Greenwater River to Echo Lake 22-Jun-2002

Topographical Map of the trip generated with my GPS and DeLorme Topo USA

Elevation change over distance generated with my GPS and DeLorme Topo USA

About a month ago, a group of us from work went on a white water rafting/camping trip to central Washington. It was a great time. The Monday after we returned, Nuria wanted to set up a backpacking trip up. I declined the trip as I have a life long love affair with indoor plumming. A couple weeks ago, Jeff Roberts mentioned a trip to Echo Lake on the 22nd. It was 6.5 miles in to the lake. Most of the group was up for it, and I decided to do it as a day hike.

The overwelming majority of the hikes I have done so far have been to the top of a mountain. I get satisfaction from reaching a peak. Last year, we did do the Meadow Mountain trail and Annette Lake, but both of those were disappointments. Only Snow Lake has been a non-peak hike that I have enjoyed before now.

The first couple miles are relatively flat and the trail is in great shape. There are lots of bridges to cross and the forest is really impressive. Our group was separated into 3 parts: the teenagers, who walked far in front and we only saw them three times on the whole hike in; the women, who were separated from us by the goats who the Roberts brought in as pack animals; and the men taking up the rear.

The first thing of interest that we came across was Greenwater Lakes. These are two lakes in Greenwater River about a half mile apart. Here are pictures of them:

At about the 2 mile mark we stopped to have lunch. We then pressed on towards Echo lake. We passed some really nice Kodak moments as we crossed Greenwater River several times:

With just over a mile to go, we took a little break. The map said we were almost done with the elevation gain. So did the GPS. We were wrong. The elevation gain was not too bad, but after 5 miles of walking, it was a bit rough. The trail gods were mocking me.

If the hill was not bad enough, next we had a snow field to cross. It was 2 or so feet deep and while it was not to bad to walk on most of the time, I pushed through up to my knees about six times.

Finally, we made it to Echo Lake and the others set up camp. Water was boiled and I ate a package of beef stew I brought in. Backpacking food is interesting. It tasted really good, but the vegetables and meat had the consistancy of cardboard. It was an interesting meal.

Nuria and I walked down to the lake, were I got these pictures:

When we got back, I snapped this picture of Jeff gathering firewood.

Unfortunately, it was getting late and I needed to leave so I could get back to my car before dark. I began the long hike out.

I have never gone on a long hike alone before and it was interesting. I only saw one couple the entire time out, and that was about a half mile from Echo Lake. I enjoyed the solitude.

With about two miles to go, my legs started to get really fatigued. It was not too bad, but two miles is still a long way in that condition. I did press on and all was good until about a third of a mile from the end where I was just completely exhausted. The human body is an amazing thing though. I find it hard to know my limits when I keep exceeding them.

I got back to the car at sunset and changed shoes and left. My feet ached for about 15 minutes but then I was fine. I am really happy about going past my limits again, but next week, I think I am ready for an easier hike for a change and a bit of a rest.