East Fork Foss - Necklace Valley

The first five miles follow the East Fork Foss River through naturally regenerated forest and remnant old growth, gaining only 600 feet as the trail winds past trillium and calypso orchids. An established campsite at the river crossing marks a good turnaround for day hikers and the last easy ground on the route. Beyond the crossing, the trail rears up, climbing 2,400 feet in three miles to reach Jade Lake, the first in the chain of alpine lakes that gives the valley its name.

Jade Lake sits in a recently glaciated cirque with views of surrounding ridgelines. Stronger hikers push on to Emerald and Locket Lakes deeper in the valley. The upper basin also provides access to La Bohn Lakes, the flanks of Mt. Hinman, and a scramble route over rocky moraine to Tank and Foehn Lakes. The terrain up here is fragile alpine meadow and bare rock, so tread carefully and stick to established paths.

This is a serious day hike or an ideal overnight. The mileage alone makes it a long day, and the upper climb sorts out anyone unprepared for sustained steep effort. Backpackers should bring a stove as campfires are prohibited in the wilderness area. Bugs can be fierce in midsummer. A handwire assists at the river crossing, but it still demands caution in high water.