Page Type:
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Mountain/Rock |
|---|---|
Lat/Lon:
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47.44000°N / 122.1009°W |
County:
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King |
Activities:
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Hiking |
Season:
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Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter |
|
Elevation:
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896 ft / 273 m |
|
Overview
Mount Rainier from the summit
Though it took me six months to delibarate rather to post this little peak or not, I have been checking SummitPost around and I have finally decided that it was the proper time to give this peak a write up. Though small, Cedar Mountain, also known as Echo Mountain (which is on the King County park map) is quite an interesting cinder cone remnant located just east of Renton, Washington. It is the noticeable bump when viewed from either from either the downtown Seattle skyscraper or some of the neighboring Issaquah Alps. It features two peaks, the west peak being the true summit and a decent network of trails that travel around the two peaks.
BearQueen with the umbrella
This summit is made for those rehabbing, or people trying to get themselves conditioned for larger mountains. It is a good peak to take a newbie on, especially if there is a timeline. The woods here make for a pleasant walk even on warmer days. The added bonus here is that there are not too many people who know about Cedar (Echo) Mountain so chance are you will not be sharing the mountain with many people. In bad weather this peak can make for a good bailout or if you are in a rush this is good way to spend an hour in the woods.
Trees view
Map of the Routes
Map of the Route
The Route Up Cedar (Echo) Mountain
The well marked trail to the top. This trail you will hit midway.
From the trail off of the Spring Lake Road trailhead as soon as you go from the trailhead you want to take the trail to the right. This trail will after 0.2 miles will lead to a dirt road. On that dirt make a right and stay on the dirt road for roughly 0.3 miles until you specifically hit a trail to your right well marked and specifically stating "Peak Trail" As of 2014 this trailhead sign is relatively new. From there stay on the trail until you hit the obvious viewpoint. On a clear day you will be able to see the beautiful Mount Rainier. Come back down the way you came.
 Fall is a great time on this hike |  Fall view through the trees. |
It should be noted that much of the brush that was on this summit has since been cleared. Also in the past four years King County has also put in a sign at the trailhead and trail maps. If you get a map and you have the time you might want to also check out Lake Desire which is the lake to the west of Cedar (Echo) Mountain.
Though the summit is easy, you can always make it look maybe slightly more interesting!!
Getting There
The Trailhead
Red Tape
None on the small parking area. Park closes at dusk. Please don't block the driveway of the nearby neighbor. Just don't park at the boat launch.Camping
Camping is prohibited!! There is a private residence that live very close to the summit of Cedar (Echo) MountainExternal Links
Here is a good article on this summit
1 Trip Reports