Week 106 Sept. 9 - Necklace Valley

Total Distance: Approximately 20 miles
Elevation Gain: Approximately 4000 ft
Time: 7:40 am - 7:30 pm
Weather: Mostly cloudy and chilly, a few sun breaks, but it was like fall.

Tried to do a 26 mile loop, but Creighton and I were not ready for all the off trail hiking.  We were walking too slow to finish in a decent time, but I did finally make it into the Necklace Valley after two failed attempts in June of 2012 and June of 2011.  The central Cascades are insanely awesome.  The off trail hiking above the La Bohn lakes up to the Tank Lakes was amazing.  Reminded me of the Wind Rivers, big rock boulders, the shriek of the pika, the whistles of the marmot, and the views of peaks above the tree line.  The loop will be incredible once we scout it and get that earlier start that will be important.

Orchid: Jade, Emerald, Opal, and Locket Lakes were real gems.

Onion: The last hour and a half from 5-mile camp to the trailhead.

Picture:

Google Map