36. Echo Rock, 7870' (S)

Echo Rock is often combined with Observation Rock, though this makes for a very full day. Echo (pictured above on the left) and Observation (pictured above on the right) are among our favorite peaks. Echo was originally called Seattle Rock, because Seattle can be seen from the peak. It is uncertain when and why the name was changed to Echo Rock.

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Driving

Drive to the end of the Mowich Lake Road. Park at the south end of the parking area.

Route

Leave from the Spray Park trailhead (you will be on the Wonderland Trail). Follow the trail for approximately 4.4 miles and at about 6380' (just before the trail begins to descend), look for a footpath heading southeast on a broad ascending ridge toward Echo Rock (the footpath continues for a mile or so). Follow the best terrain, generally traveling southeast over open country. Head toward the col between Echo and Observation. From the col, take a footpath north. This path heads up generally on the southwest side of Echo. The final ascent travels northward on loose rock along the western edge, making a clockwise circle as it approaches the final spire.  The summit require a few class 3 steps and there is room for maybe 2 people on the actual summit, most groups go one or two at a time to tag the summit.

Comments

Icy slopes mandate an ice ax and crampons. A helmet is also needed on the final approach to Echo. A side trip to Spray Falls is well worth it. 

Vital Statistics: Echo Rock 

• Skill:  Moderate scramble

• Beauty: 10

• Effort: 8 (Echo); 10 (Echo and  Observation)

• Round-trip:  distance 13 miles (Echo); 14 miles (Echo  and Observation)

• Elevation gain: 3900' (Echo); 4400' (Echo and  Observation)

• Total time: 12 hours for both Echo &  Observation

• Best season: July through September or first  snow; road to Mowich generally opens after July 4

• Equipment: Scramble gear; helmet, ice ax,  crampons recommended

Echo Rock Topo

(use CalTopo to print PDF topo, view Google Earth, download tracks, for trailhead weather) [ How to ?]

Peakbagger

Flickr photos

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NWAC

Echo Rock Photos