Whoop-Di-Do

Whoop-Di-Do

Manson,
Washington

Overview

LENGTH : 1 mile loop
ELEVATION GAIN : 25 ft.
TYPE : hike
HIGH POINT : 3,460 ft.

Whoop-Di-Do is a short loop trail with minimal elevation gain that is accessible to both mountain bikers and hikers, and is accessed from the Lolly Pop trail. It passes through some forested areas, providing some shade from the sun, as well as more open areas, and is suitable for hiking with families with small children.

Directions

 
From Chelan, take WA-150/W Manson Rd for approximately 2 miles. A short ways after the traffic circle, turn right onto Boyd Road. Continue on Cooper Mountain Road and then Cooper Gulch Road and finally onto Echo Ridge Forest Service 8021-100 Rd/NF-8010. The Lower Echo Ridge Trailhead will be on your left a little less than 2 miles up the road.

Parking

 
Whoop-Di-Do trail is accessed via the Lolly Pop trail from the Lower Echo Ridge Trailhead, which has ample parking. As of the summer of 2022, a permit is required to park at any of the trailheads within Echo Ridge. Day passes are available for $5.00 at the trailhead, and accepted passes include the Northwest Forest Pass, Echo Ridge Trails Annual Pass and Interagency Annual Pass (Note : a different fee system is in place during the winter).

Trip Reports

July 29th 2022
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TOTAL MILEAGE : 1.8 miles, roundtrip
ELEVATION GAIN : 110 ft.
HIGH POINT : 3,460 ft.

After dropping my son off at camp in Chelan, my parents and I (along with their two English Setters) headed up to Echo Ridge. I had contemplated doing some other hikes farther away, however temperatures were forecasted to be 105F, and we need something nearby and preferably at higher elevation where the temps would be a little lower.

My go to route for a short hike at Echo Ridge is Tootsy Roll and Lolly Pop, but I had already taken my parents on that short hike last year. So it was time to try something new, and Whoop-Di-Do looked like the perfect alternative. From the lower trailhead we started heading clockwise on Lolly Pop.

Starting off from the Lower Trailhead on Lolly Pop
Starting off from the Lower Trailhead on Lolly Pop

It didn’t take long before we reached the junction with Whoop-Di-Do and we decided to head counter clockwise along the trail. It’s such a short loop that it really doesn’t matter what way you head, but it was either a slight incline or slight decline, so I opted for the incline. I was surprised to see some flowers still in bloom and green grass in shady areas along the way.

Starting on Whoop-Di-Do trail
Starting on Whoop-Di-Do trail
Flowers on the Whoop-Di-Do trail
Flowers on the Whoop-Di-Do trail
Meadow along the Whoop-Di-Do trail
Meadow along the Whoop-Di-Do trail

While it was starting to get pretty hot, there was a nice breeze and the hike had some shady spots to it, providing some relief from the sun. My parents dogs were definitely feeling the heat, but I think they covered 3 times the mileage we did, as they were busily exploring the forest trying to sniff out birds.

Near the end of the loop we spotted a lizard just off the trail. After the fact, I learned it was a pygmy short-horned lizard and it is a species of concern in Washington (the Department of Fish and Wildlife website encouraged submitting an observation, which I did).

Pygmy short-horned lizard
Pygmy short-horned lizard

At the junction with Lolly Pop, we stopped for a short break to give the dogs water and a treat, and then we continued on Lolly Pop back to the car. As is typical, the lot was empty and we didn’t see anyone on the hike today at Echo Ridge.

Gem cruising along Lolly Pop trail
Gem cruising along Lolly Pop trail
Lower trailhead parking lot nice and empty
Lower trailhead parking lot nice and empty

A nice short hike, with some decent shade along the way. Doable in the heat of the summer, as long as you go in the morning.