Echo Lake

Echo Lake is a small remote day-use lake, set back in the mountains - hidden by trees, located on the east side of Upper Arrow Lake , just south of the community of Revelstoke, British Columbia, Canada. The lake, although small, attracts people to the area year round for play and relaxation.

Echo Lake is accessed by vehicle. First by driving along a paved road (Airport Way) and then by driving along a rough, and at times, a steep 5-6 kilometre gravel road. The gravel road involves navigating pot holes, hairpin corners and bone rattlers (tiny bumps laid out all in a row). It is wise to have a reliable vehicle, a spare tire and a cell phone handy on this adventure.

In the summer months the popular activities include swimming, hiking, canoeing, dirt biking, atving and picnicking. The lake is a popular destination for family picnics with children. It is a self maintained recreation site so it is important that all garbage is packed out.

The small day use area fronts the shores of the lake and includes four picnic tables and some fire pits. The lakefront is a grassy sliver of land, with a small sandy beach edging into the lake. From the day use area a short trail leads to some pit toilets in the trees. Bring your own TP.

The loop trail exploring around the shores of Echo Lake is an easy grade 1 kilometre walk. The trail leads to some good swimming holes and viewpoints of Echo Lake. But.. as always, when hiking with kids - keep them close - as the trail does venture close to the lake edge and there are some sections of the hiking trail which include exposed tree roots and sharp boulders.

In the winter months the day use lake freezes over and acts, more as, a base for snowmobilers and cross country skiers. It is from Echo Lake that some winter enthusiasts decide to begin their adventure exploring the snow covered gravel roads and trails throughout the region.

On the drive to Echo Lake via Airport Way Road (paved section) there is the trailhead to the Mt. Cartier Hiking Trail. And further south from Echo Lake on the Akolkolex FSR (gravel road section) is the trailhead to the McCrae Lake Trail and the short trail leading to the Sproat Mountain lookout.