King County’s Ilswoot Lake is located about 9 ¾ miles S.W. from the little town of Skykomish in the in the Necklace Valley string of Lakes. It covers 48 surface acres, reaches depths of over 100 feet and lies at an elevation of 4700 feet. Fish species include Cutthroat and Rainbow Trout. It can be reached by a trail that at the East Fork Foss – Necklace Valley trailhead parking lot. To get there, follow the well- traveled and clearly marked trail up into the Necklace Valley.
At about 6 miles, you will pass the first lake – Jade Lake. Continue up on the main trail that travels north/south for another ¾ mile until you meet an unmarked trail intersection heading east/west. If you would like to see the old Necklace Valley Cabin, drop your pack here and venture another 200 feet along the main path to explore. The old cabin has a dirt floor, no door or windows but it could be provide some shelter in a pinch. At the trail intersection, head east and after another 200 feet or so, you will see aptly named Emerald Lake.
Follow the trail along the north side of Emerald Lake up and over a crest which, after another mile, drops into the Lake Ilswoot Basin. The lake is primarily surrounded by rocky hillsides and cliffs but 2 campsites exist. One is right along the trail in a green valley that could fit 3 sizable tents. If you follow the trail another 300 feet there is another campsite on a bare dirt flat. Elevation gain from the trail head to lake is about 3400 feet.
Overview and photos contributed by Kirsten Raye (Johansen) Lee. Kirsten is an avid Mountain Hiker and outdoor photographer.