Necklace Valley Trail 1062

This challenging climb into the Necklace Valley rewards hearty hikers with cool alpine lakes named for precious gems that you can swim, fish or camp beside. The hike begins gently along the East Fork Foss River and enters Alpine Lakes Wilderness at 1.5 miles, traversing a beautiful, naturally-regenerated second growth forest that was logged by the railroads in the 1930s. The first five miles gain only 600 feet. Look for lowland forest wildflowers: trillium, calypso orchids and yellow violet. This pleasant stroll abruptly ends at the crossing of the East Fork Foss River at mile 5. Depending on the condition of the foot log and the amount of snowmelt in the river below, the crossing can be a little scary. Afterwards the hike becomes a steep, grueling climb, gaining 2,550 feet in 2.2 miles until you reach Jade Lake. Necklace Valley is a fragile sub-alpine valley with extensive meadows. Find campsites on the river at mile 5 and in Necklace Valley at Jade, Emerald, Ilswoot, Opal, Cloudy, Al, Locket and Jewel Lakes. At the camp there are still remnants of old mining equipment.

Protect the fragile meadows and vegetation by camping in sites already established. Campfires are prohibited in the Necklace Valley.

Washington Trails Association

Hiking guide

At a Glance

Permit Info:	Alpine Lakes Wilderness self-issue permit is required for day and overnight use, obtained at the trailheads from May 15 to October 31.
Usage:	Heavy
Best Season:	Summer / Fall
Restrictions:	The Necklace Valley Trail is within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area where wilderness regulations apply. The trail is closed to motorized vehicles, bicycles, and stock. Maximum group size is 12. Dogs must be on a leash. Camp in established campsites and stay on established trails.
Closest Towns:	Skykomish, Washington
Passes:	A valid Recreation Pass required at Necklace Valley trailhead.
Information Center:	Check current conditions or call Skykomish Ranger District office at 360-677-2414.

General Information

Directions:

From Skykomish, WA travel east on US Highway 2 for about 2 miles to mile marker 50.5, just east of Skykomish Ranger Station. Turn south onto Foss River Road (Forest Service Road #68). Continue on Road #68 for 4.1 miles to the Necklace Valley Trailhead.

General Notes:

Maps:

Skykomish Ranger District
Green Trails 175 and 176

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Day Hiking

Recreation areas with activity Day Hiking:

Necklace Valley Trailhead

Fire Information	Campfires are prohibited above 4000 feet elevation.
Elevation desc	1600/4800
Difficulty Level:	More to Most Difficult

Backpacking

Recreation areas with activity Backpacking:

Necklace Valley Trailhead

XC Skiing/Snowshoeing

Recreation areas with activity XC Skiing/Snowshoeing:

Necklace Valley Trailhead

Gradual elevation gains make Necklace Valley Trail and Forest Service road 6835 to West Fork Foss Trailhead good options for novice skiers and snowshoers. Advanced skiers and snowshoers will appreciate the distance and steep gains of Tonga Ridge and Sobieski Mountain roads.

A half-mile past Necklace Valley 1062 Trailhead on Forest Service road 68, the road junctions with Forest Service road 6835, which is gated and closed for wildlife. Past the gate, continue up Sobieski Mountain for elevation gain and views, or turn left on Forest Service road 6835 for a gentler grade.

NOTE: Avalanche danger after the bridge on East Fork Foss River at milepost 5

General Info:

Safety Information

Avalanche Danger: Avalanche hazards and terrain exist along this route. Check forecast and current conditions at the Northwest Avalanche Center, 206-526-6677.