The morning started at 4:14 am with a beautiful sunny Thursday morning and ended with a 10 mile hike upon Necklace Valley Trail. Rick, Bas, Sasha and yes, little 3.7lbs Tuki along with myself of course. Our initial plan was to hike Greider Lakes; unfortunately for us the rode was closed to Greider because of flood damage.
So we rerouted, headed further east on hwy 2 and stopped at the Ranger’s Station. After searching for Tonga Ridge and missing the turnout we decided to head up Necklace Valley Trail.
Here is a summary of the trail:
Highlights: Mountain views, forest, river and meadows
Distance: 7.5 miles one-way
Beginning Elevation : 1600 feet
Ending Elevation: 4800 feet
Difficulty level: More Difficult
Map(s): Green Trails #175 and 176
Visitor Use: Heavy
SUMMARY:The first 1.5 miles follow an old railroad grade. Once crossing the river at milepost 5.0, the trail becomes very steep and rough, climbing 2,550 feet in 2.2 miles. There are good campsites on the river at five miles and in Necklace Valley. Necklace Valley is a fragile sub-alpine valley with extensive meadows. Please camp in designated sites and stay on established trails. Fires are not permitted in the valley.
The first five miles to where the climb elevates was beautiful with meandering walkways, bridges, colorful flowers and streams and some of the most beautiful campsites I’ve ever seen.
As we made our way through the mosquitoes, we found some fabulous spots to take a rest and have a snack. Bas actually fell in a couple of times and actually learned how to swim today. Tuki was unfreakinly unbelievable…he never wavered, cried or whined…he was actually pulling me along the trails! That kid is one super trooper!
Since we only packed for a day hike and didn’t know what we were getting into we stopped at the Ridge headed upwards toward the 2,550 feet climb and decided to have lunch and a Alaskan IPA. The craziest thing ever was we got to witness two fighter planes shoot across the sky with the utmost force and finesse. I had actually put the camera away so sorry no pics 
On the way back down and towards the truck I actually got a second wind and ask Rick if I could go ahead; so while holding Tuki for the last 3 miles I booked it back to the truck thinking I was Lindsay Wagner from the Bionic Woman, but 90 seconds later Rick who had the pack showed up shortly after
My baby is a stud!
Beautiful day, wonderful memories and if we ever get a chance we have decided that it just might be the next place we plan to hike and camp for a weekend!
Enjoy the pics Bellas,
Ani
