Echo Lake is located on Highway 28 about 8 miles up from Campbell River, Vancouver Island. At one time there was a lodge on the shores of the lake, but it has long since burnt down. Two of my schoolmates lived at the lodge when I was a young boy back in the early 60s. I always envied them.
Elk river timber had their camp 8 at the west end of the lake at the time. The area was hopping then with lots of families living around the lake. When I was in my teens, looking for some winter fun. I would join my friends at Echo Lake for some ice skating. The lake would freeze up by December and would stay that way all winter, it seemed colder in those days. I remember pulling our cars right out onto the lake, where we would build a big fire in an old 45-gallon drum cut in half and skate all night.
Echo Lake has some nice rainbow and cutthroat trout that are stocked every few years plus some dandy dolly varden. A good boat launch for non-motorized boats is ready for your use, this lake is best fished in the spring or fall. There used to be a few rough campsites just down the road from the camp, but this spot has now been upgraded. It has a shiny new fishing dock, picnic tables, and fire pits, it is now a day-use site. No overnight camping.
You can see all kinds of wildlife on and around this lake as well as old trestles and lots of waterfowl hiding amongst the Lilly’s and weeds. This is a very nice little lake, a great spot to spend the day.
Hi Bud
Just curious if you know much about camp 8? We currently own a home that was supposed to be the guest lodge there. We have a picture that looks like it was still there in the 60s but know very little about it’s history.
Thanks
Lindsay
Was this home the lodge up on the lake? I had heard that it burned down. It was still there through the sixties, several of my school chums lived there. Could i see the photo? Or was it a house that was located at the camp?