We got an early start on our last day. Jeanette and I ate our granola in our tent while still in our sleeping bags. By 6:30 we began making our way up to the pass before the morning sunshine had found us. Then it was a long descent down, punctuated with great views; the most unbelievable was looking over to Echo Lake, perched in its high granite basin.

We made a couple of crossing of West Eagle Creek and then it was a fast hike out to the trailhead. We had visions of showers and luxuries in Union at the historic Union Hotel. Our stay in Union at the hotel, with a visit to the museum and several meals in local restaurants made a fitting ending to a wonderful trip.