Alpine Scramble - Echo Rock & Observation Rock

We began at 7am from the Mowich Lake parking area and proceeded the to climb the unmaintained trail from behind the ranger cabin to Knapsack Pass. Our group was strong and we arrived at the Pass at 0815 in spectacular fall-like weather. We enjoyed lots of blueberries, mushrooms and a few goat citings during the hike in and out.

Rounding the basin below the pass, we were treated to outstanding views of Mist Park, Spray Park, Pleasant Peak and our destination peaks. We departed the Spray Park trail and followed the bootpath toward the saddle between Echo and Observation. Recent snow made some rock crossings icy. The Flett glacier also had some new snow covering  ice and we donned crampons until we arrived at the rock below Echo. As described elsewhere,  the rock on Echo is quite loose and crumbling. Keeping the group tight, with helmets on, is imperative. 

After a lunch on top at noon, enjoying incredible views in all directions, we descended, donned crampons and headed for our next destination, Observation Rock.  New snow and impending clouds had us traveling close as a group until we arrived on the summit at 2:30. After another short, chilly break, we started down toward the saddle. Crampons on again, and staying in sight of each other, we descended the Flett in whiteout conditions. 

The weather gods relented and we were again treated to awesome views in all directions as we made our way back to Mowich via the standard Spray Park route, pausing briefly to allow a side trip to Spray falls for those who had not seen it previously. We were back at the vehicles at 6:30. 

A great Mexican meal in Buckley topped off a fantastic summer scramble finale!