Echo Lakes to Lake Aloha

If you're not taking the taxi, head up the hill to the PCT and start your journey following the banks of Lower Echo Lake. The trail is pretty open and can be quite hot. Echo Lake is lightly developed with vacation homes, but after about 2 miles you hit the wilderness boundary and the setting becomes more serene.Pass a flower-filled meadow at 4.5 miles and continue past several junctions until you reach Lake Aloha. This lake is especially large and dotted by innumerable islands of polished granite. It's so complex that you really can't see the full expanse from any one point. Scramble up to an elevated perspective to more fully appreciate its scale.Enjoy the views, perhaps a swim and a picnic, and then take a left at Lake of the Woods Trail to make a little loop and get more views of Lake Aloha. Soon you'll take a left on the PCT to Lake Aloha Trail (17E39). This will quickly get you back to the PCT and your return hike back to Echo Lakes.