Secret Walks #20: Echo Park Lake, 1 mile

A cultural and historic Los Angeles landmark, in 1870 Echo Park Lake—like most of the lakes in the heart of Los Angeles—began as a drinking water reservoir in the undeveloped west side for the less than 30,000 city residents. By 1892, the population had grown to 130,000+, and the city repurposed Reservoir #4 into a lake with a surrounding park. Workers greened the once-barren land, planted lawns, willow trees, fan palms, and thousands of blooming annuals. Their voices echoed in the wind, inspiring the Parks Dept. Superintendent Tomlinson to name the new park, Echo Park. The 1920s brought the lotus flowers that still bloom from April to August. In 1932 came the new boat house. Although Barbara and I have hiked the area several times in the past year, today was our first complete walk around the lake, with the downtown skyline in the background. Most charming sights were the wide variety of flora, the fishermen fishing for bass, happy dogs taking their owners for a walk, kids paddle boating, and ducks at the edge of the lotus pond. A serene, joyful walk for a Sunday morning.