Did this as a very last minute “dammit I just need to sleep outside and want something that’s not just a river walk,” and I highly recommend this as a nice low elevation getaway for late in the season. Since I didn’t decide to leave my house until 11am, I got to the trailhead (last threeish miles of road along Lake Cushman are VERY pothole ridden, but I did fine in a Prius— just very slow) with just enough time to make it to Spike Camp before dark.
Next day, hiked up to Flapjack Lakes, trail in great shape with a pretty gentle grade and completely snow free. The last 200 yards had some ice, but not enough to need micro spikes. Ate lunch at the lakes and hiked back out to the trailhead just in time to beat the rain. Great quick overnighter!

The weather couldn't have been better for a fall overnight. The trail crew did an excellent job clearing the trail. The first 4 miles along the old road bed was relatively flat. Once you turn off to head to Flapjack, you face about 3/4 mile of switchbacks. After that, the trail gains steadily but easier until you cross the bridge over Madeline Creekk. This is where the trail gains elevation at a steadier rate and becomes more rocky and rooty. This lasts until you reach the lake. The trail up to the lake is well signed and easy to follow. There are campsites around both lakes, most with bear wire. The group site is a bit sketchy to get to, requiring a crossing of a log jamb. Positive of the group site is it is private, but I found it dark and depressing. I didn't see or hear anyone else. I'm not sure if I missed them, but I couldn't find the pit toilets on the map at the lake. i finally found one and realized ia new one was drawn in on the map. If you are looking at the map right at the lake, turn around and go back down the trail you came in on about 20 yards. There is an unmarked trail on your left,leading to the toilet. The lakes were beautiful and so worth the trip.

This hike was part of a trail work party with the Gray Wolf Trail Crew. All blowdowns on the Flap Jack Lakes trail are now clear. Trail is in great condition! 

Overnight trip with great early fall colors. We were the only party up there.

Once you reach the junction at Spike Camp the trail up to Flapjack gets pretty strenuous. There are about 5 downed trees to shimmy over, and a huge blowdown that requires you to walk around off trail. There is one slightly sketchy washout requiring careful footing. The last .5 miles feels longer than it is.

One of the bear wires at Flapjack is broken but the other was fine. The posted map once you get to camp is a little confusing about where the first outhouse is. Turn around like you're heading back down trail and there's a side trail on the left about 25 feet back.

We found quite a bit of broken glass at camp, which was disappointing. Picked up as much as we could.

Backpacked up for an overnighter at the lakes, with a quick run up to the fabulous view at Gladys Divide down east to Mildred Lake.  Trails in great shape, signage at the lakes is horribly wrong.  Tent sites and outhouses are not as shown, just do your best wandering around the social trails to find them.

Once leaving the main Staircase trail, the first switchbacks are barely a warm-up for the steep, steep climbs after the trail turns uphill.  After the B&W/Flapjack split, it gets even steeper!  Fortunately it isn't too much farther to the lakes.

After setting up camp, it's worth the unburdened trek continuing up to the stupendous views above the tree line at Gladys Divide.  It's quite something to be in the middle of the Sawtooths!