The Launch Ramp at Echo is available for public use during our posted operating hours, which may vary during the summer season.
Currently the ramp hours are 10AM-4PM
Only boats with an intact ECHO-specific (yellow) seal and current TRPA-issued Tahoe Sticker will be allowed to launch. Mandatory inspection and decontamination can be carried out at the Meyers station. At this juncture, TRPA does not differentiate between gasoline or electric-powered vessels. For updates and scheduling please go to https://tahoeboatinspections.com.
Boat Inspections Required: Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS):
In view of the very real threat of Nuisance plants and mussels entering Echo from Tahoe (plants and Asian Clams) and elsewhere (Quagga or Zebra mussels from the Eastern U.S. and Colorado), we are required to inspect all vessels for intact seals and stickers, and to control access to the lake. Therefore boat access is restricted to our normal business hours. In anticipation of the limited hours of operation, we respectfully ask you to please time your travel to coincide with our operating hours. Thank you. LINK TO TAHOE BOAT INSPECTION STATION
Echo Lake’s natural drainage is into the Tahoe Basin, and we are therefore subject to the jurisdiction of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) and Tahoe Resource Conservation District (TRCD). In addition to the AIS regulations, there exists a ban on older, crankcase-charged 2-stroke motors. Therefore all boats launching at Echo must either be 4-stroke or Direct Fuel-Injected 2-stroke engines (such as Evinrude Ficht or E-Tec).
Please keep in mind that underwater obstacles exist on Lower and Upper Echo Lakes due to their mountainous nature. Also, the narrow channel between Lower and Upper Echo is shallow and requires minor maneuvering skills. Larger boats may have a hard time navigating, and therefore have the “right-of-way”. See the map on the What to Do page to get an idea.
Boating Hours & Fees
Local law at Echo Lake states that water skiing or wake-boarding may only occur from 9 am until the time that direct sunlight leaves Flag Pole Peak (noted on map), and must always take place in a clockwise direction. Jet skis are subject to the same hour and directional restrictions as water skiing at Echo Lake.
LAUNCH FEES:
- $35.00 – any Trailered or Motorized (Gasoline or Electric) vessel.
Please note: There is no charge for launching (or pulling out) non-powered watercraft if done outside of the harbor area, but these vessels must be clean, drained, and dry in order to launch.
Rates are subject to change without notice.