Updated 4 September 2023
The Echo Lakes trail (part of the Pacific Crest Trail) starts at Echo Chalet, at the southeastern edge of Echo Lakes, which is near Echo Summit, along Hwy 50. One can start here, or, optionally, take the Echo Lake taxi service ($20 per person, one way) to the northwestern end of Echo Lakes. (The boat ride by itself is a nice day outing). From here the trail heads into the Desolation Wilderness, past a turnoff to Tamarack Lake, and then to a turnoff to Lake of the Woods, a very lovely lake with excellent camping spots (a Desolation Wilderness permit is required for camping, and camping is not permitted on certain areas near the lake). Continuing along the Pacific Crest Trail leads to Aloha Lake, a truly striking alpine lake. There are several possibilities, including:
- Hike to Lake of the Woods from the Echo Chalet (11.3 miles round trip, 1788 feet elevation gain)
- Hike to Lake of the Woods, using the Echo Lake taxi (6.0 miles round trip, 1300 feet elevation gain)
- Hike to Aloha Lake (13.0 miles round trip, 1900 feet elevation gain)
A map and some photos are shown below.
Here is a map of the hike from the Echo Chalet (not using the boat ride), to Lake of the Woods and return:
Here are the Echo Lakes, looking back from the trail:
After a 2.5 mile hike, one comes to a branch trail to Lake of the Woods, a very lovely lake (a wilderness permit is required for backpacking, and one may only camp at designated spots):
1.5 miles further, one arrives at Aloha Lake, a striking wind-swept lake near the Sierra crest:
