Topo and GPS tracks for todays ~12mi ~3000ft gain outing clockwise from the Echo Lake parking lot. This was my 2nd trip to Ralston- took the main trail last season.

The Echo Lake parking lot was just about full and I grabbed one of 2 remaining spots at the upper end of the lot. Took the southbound PCT out of the parking lot.

Only followed the PCT for a few hundred yards before taking a right onto this old roadbed at the first switchback above the parking lot.

The roadbed ended at the remains of this springhouse, but a well defined use trail continued westward.

Not sure what these tree tags were marking- perhaps the wilderness boundary? I initially thought they were marking the path of the use trail, but they were heading in the wrong direction.

An old piece of heavy machinery. The next half mile or so followed a mostly flat moraine shielded ledge in the ridgeline.

Continuing steadily upward as the use trail headed east.

Breaking above the treeline shortly before Becker Peak. Echo lake below with the PCT visible on the far shore. Lake Tahoe in the distance.

Becker Peak is a distinctive bump at the edge of the ridge and was a short class 2-3 talus scramble to reach the top.