Local Guide
The headliner is the waterfall — the lake is the bonus.
Most people think Echo Lake is the destination on this hike. The locals know better: the real moment is when you round a bend halfway up the climb and Echo Falls drops in front of you, a sheet of meltwater pouring off a granite wall. The alpine lake at the top is gorgeous, but the falls are why you remember the day.
You also can’t drive to the trailhead. To get to either, you first have to cross the Squamish River. Once you’re on the west bank, the trail starts climbing immediately. By the time you’re at the lake, you’re sitting in a granite bowl that probably forty people see in a typical week of summer.
This is the Squamish day-out that locals don’t advertise too loudly. Here’s how to do it.
The short version
- Access: Squamish River crossing from the east side, then hike up the west bank trail. No car-accessible trailhead.
- Distance: 6 km one way to Echo Lake.
- Elevation gain: ~950 m (3,000 ft). Roughly like climbing the Stawamus Chief twice.
- Time: 3–3.5 hours up, plus the river crossing on either side.
- Effort: Real climb. Trail markers are in place this year, so route-finding is easier than it used to be.
- Best season: Late June through mid-September, once the upper trail is snow-free.
- What you need: A canoe, raft, or paddleboard (or a water taxi ride) plus PFDs, hiking boots, layers, and water.
Why the river crossing is non-negotiable
The Echo Lake trailhead sits on the west side of the Squamish River, in an area without road access from the east. The cleanest way in is to paddle across — not float downstream, not portage in from somewhere else. Cross, pull the boat up the bank, stash it well above any tide or rising-water line, and start walking.
This is exactly the kind of trip canoes were designed for. A canoe carries you, your hiking pack, and a second person comfortably; a paddleboard works too if you're solo and confident. We deliver to a launch on the east bank that puts you on the right angle to cross safely.
The paddle: what to expect
The Squamish River has real current and big seasonal swings. In late spring and early summer the volume is high from snowmelt — by late August it's mellower. You're not trying to go downstream; you're ferrying directly across, angled slightly upstream so the current carries you toward your intended landing rather than sweeping you past it.
Two things matter:
- Pick your line before you launch. Identify where you want to land and where you'll bail if conditions change.
- Have an exit plan for the boat. Tie it well above the highest river line you see and trust nothing about water levels staying constant.
If this paragraph feels intimidating, this isn't the right introductory paddle. Cat Lake or Brohm Lake are better first outings — we deliver to both.
The hike: what to expect
Once you're across, the trail starts up fast. Expect:
- Steep early elevation through second-growth forest.
- Some root and rock scrambling sections — nothing technical, but hands-on in places.
- Limited signage. Pre-download a GPS track and don't rely on cell service.
- The pop-out moment at the lake itself, which makes the climb worth it.
Plan for a full day. Most parties take 3-5 hours on the trail round trip plus the river crossing on either side, plus lunch at the lake.
What to bring
- Hiking boots, not trail runners — the trail gets rooty.
- 1.5-2L of water per person, plus a filter if you want to top up at the lake.
- Layers. Granite bowls hold cold air even in August.
- Bear spray. This is real backcountry.
- A headlamp, even on a day trip.
- Dry bag for anything that can't get splashed during the paddle.
- Your PFD on the whole way across — not stashed in the canoe.
When to go
Aim for late June through mid-September. Earlier and the upper trail can hold snow; later and the days get short and weather turns. Mid-week is quieter than weekends. Morning starts are best because Squamish afternoon outflow wind can make the return river crossing tougher.
Safety honest talk
The Squamish River has killed strong paddlers. It's not the place to learn. If you've never canoed in moving water, take a guided trip first or pick a different hike. The reward at Echo Lake is real, but the river is the real difficulty of this outing — not the climb.
Two ways to handle the river crossing
Option 1: Rent a canoe or raft and paddle it yourself. We deliver canoes, rafts, and paddleboards to the east-side launch that lines up with the Echo Lake crossing. PFDs, paddles, bailers and whistles all included. Tell us you're doing the Echo Lake trip and we'll point you at the right launch and the tide timing. Best option if you have some paddling experience and want a full adventure day.
Option 2: Book a water taxi. Our sister service, Squamish Water Taxi, runs a chauffeured boat shuttle for the same crossing. $185 round trip for up to 3 passengers ($25 each additional, max 6, dogs welcome). They drop you at the trailhead and pick you up when you're done. Best option if paddling isn't part of the goal and you just want the hike.
More Squamish trip ideas
- Squamish canoe delivery — full list of lakes and launches we drop to.
- Squamish paddleboard delivery — SUP launches around town.
- Guided tours — Estuary coffee tour, Howe Sound trips, river tours.