Echo lakes peaks circumnavigation plus extras 6/28/2015

[Gazelle]

15.5 miles 4500 feet elevation gain 9:30 hours solo as always.

Started at 6 am from echo lakes trailhead got my day use permit and started north on the PCT which I promptly turned off of to attain the ridge for my first peak Dumbo then onto Flagpole which looked quite intimidating! It ended up class 3 probably an easier way but was quite enjoyable.

Flagpole to Ralston, Pyramid, Agassiz, Price

Flagpole on Flagpole peak

Did not stay long as there was a potential for thunderstorms later in the day.

Flagpole to Echo Peak

Next up echo peak to which there was a small use trail. Beautiful views of Angora, fallen leaf and lake Tahoe. The traverse to Keith's dome was uneventful, from there over to Cracked Crag by way of beautiful Jabu lake. Highly recommend going up Cracked Crag the views are phenomenal!

To Cracked crag from Keith's dome

Jabu lake

cracked Crag

Aloha and the peaks surrounding it

Dropped down to the PCT and all of the people at lake Aloha, made a mistake and stayed on trail by Aloha instead of PCT so added a little distance then missed the trail to Ralston thought it would say Ralston not Lake of the woods corrected it promptly, didn't see anyone till summit of Ralston where there was 10 to 15 people.

From Ralston peak to Echo Peak and ridge on other side of Echo Lakes

After a short break and pictures clouds were starting to look like they may do something soon so on to peak 9155 past cup lake the traverse was lots of talus but not to bad, better than expected. Got into some nice (not! )bushwhacking on way to talking mountain. Saucer lake

Saucer lake

looked amazing and wanted to go down to it but it started raining but luckily no lightning, but it did make the final traverse to talking mountain and Becker peak unpleasant, slippery rocks and nasty bushes. Becker peak is a great little peak with again fantastic views and has a small use trail to it from the Echo Lakes parking lot not sure I would have found it if I had started the trip in reverse. Fantastic loop hike!

[maverick]

Very nice Yuba, a with the flag perfectly fitting.

[cefire]

Nice!! Is Dumbo the little peak on the East buttress of Flagpole peak?

I'll have to check out Cracked Crag now, have always noted it but never thought to take a trip out there.

[Gazelle]

Dumbo is peak 7758, super easy to get to. Cracked crag is WELL worth the trip. For easy Becker has some amazing views the trail starts at the 1st switch back go straight no switch on the PCT out of the upper parking lot going south.