Quote of the Month:
“Nature gives to every time and season some beauties of its own." - Charles Dickens
“Nature gives to every time and season some beauties of its own." - Charles Dickens
Roundtrip: | 16 mile |
Elevation Gain: | 3000 ft |
Highest Point: | 4600 ft |
Features: | Old growth, River, Lakes, Wildlife |
Visitor’s Information: |
Northwest Forest Pass Required |
Necklace Valley Trail is a 16-miles trail, which is located near Skykomish, Washington. This path runs through the dense forest and is considered to be difficult.
It should be said that Necklace Valley Trail is mostly used for hiking and the best time to come here is a period from July till October. Hikers can choose either a one day hike and hike around the river, or they can choose to spend hiking several days and to visit the most beautiful and clear lakes.
If you choose to cross the river and continue your hike to the lakes, be prepared for climbing to the lakes. Most people stay at the river crossing for a night and continue their hike the next morning.
When you come closely to the lakes, you will surely enjoy the beauty of the untouched valley and the lakes that really are situated as gems in a necklace. Even the names of the lakes are precious.
As we have already said, the beginning of the hike is very easy and the trail is well-maintained. It takes you through western Washington forest. Once the river is crossed, the trail climbs up very steeply. Sometimes you may even think that you wander from the track, but you need to continue.
When you reach the 4,600 feet point, you will be amazed by the beauty of Jade Lake and then Emerald Lake and Opal Lake. All of them are precious, beautiful and full of crystal water.
Jade Lake is surrounded by granite cliffs. From Jade Lake, you will come to the Log Shelter that was built in the 1950s. Then the trail runs through the Necklace Valley, through its meadows that are located between the lakes.
It should be said that this region is very beautiful and hikers can spend not only hours, but days wandering here.
It is worth while mentioning that out team and the photographer were not able to finish the hike due to a great amount of snow. Experince shows that the best time to visit the hike is the middle of summer, and keep in mind that it is not one-day hike.
From US-2E/Stevens Pass Hwy
Go towards Snohomish/Wenatchee. Turn right onto Foss River Rd - FS Rd#68, and continue for 4.1 miles to the trailhead, a parking lot will be on the left. Look for Necklace Valley trail #1062.
Click on the map below to get the directions to the trailhead
Photo: Jason Conger
Photo Editing: Pavlo Petryshyn
Information: Marina Petrova
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