Just off US 50/Lincoln Highway at Echo Summit, in the Sierra Nevada. The lakes (Upper and Lower Echo Lake) are originally natural, but have been enlarged and connected by a small PG&E storage dam at the outlet. There are a lot of _very_ expensive properties along the lakes. This is also a trailhead for the Pacific Crest Trail/Tahoe Rim Trail, which here coincide, and a gateway to the Desolation Wilderness on the west side of Lake Tahoe. A water taxi runs from here to a dock and trailhead in the upper lake. Saves a lot of walking if you just want to get to the wilderness area!