Echo Island Deep Water Soloing offers climbers an exceptional playground located just off the shores of Harrison Hot Springs in British Columbia. This 2-kilometer stretch of dramatic cliffs and rocky outcrops rises steeply from the water with depths between 30 and 85 feet below — providing an adrenaline-pumping venue where the ocean meets vertical rock. The area is a standout in North America for deep water soloing, delivering continuous challenges that range from slightly overhung faces to fiercely steep terrain, often accented by big roofs. Some routes soar up to 80 to 100 feet, opening doors to potential multi-pitch sport climbs for those eager to push their limits.

Reaching Echo Island itself is part of the adventure: launch your boat from Harrison Hot Springs and take a brief 5-10 minute paddle or motorboat ride to the island’s southwest edge. Once there, you’ll find a rugged coastline primed to be explored by boat-climbers — the cliffs are peppered with quarter-inch bolts to clip your boat, making it accessible and safe for soloing from the water.

The area's combination of water depth and steep, exposed climbs creates a distinctive atmosphere — you’re suspended between rock and water, free of ropes and harnesses, with the cool lake below ready to catch a slip. Climbers appreciate the variety, whether you’re aiming for shorter, technical problems or ambitious tall climbs featuring roofs where precision and power are essential.

Among the notable classics to sample are "Abyss, The" (rated 5.11a), which tests sustained climbing on a challenging route that demands finesse; and bouldering-style problems like "Banzai Pipeline" (V5), "Bunk Bed, The" (V4), and "Gold Star Lesbian" (V4), which offer powerful moves on steep rock. "Quiet Room, The" (V3) presents a slightly less intense option that still holds technical fingerwork. Each line rewards with a unique combination of physicality and the thrill of moving unroped above deep water.

The environment itself is elemental — the fresh air carries the scent of the lake and surrounding forests, and the views sweeping from the island gaze across the waters to the mountainous horizon. A day here merges climbing with the calm solitude of nature, where every send feels earned and every fall is softened by the water below.

Climbers planning a trip to Echo Island should consider weather patterns common to the Fraser Valley region. Prime climbing seasons hover mostly in the warmer months, but always be prepared for changing conditions. Safety gear, like boats appropriately bolted into place and knowledge of water depth beneath your climbs, are essential. Despite its beauty, deep water soloing demands respect — water surface conditions and weather can quickly affect safety.

For those coming prepared, Echo Island promises a sustained playground of deep water soloing that can remain fresh for years to come, with opportunities to explore currently unclimbed lines and extend beyond established climbs. This site stands as a crown jewel for adventurous climbers drawn to Pacific Northwest’s wild climbing edges, combining sheer rock, the river’s embrace, and the exhilaration of no ropes but every ounce of control.