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Details: Cascade Canyon Distance: 3.4 - 9.3 miles (round trip)Grand Teton National Park, near Grand Teton NP in The TetonsHike FactsDistance: 3.4 - 9.3 miles (round trip)Elevation: 6,800-ft. - 7,860-ft.Elevation Gain: 1,060-ft.Difficulty: moderateTrail Highlights: See Trail IntroBasecamp(s): Grand Teton NP / Jackson HoleRegion: The TetonsThe hike up Cascade Canyon features a scenic boat ride, beautiful waterfall and nice overlook with views of Jenny Lake, surrounding peaks and the Gros Ventre Mountains. Beyond the viewpoint the hike gently ascends gorgeous Cascade Canyon beneath towering peaks.Trailhead to Inspiration PointDistance from Trailhead: 1.8 miles (round trip)Ending/Highest Elevation: 7,200-ft.Elevation Gain: 400-ft.This hide starts by taking the shuttle boat (fee required) across Jenny Lake to the boat dock at the mouth of Cascade Canyon on the west side of the lake. The boat ride is quite scenic, featuring great views of Nez Perce (11,901-ft.), Teewinot Peak and Cascade Canyon. The shuttle boat, which runs every 10-15 minutes, reduces the hike distance to 2.0 miles one-way (4.0 miles round-trip). Check the current boat schedule before setting out. If you decide not to take the shuttle boat, the walk starts near the boat dock on the southeast side of Jenny Lake and then follows the Jenny Lake Trail around the south and west sides of the lake, reaching a junction with the Cascade Canyon trail at 2.1 miles. This hiking description assumes you start the hike at the boat dock on the west side of Jenny Lake. Add 2.0 miles to the hiking mileage listed below if you walk around the lake.From the boat dock at the mouth of Cascade Canyon the trail initially heads south, ascending on easy grades through spruce-fir forest. Soon the trail curves to the west, passes a junction (stay left) and then crosses a wood bridge over Cascade Creek at 0.2 miles.

Hiking TrailOne final stretch through beautiful Cascade CanyonThere are two main exit points from the Teton Crest Trail: one exiting via Cascade Canyon and one exiting via Paintbrush Canyon. This route focuses on the former. Both are spectacular, so choose whichever option works best!If you are camping in the North Fork Cascade Canyon camping zone you will be treated to spectacular morning views of the Grand. This is one of the top areas along the entire trail. Take your time here as there aren't a ton of miles to cover on the day. Descend back down the Lake Solitude Trail to the Cascade Canyon trail junction. Note, Lake Solitude is a wonderful spot, so try to include it in your itinerary. Once in Cascade Canyon you are treated to an awesome experience. This day's route is a bit different from a landscape perspective, given most of the Cascade Canyon trail goes through forest. Despite this, you still have incredible views of the peaks around you, including the Grand. Another plus is that the route features a flowing stream for most of the way, providing access to water as well as creating a peaceful backdrop. There are a few ponds along the way that are good spots to take a breather and take in the views.Now that you are in the forest, be aware of bears, as they are more likely to be seen along this stretch of the Teton Crest Trail. Once you leave Cascade Canyon you have a few options: take the boat ride over Jenny Lake or continue to the Leigh and String Lake trailhead. Your car will determine which exit point you take. Regardless of the route, you will have pretty open views of the towering peaks. Just make sure to look up!This last section of the Teton Crest is not as strenuous as the previous days, but you still get great views. Walking through Cascade Canyon is an experience everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy! The end of the route marks the end of the phenomenal Teton Crest Trail. This trail is truly one of the finest hiking routes within the entire National Park System. Every day along the trail is an experience in paradise. The trail will challenge you and will craft an experience that you'll remember for the rest of your life! Written by Jason Weiss

North side of the trail.At 3.4- and 3.7-miles the path travels along avalanche chutes beneath the steep slope of the Jaw and Buckingham Palace, summits along the ridge rimming the north side of the valley. The open slopes offer views of the rugged crags. Across the valley to the south a waterfall is soon seen cascading down the gorge below Valhalla Canyon, a hanging valley extending from the northwest flanks of Mount Owen and Grand Teton. A short distance beyond the summit of Grand Teton is seen rising beyond Mount Owen.At 4.0 mile the trail reenters the trees and a half mile beyond crosses a wood bridge over the rushing waters of Cascade Creek. The bridge is located just above the confluence of Cascade Creek with the South Fork of Cascade Creek. Beyond the bridge the trail climbs on moderate grades, reaching the Forks of Cascade Canyon at 4.65 miles. (Note: Our mileage includes the side trip to Hidden Falls.) The Forks, a forested junction where the North and South Fork of Cascade Canyon meet, is the turnaround spot for this hike. During the middle of the day the forks is a busy place, with both day hikers and backpackers using nearby logs to rest, eat lunch or just enjoy the creek rushing down the valley floor to the south of the trail. At the Forks, the South Fork of Cascade Canyon trail branches left (south/southwest), climbing to Hurricane Pass (10,400-ft.) while gaining 2,525-ft. in 5.1 miles. To the right (northwest) is the trail to Lake Solitude (9,035-ft.) and Paintbrush Divide (10,720-ft.). Note: If time and energy permit, I strongly recommend continuing beyond the Forks for 0.9 miles. The trail initially travels through forest, crossing to the west side of Cascade Canyon at 5.0 mile. As you ascend the trees

Beyond the bridge the trail climbs on moderate grades, passing junctions with the Jenny Lake trail. Stay on the Cascade Canyon trail toward Hidden Falls, Inspiration Point and Cascade Canyon.At 0.5 miles reach the junction with the spur trail to Hidden Falls, branching left. Take a detour and visit the viewing area at the base of the impressive falls, dropping over 200-ft. down a series of tiers. Return to the main trail after seeing the falls.Past the Hidden Falls junction the trail quickly crosses a wood bridge to the north side of Cascade Creek and then climbs rugged switchbacks up a granite knoll to Inspiration Point (7,220-ft.), 0.9 miles from the boat dock. As you climb enjoy views of the summits of Teewinot Mountain, Mount Owen and Grand Teton to the southwest.From Inspiration Point vistas extend across Jenny Lake to the Gros Ventre Mountains and the Gros Ventre Slide, a massive 1925 landslide. Turn around for views of Storm Point and Symmetry Spire to the west. Teewinot Mountain towers over Cascade Canyon to the southwest. As you stand at the viewpoint imagine the massive glacier that flowed out of Cascade Canyon. When the glacier receded it deposited the moraines (low ridges) that dam Jenny Lake. (Note: Views from the overlook are best in the afternoon.)Inspiration Point to the Forks of Cascade CanyonDistance from Trailhead: 9.3 miles (round trip)Ending/Highest Elevation: 7,860-ft.Elevation Gain: 1,060-ft.Beyond Inspiration Point the path curves to the west, ascending on easy grades through trees and lush vegetation along the north side of Cascade Canyon. The rugged crags of Cube Point rise to the north of the trail. Over the next 3.7 miles the trail will gain about 650-ft. on its way to the Forks of Cascade Canyon.At 1.3 miles pass the junction with the horse trail dropping down