Ridge View Loop
Manson,
Washington
Overview
The Ridge View Loop is a moderate hike that links up seven separate trails at Echo Ridge, accessing the ridgeview spur trail for wonderful views of Lake Chelan and the surrounding mountains. With ample signage at all trail junctions, this is a relatively easy loop to follow and great for a family hike.
From the upper echo ridge trailhead, proceed on Upsy-Daisy to Grand Junction. Take the Lower Ridge View trail and continue onto the Upper Ridge View trail. About half way through the Upper Ridge View trail look for a marked side trail on the right which ascends up to the high point above. This is a nice break spot with it being close to the halfway point and has great views. Retrace your steps back to Upper Ridge View and continue to High Five Junction, and follow the Morning Glory trail back to Grand Junction. Hike Chickadee and Nuthatch back to the trailhead (Chickadee is just off of Upsy-Daisy a hundred feet from Grand Junction).
Directions
Parking
Trip Reports
We were contemplating hiking 4th of July Mountain on the 4th of July, but with temps forecasted in the 90's, we opted for a hike at Echo Ridge with a less elevation gain. Even with this more moderate hike, my parents opted to leave their older dog Gem at home, as the heat and close to 4 mile hike would likely be more than the almost 14 year old dog could handle.
We arrived around 9:30 am, and there were a decent number of cars at the Upper Echo Ridge trailhead, probably around 7 or 8. Almost all had bike racks on them, and indeed we did not see any other hikers during the day, while crossing paths with two groups of mountain bikers on the trails.
We headed out on the Upsy-Daisy trail, and instantly noticed how dusty it was. Echo certainly can be dusty in the summer, but this seemed a little more dusty than usual at this time of year, maybe a result of the dry Spring we had.
From Grand Junction we hiked along Lower Ridge View. My 9 year old son decided he was going to lead the hike and set out in front, with the exception of my parent's dog Belle, who was often ahead of us, albeit off the trail exploring.
After continuing along Upper Ridge View, my son missed the spur trail that heads up to the highpoint. I thought briefly about letting him continue on while we took the trail, but decided against it and we all headed up to the top. Fortunately, there was a small tree that provided some shade, and we hydrated and enjoyed the views. We could see snow in the Stuart Range as well as uplake on Pyramid Mountain.
Looking out across Lake Chelan Valley, we noticed a haze in the air, smoke from the Pioneer fire. Fortunately, it was very mild, and not something we even noticed while hiking or at our house. Retracing our steps, we then headed to High Five junction and then onto the Morning Glory trail. There were some small section of forest which provided some shade, and I was surprised to see how green it still was.
On Morning Glory, we encountered two mountain bikers passing by - first signs of other people on our hike. Back at Grand Junction I was confused as I didn't see Chickadee trail, and after double-checking the map realized we had to head down Upsy-Daisy for a hundred feet or so to find Chickadee. I think I made the same mistake the last time I mountain biked on the trail...
A little bit of a dusty hike, but nice to get out for some exercise on the 4th of July. It's a fun moderate loop at Echo Ridge, perfect for a multi-generational hike with the family.
