now V-shaped…like a tree fell on it… and it’s definitely not something I want to cross with my pack. The bypass has you go down a steep slope to the creek, cross on some rocks that have about 2” of water running over them (I think it’s called ‘fording’) and then up the steep bank on the other side. Continuing up, the next intersection is with Black and White Lakes and a camping area with my first wildlife encounter…a deer…that was extremely friendly and not afraid of humans. I continued up toward Flapjack Lakes and arrived to the solitude of multiple camping areas, bear wire hangars, and no humans OR animals. I filtered water and began the final UP to Gladys Divide .. my destination for the night. This part of the trail finally breaks out of the woods and was spectacular…with flower fields, tarns, creeks, and the sheer wall of Cruiser Mtn in the background. I arrived at Gladys Divide in about 5 ½ hours and made a camp on some rocks on the other side of the divide, looking down at a large tarn below and the Hamma-Hamma valley, and mountains beyond….beautiful views. Next morning, beautiful sunrise and sunshine on my camp and I began my climb up Mt Gladys. There are some cairns to mark the way, but not enough. There are some small snowfields to cross, but nothing steep. I finally found the top and could see deep into the Olympics with snow/ice covered mountains and trees forever…spectacular spot to be…for about an hour. THEN, back down the 12? Miles and 4000’ ? to the car. At Flapjack lake, I refilled my water and was bothered by another deer staring at me. Further down the trail, a garter snake crossed in front of me, and a little further, I saw a squirrel. That’s it for ‘wildlife’! I didn’t see a human until I hit the old road/trail where a couple were resting for the climb to Flapjack Lakes for the night. Walking back to the car, I passed 3 other small day-hiking groups and then a group of at least 12 kids with a couple of ‘grown ups’. The rest of the trail to the car I picked up orange peels, candy wrappers, and also buried some of their Kleenex. Oh, and I saw the boot had been moved off the trail into the brush. Since the road/trail has had recent horse activity, my guess is that the boot fell off the horse/pack so I left it there…maybe someone will be back for it! Sorry for the long report, but had a great time and exhausted..my GPS says I went 24 miles and 4700 elevation gain...but it was well worth it. Sorry,all pics >1M

Weather was fantastic and so was the hike. Trail clear to the final steep section, but then lots of snow to posthole through, definitely go for the waterproof boots and ideally gaiters too (though not all our party had them and we made it no problem). Great views of Mt. Cruiser! The lakes were, surprisingly to us, still completely frozen - no open water whatsoever. At least 4 feet of snow on the ground there. I wouldn't consider going beyond the lakes yet (i.e. towards Gladys Divide) w/out snowshoes, it's deep and soft. The high bridge over Gladys Creek en route appears to be very solid, both surface and railings, despite its damaged, extremely twisted appearance. But a couple of our party who suffer from vertigo found crossing it a bit of an ordeal. We scouted for a ford alternative but while seemingly doable it was going to be wet and arguably riskier in case of a slip. We did however feel a bit stupid taking pictures of each other crossing the twisted bridge with the "Bridge Closed - Do Not Cross" sign in the background... would have felt a lot more stupid if the bridge chose that moment to fall down.

We made a day hike out of this one. Started at 11:15, was at the JCT by 12:00 and FlapJack by 14:00. The lake was too cold for a leisurely swim, by I was able to sprint to the islands for a few shots before horsefly's chased me off! We stumbled back down and were back at the base just after 18:00. Overall a decent hike. The trails were well maintained, though a little rocky in parts.

Flapjack Lakes Some friends and I went up the trail Saturday. If you want to go take a day off now because the road to the trail closes Thursday until April or so. We had a great day. Started about 9 am. Not a cloud in the blue strip of sky we could see between the tops of the big trees. We hustled the first flat 4 miles out the N. Fork of the Skok. Just before the intersection to the Flapjacks Lake trail there was a creek flowing just fast and deep enough to require some fancy footwork. As we went up the Flpajack Lakes trail we found a similar creek crossing about a mile out. Another mile up is the steel brige at Madeline Ck. The bridge had been bent dramatically by a tree last winter. A sign says to cross one at a time, which we did. The bridge is wet and slippery and steep down to the bend. Requires a little care. Loose rock and one down tree to straddle a mile above Madeline Ck. From there the trail is great up past the intersection with Smith Lake Trail and up to Flapjack Lakes. The 8 miles and 3000 gain took us 4 hours from the trailhead. The lakes are pretty and beginning to freeze. We found a sunny patch of shoreline for lunch - but it was chilly! Gladys Divide Trail is in good condition. Patchy snow began at 4300. Snow consistent above 4700 to Gladys Divide. about 6"" deep and soft enough to kick and plunge step. Poles are handy! Upper tarns on both sides of divide are frozen. The view at the Divide is great - over a small snowy basin. We did the 1.5 miles and 1150 gain in about one hour and ten. It took 45 minutes coming back. After a short break at the lake we started back to the trailhead. It was about 3:40 and we wanted to get to the flat North Fork trail before sunset. We managed to descend the 4 miles by 5pm. All that was left was to swing down the broad trail back to the trailhead. The light faded as we walked. Owls began to hoot. The gloomy shadows were softened by a silvery light and the occasional glowing autumn-leaved maple. Spike Camp rolled by, then the Staircase rapids. Dusk turned to evening as we crossed the log bridge at the horse ford. Soon we were cruising the last long hill before the trailhead. As we crested the hill we could make out the trailhead sign and a few cars at last light. We got back at 7pm. 10 hours, 19 miles, 4400 gain. We did a few tired high fives and fell into the car, glad to be headed home. But we had to change a noisy dramatic flat on the drive out. That woke us up! BTW - if your car is making a funny noise stop and check it out sooner rather than later. Picture link - http://picasaweb.google.com/oldwhiner/20071027GladysDivide