Cascade Canyon
Cascade Canyon
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GuyWhoLovesClimbing
Hayden Lake, ID96 contributions
Jun 2022
I hiked to Cascade Canyon June 26th 2022, and it was perfect! We saw 2 black bears, a Moose, Hidden falls on our way up, inspiration point which had beautiful views of the lakes and valley. In Cascade canyon you have a BEAUTIFUL view of Grand teton and other peaks. If you're in Grand teton national park, have a can of bear spray, and are in decent shape, Cascade canyon is a MUST see!
11 out of 10 stars!!
11 out of 10 stars!!
Written July 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LoveTravel5411
Bartlett, IL1 contribution
If you've reviewed any information on the hiking trails around Jenny Lake, you've no doubt read that the short hikes to Hidden Falls and then beyond to Inspiration Point are "must dos". Starting with the short boat ride across the lake (or the 2.4 mile lakeshore hike around it), Jenny Lake is a beautiful scene, for sure. You will, of course, encounter crowds because of the proximity of this beauty on the boat, and certainly on the trail to Hidden Falls. The crowd thins out some heading beyond the falls to Inspiration Point, but this extremely scenic trail is also pretty crowded.
The vast majority of the crowd (probably 90%), however, stops at Inspiration Point and turns around. If you only have a short time, this is a rewarding hike. But, if you can afford more time, continue on the trail which heads down into Cascade Canyon.
At first the trail is pretty wooded, so views are obstructed. But, in pretty short order you break out of the canopy into the open canyon. the contrast of the lush green valley (yes, a river runs through it), canyon wall to the north, and the Teton Range to the south is breathtaking. As you continue on, the views only get better, as the north face of Grand Teton with its snow-powered cascades comes so close you think you can scale it.
This is where our family of 4 (2 pre-teen boys) stopped and turned around. I have heard that the trail beyond this point continues to deliver awesome views, but we had other plans for the rest of the day.
Besides the terrific scenery on this hike, we also encountered a magnificent bull moose in the river, a marmot family, and countless ground squirrels and birds. We were in Yellowstone and Grand Teton for 2 weeks, and we all agreed that this was our favorite hike. Be a ten percenter, and go beyond Inspiration Point! You won't be disappointed!
The vast majority of the crowd (probably 90%), however, stops at Inspiration Point and turns around. If you only have a short time, this is a rewarding hike. But, if you can afford more time, continue on the trail which heads down into Cascade Canyon.
At first the trail is pretty wooded, so views are obstructed. But, in pretty short order you break out of the canopy into the open canyon. the contrast of the lush green valley (yes, a river runs through it), canyon wall to the north, and the Teton Range to the south is breathtaking. As you continue on, the views only get better, as the north face of Grand Teton with its snow-powered cascades comes so close you think you can scale it.
This is where our family of 4 (2 pre-teen boys) stopped and turned around. I have heard that the trail beyond this point continues to deliver awesome views, but we had other plans for the rest of the day.
Besides the terrific scenery on this hike, we also encountered a magnificent bull moose in the river, a marmot family, and countless ground squirrels and birds. We were in Yellowstone and Grand Teton for 2 weeks, and we all agreed that this was our favorite hike. Be a ten percenter, and go beyond Inspiration Point! You won't be disappointed!
Written August 24, 2005
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hikemeister
Long Beach, CA143 contributions
Aug 2012 • Family
If you take the boat over across Jenny Lake ($10 r/t) to the trailhead, you'll cut a 4 mile round trip hike, and be able to use that energy to go well beyond Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point where most people stop. The hike up the canyon, after the first mile is nearly flat for 3.5 more miles and offers stunning Teton views, flowing water, waterfalls, animals (moose are commonly seen), and backcountry experiences without the need to stay overnight. Highly recommended! Give 6 hours or so to this hike to do it justice.
Written August 22, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LorenzoLorenzo
Boulder, CO340 contributions
Sept 2011 • Couples
We have hiked Cascade Canyon numerous times. It is a gorgeous hike, with multiple points of access, though ultimately it is an in-and-out hike on a single trail.
We have usually hiked from String Lake, which is very nice when near the creek, but gets a bit dull. and it adds several miles to the hike. This year we took the boat from south Jenny Lake and it was worth the $10 round trip fee (though I hardly consider it "nominal" as it is touted).
The first 1/2 mile is the hardest. The hike to the falls and Inspiration Point (I call it perspiration point) have a significant elevation change in a short distance. Once past IP, the trail is easy to moderate. It varies from creek trail, to forest to ck slide areas.
We have almost always seen wildlife (typically moose) on this trail. One encounter was much closer than we wanted. And we got a great view of moose butt as the bull was behind us and blocked our egress.
Take plenty of water. We saw so many hikers with limited water. Between the altitude, low humidity and the intensity of the IP portion of the hike, many do not understand how much moisture they lose. We like to take items for lunch and eat near the creek...delightful.
Also, the earlier you start your hike the better...less people. By 10am the trail gets crowded. and by 2pm its like Grand Central Station.
We have usually hiked from String Lake, which is very nice when near the creek, but gets a bit dull. and it adds several miles to the hike. This year we took the boat from south Jenny Lake and it was worth the $10 round trip fee (though I hardly consider it "nominal" as it is touted).
The first 1/2 mile is the hardest. The hike to the falls and Inspiration Point (I call it perspiration point) have a significant elevation change in a short distance. Once past IP, the trail is easy to moderate. It varies from creek trail, to forest to ck slide areas.
We have almost always seen wildlife (typically moose) on this trail. One encounter was much closer than we wanted. And we got a great view of moose butt as the bull was behind us and blocked our egress.
Take plenty of water. We saw so many hikers with limited water. Between the altitude, low humidity and the intensity of the IP portion of the hike, many do not understand how much moisture they lose. We like to take items for lunch and eat near the creek...delightful.
Also, the earlier you start your hike the better...less people. By 10am the trail gets crowded. and by 2pm its like Grand Central Station.
Written September 21, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SLBChicago
Chicago35 contributions
We hiked to Cascade Canyon on our trip to the Tetons. It was a bit rocky and tricky up to Inspiration Point, but then the trail was flat and easy. We were above the Hidden Falls waterfall. It was wooded then opened up and you were in the canyon. It was breathtaking. The next time we go to the Tetons, I would llike to hike further into Casade Canyon. It was a pretty easy hike and the views are amazing. I felt like I was in the Alps.
Written September 25, 2007
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wadie1979
Winnipeg, Canada500 contributions
Aug 2013 • Couples
I don't want to sound like a broken record but if you've read more than a few reviews for Cascade Canyon you've already heard this: If you make it all the way up to Inspiration Point don't turn back after checking out the view. The best is yet to come and you've already come through the most strenuous part of the trail. There's nothing quite like seeing the canyon open up before you as you walk further up the trail. You can choose how far you want to go into the canyon based on your energy levels but definitely go at least an extra 15-30 minutes into the canyon to take in the magnificent views. It's easy to understand why this is one of the most popular and beloved hikes in Grand Teton. You will not regret the extra effort (though you might be hurting a bit more that night)!
Written September 12, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dorysdad
houston texas41 contributions
Once you get past the crowds hiking to Inspiration Point and Hidden Falls (both are quite impressive and scenic) the trail levels out and is quiet and very scenic. We were fortunate to see 2 bull moose in the 1st meadow on July 12th, 2008 around 1PM. Consider taking the horse trail on the way back down. It starts about 1/3 mile above Inspiration Point and is very quiet compared to the main trail. You hike through forest, and cross a nice stream with a waterfall. When you get to the bottom, hang a right and soon you are back at the boat dock.
Written July 22, 2008
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mitchellg815
Sergeant Bluff10 contributions
We had a great day hiking to Cascade. A guide on a whitewater trip that we took down the Snake River gave us some advice and told us to take the Jenny Lake Boat over to the other side of the lake and then hike to Cascade Canyon from there. We are sure glad we took his advice. Inspiration Point and Hidden Falls were great, but there were also lots of people. Once we started hiking up Cascade Canyon, there was hardly anyone. We saw a moose from a distance. We also ran into some people who said they saw a bear. We were a little nervous, since we had left our bear spray in the car (not a good place for it). But we did not see the bear. If you want to avoid people, I would definitely see the sights the way we did. One thing is to make sure you bring enough water. The higher altitude got to us some and by the end we were wishing we had more water.
Written December 26, 2009
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bruce M
Sydney, Australia823 contributions
Sept 2013 • Couples
We took the ferry across Jenny Lake on the way over which cuts off about 2 or so miles to the trailhead. However, on the way back, its well worth traversing the walk back to the Jenny Lake visitor centre around the lake. The last ferry leaves the trailhead site for the return to the visitor at 4pm so if you miss it don't stress as this part of the walk can be done in about an hour and is fairly easy with a couple of moderate climbs only.
We didn't quite reach Lake Solitude as the weather was turning nasty, although we got to within a mile of it which took about 2.5 hours from the trailhead. The return trip took a similar amount of time.
The first half mile of the Cascade Canyon trail is moderate to steep clim over some rough terrain to Inspiration Point lookout. About a further 10-15 minutes on from here the trail flattens out to any easy walk along the valley floor for the next 2 miles or so thru stands of pines and open meadows. The valley is quite wide here and there are excellent views of the surrounding peaks and a number of cascading waterfalls entering the valley from the sides.
At the end of the valley the trail forks and then there is a moderate uphill climb for about 2.5 miles to Lake Solitude.
It's a completely different hike to Paintbrush Canyon, Death Canyon, lupin Meadows/amphetheatre/Garnet trails, but equally pleasing as the others.
There was not a lot of animal life about the day we did the hike apart from the squirrel and chipmunks.
The trail basically follows the stream up through the canyon to Lake Solitude.
There are no supplies after the visitor centre so take enough water and food for the return hike
We didn't quite reach Lake Solitude as the weather was turning nasty, although we got to within a mile of it which took about 2.5 hours from the trailhead. The return trip took a similar amount of time.
The first half mile of the Cascade Canyon trail is moderate to steep clim over some rough terrain to Inspiration Point lookout. About a further 10-15 minutes on from here the trail flattens out to any easy walk along the valley floor for the next 2 miles or so thru stands of pines and open meadows. The valley is quite wide here and there are excellent views of the surrounding peaks and a number of cascading waterfalls entering the valley from the sides.
At the end of the valley the trail forks and then there is a moderate uphill climb for about 2.5 miles to Lake Solitude.
It's a completely different hike to Paintbrush Canyon, Death Canyon, lupin Meadows/amphetheatre/Garnet trails, but equally pleasing as the others.
There was not a lot of animal life about the day we did the hike apart from the squirrel and chipmunks.
The trail basically follows the stream up through the canyon to Lake Solitude.
There are no supplies after the visitor centre so take enough water and food for the return hike
Written October 9, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kmp1983
Fort Valley, GA90 contributions
Jun 2012 • Family
My favorite hike in GTNP and Yellowstone! Everywhere you turn there is beauty and wildlife. We saw a moose, a marmot and a bear, as well as, countless birds. In June the wildflowers are eye-popping! If you plan to hike far into the canyon or finish your hike with walk around Jenny Lake then I suggest you take the boat across the lake first thing in the morning. Save yourself for hiking far into the canyon! The climb up the steep rocky ledge can be daunting, but persevere. You will be greatly rewarded for your labor. Please go on beyond Inspiration Point. It just gets better and better. I agree that you should take all day, so you can go as far as possible into the canyon. You'll be glad you did! My family and I loved this hike so much that we had a painting commissioned so we could be reminded of the beauty of the place every day. (As for when I visited it was June of 2007 but that was not an option.)
Written March 18, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How far past Inspiration Point before you are surrounded by the mountains?
Written June 26, 2016
Hello Barbara, How far would you say the hike is to the water?
Written April 29, 2016
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