Backpack Trail Guide

Trails / Washington / Alpine Lakes

Necklace Valley

Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest (Foss River Road, near Skykomish)

Necklace Valley is a string of small alpine lakes at the head of the East Fork Foss River, on the west side of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness south of Skykomish. WTA lists the trip at 18 miles round trip with 3,400 feet of gain and suggests two to three nights.

The approach is long and gentle, and the climb at the end is steep. WTA mentions Mount Hinman as an early-season snow climb from the valley, and The Mountaineers describe a scramble to Otter Point from the lakes.

The hike

The trailhead is 4.2 miles up Foss River Road (Forest Road 68), which leaves U.S. 2 half a mile past the Skykomish Ranger Station, according to WTA. It sits at about 1,600 feet (The Mountaineers).

For the first 5 miles the trail follows the East Fork Foss River through second-growth forest, gaining only about 600 feet. Then it crosses the river on a footlog. WTA advises, “Hold on to the handwire,” and says the crossing “can be a little scary” depending on the log’s condition and snowmelt. There’s an established campsite at the crossing, which WTA suggests as a turnaround for day hikers.

Past the crossing, the trail climbs about 2,400 feet in 3 miles (WTA, The Mountaineers). It tops out at the first lake, Jade Lake, which The Mountaineers put at 4,600 feet. WTA calls Jade “nice and peaceful” and says it has established campsites.

The valley’s other lakes are close together. The Mountaineers place Emerald Lake about a quarter mile past Jade, with Opal Lake near the cliffs of LaBohn Gap, Locket and Jewel lakes to the west, and Lake Ilswoot to the east. WTA recommends pushing on to Emerald and Locket lakes for the views, and mentions a trail from an old cabin to Al Lake and “a maze of social trails” around it. The Mountaineers list good camping near Jade Lake, Lake Ilswoot and Opal Lake.

The Mountaineers say off-trail travel to the outlying lakes takes strong navigation skills, and their Otter Point scramble from the valley is rated technical. WTA warns to “be prepared for insects.”

For a shorter Alpine Lakes overnight from Snoqualmie Pass, see Snow Lake and Gem Lake.

Tips

Camping

A free wilderness permit, self-issued at the trailhead, is required for every visit to the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Groups are limited to 12 people and stock combined. The Forest Service’s Alpine Lakes rules prohibit campfires above 4,000 feet on the west side of the Cascade Crest, and WTA says no campfires are allowed at Necklace Valley. Dogs must be leashed on trails off U.S. 2 west of Stevens Pass. Established campsites are at the river crossing, Jade Lake, and the Emerald and Locket area (WTA). The Mountaineers advise against weekends because the area is popular.

Inside Intel: WTA’s guide describes Jade Lake’s campsites as “nice and peaceful,” but recommends pushing on to Emerald and Locket lakes. The Mountaineers point to camping near Jade Lake, Lake Ilswoot and Opal Lake. No individual camper accounts recommending a specific site were found.

Trail facts

The Lowdown

Two nights at Jade and Emerald lakes:

Necklace Valley rewards a slow 2- or 3-night trip, and a fire ban means every hot meal comes off a stove. See which backpacking meals testers liked best.

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Where this comes from

This page draws on the sources below, along with other guides and trip reports. Links go to the original pages.

Before you go: This page is based on published trail guides, trip reports, and reviews, along with official park and agency information where we could find it. It’s meant to help backpackers discover new trails, not to replace current, official information. Conditions, closures, permits, campsites, and water sources change, and some details here may be out of date or wrong. Confirm everything with the managing agency and check current conditions before you head out, and don’t rely on this page alone for safety or navigation. Backcountry travel involves risk.