Trail clear to lakes. Trace of snow at lakes (4000'); ~6"" at pass (5000')but trail still easy to follow.

Flapjack Lakes Trail 114 out of Staircase is closed indefinitely due to a wildfire near Lake Cushman.

My daughter and I hiked up to Flapjack lakes on Thursday July 6, 2006 for an overnight backpack. The trail to Flapjack lakes was in very good shape and we were able to do the hike in 5 hours from Staircase trailhead (including lunch break). The lakes themselves had no snow and all campsites seem to be in good condition. The first few campsites to the left as you enter the lakes are recommended. There are various restoration projects going on and one needs to be careful to respect those areas. We had the lakes to ourselves the entire two days, which was a wonderful surprise. The following morning we hiked up to Gladys Divide. There are two large downed trees crossing the trail from Flapjack lakes but nothing too problematic. Patchy snow existed from probably 4,200 feet or so until approximately one-quarter or a third of a mile below the divide. At that point the trail becomes completely snow covered. Despite the snow, we reached the divide in less than an hour from Flapjack lakes and the views were incredible! By the time we headed back it was mid-day, the snow was getting soft and I did break through twice. Fortunately the fall was only about waist deep. I would recommend a hiking pole or staff to check the snow going up to the divide.

Even with a forcast of rain I decided to try and get up to Flap Jack Lakes. I found the gate closed 1.2 miles from Staircase. After looking at the hillside and being surprised by little snow below 2500ft I decided to not drag the snowshoes along and instead just go as far as I could without them. I was happy to not take an ice ax, also. The trail had a couple of small trees down before the turnoff to FlapJack Lakes at 5.2 miles (due to the road closure) Very little snow until I headed up the hill toward the lakes. Not far up there was a huge pile of trees and branches right at a switchback. No large trees just plenty of branches and such. A trail had been devoloped around it. There was at least one more of the same before the snow got too deep for me at about 2200 ft. I turned around just past the board walks. It had started drizzling and later became an all out rain. At one point the water was running down the trail pretty swiftly. People had made a side trail around that also. There were lots of branches and limbs a pruning saw would handle easily. It was a very plesant 13 mile trek that I would do again. I heard the coke bottle sound of the Grouse but neve saw them. If you want to reach the lakes however, take the snowshoes. The 1.2 walk on the rode was actually pretty nice too. There are lots of things to see that we usually drive right by, such as American dippers.

My mom and I left for the Flapjacks Friday afternoon. We stopped at Madeline Creek Friday night, deciding to do the harder part of the hike the next morning when it was cooler. The bugs were OK, & the campsite at Madeline Creek was very nice. The next morning was cool and the trail really steep! The hiking guide warns of the steepness but then goes on to say the last 3/4 mile from the Black & White/Flapjacks junction was even steeper, and we disagree. It was steep but the hardest part by far for us was the 2 miles between Madeline Creek and the junction with B&W Lakes. Flapjacks were beautiful, and the 1.5 mile hike to Gladys Divide was hard but worth the trip. The bugs were not too bad until the sun started to set Saturday night, then the mosquitoes came out in force. I thought I only had a few bites on Sunday when I returned but by Monday am (as I type this) I am finding more & more! The deer at Flapjacks were very friendly, not afraid of us at all, and brought many deer flies with them. All in all, a beautiful hike & perfect weather!