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Submission
This hike is a butt kicker! Approximately 8 miles in, 8 miles out... However, the last 4 miles going in is a near vertical trek. I believe it's 3000 elevation gain, which is crazy. I was about dead towards the end but we made a night of it so I was carrying lots of extra gear. Don't let this sway you from your plans as the hikers reward is found along the way and at completion. Fresh blueberries everywhere, several waterfalls, and the stunning lakes make it worth it.
I went on a hike to Flapjack lakes with my older brother in 1974, i believe. While I might not remember the date I do remember how beautiful it was.We had snow and ice greeting us in the morning when we woke.
Almost 18 mi backpacking round trip. The second half is pretty steep but the campsites are beautiful and good swimming in the lake. Tough hike but worth it.
Awesome hike, first half (~3.5 miles) is pretty flat with 600ft height gain and easy. After that next 4 miles is pretty steep.
You will see old growth forest, small waterfalls, lots of fresh blueberry shrubs on the way.
There are two lakes with lots of camping spaces. Bear wires are available for hanging your food. Lakes are clear and beautiful.
Gladys divide is another 1.5 miles with another 1000 ft height gain. If you go at right time of year (July end or Aug start) you will see beautiful wild flowers completely covering valley slops. Gladys divide is at 5000ft and gives you a beautiful view of valley.
Did this trek in May 2021. Definitely worth the extra effort for the beauty of partial snow-cover this time of year if you can score some nice weather. But those last 4 miles in.. (and out) are rough on the feet.
You are def thankful for the final 4 mile stretch on better trail..although the parking lot cant come soon enough at that point -lol.
