Distance: 5 miles
Type: Loop
Difficulty: Easy
Kid-friendly: Yes
Dog-friendly: Yes
Water: Yes
The Cache Creek Winter Loop is an easy-moderate hike in the Cache Creek Trail Network. Totaling just about 5 miles round trip, the trail is packed down well enough throughout the winter to not need any special winter gear, aside from whatever’s necessary to keep you warm. While there are plenty of trails here to explore in the summer months, these two are the only ones consistently packed down well enough for winter hiking. Note that you may also see fat-tire cyclists using the trail system as well, so be aware.
In addition, for those not wanting to hike the full 5 miles, you have numerous options to cut the loop short, if desired. Read on to find out how.
Cache Creek Winter Loop Trail Description
This loop can be hiked clockwise or counterclockwise, however I prefer to go counterclockwise. This provides some excellent views of the distant mountains beyond the mouth of the canyon as you’re on your way out.
Ferrin’s Trail
To begin heading counterclockwise, backtrack from the main parking area a short distance to the first trail on your left. It will be opposite an extra overflow parking area on the right. You’ll immediately cross Cache Creek at Bridge #1.
The forest will thicken as you wind your way up the Hagen Trail, quickly connecting with the Ferrin’s Trail forking off to the left. Both trails reconnect a short distance ahead, so take whichever one you feel inclined to. Just note that this post was written following the Ferrin’s Trail.
Heading left, the Ferrin’s Trail will emerge into a large and scenic meadow. The main parking area can be made out through the trees below. Along the way you’ll have the option for another detour, the River Trail. This side route parallels closer to Cache Creek, then connects with the Hagen Trail farther ahead.
Hagen Trail
Continuing ahead, the Ferrin’s Trail heads back into the woods and wanders through the peaceful forest. Farther ahead, you’ll join with the Hagen Trail, where you’ll want to head left. At 0.6 miles in, you’ll reach the other end of the River Trail as well. Continue wandering through the mature woods where you’ll reach another junction at 0.9 miles.
This is your first option to make a shorter loop, if desired. By heading left, you’ll cross Bridge #2 and quickly connect with the main Cache Creek Trail, a much wider trail, where you can head left back to the parking area. Each following junction will lead to another bridge, maintaining a similar pattern. For those moving on, head right to remain on the Hagen Trail.
The Hagen Trail will remain heavily wooded as you make a couple of quick ascents and descents, before reaching the infamous, Hagen Stairs. This short but steep section climbs roughly 100 feet in less than 0.1 miles, which is likely to slow down anyone. Note that if the conditions are more icy than snowy, you may want to detour around this section by taking Bridge #2 to the main Cache Creek Trail, then heading over Bridge #3 back to the Hagen Trail.
Assuming the Hagen Stairs are safe for travel, head up to the top where the trees thin out a bit for a brief moment. You’ll make another short, but much easier, ascent as you head back into thicker woods. The trail takes a relaxed downhill pace as you make your way to the Bridge #3 junction, at 1.35 miles. This scenic junction shows off stunning views of the canyon thanks to a large meadow.
Heading up from the junction, the Hagen Trail will drop closer to the creek, where it spreads out into a large wetlands area. The trail will gradually veer away from the creek and wetlands as you press deeper into the forest. Snaking through the forest, the tranquility of the area is almost impossible to ignore. At 1.8 miles in, you’ll reach the Bridge #4 junction, also known as the Gauging Station (found on the opposite side of the creek).
Moving farther up the Hagen Trail, you’ll enjoy more peace and quiet than most people visiting the trail system. The trail snakes through the denser forest before making a couple of easy switchbacks up to slightly higher elevations. The trees begin to thin out for a brief stretch here, and as you begin to descend in elevation again, you’ll notice the creek joining the side of the trail. Just a short distance farther is Bridge #5, the final bridge extending from the Hagen Trail. You’ll cross the creek at 2.6 miles in, followed quickly by the main Cache Creek Trail.
Cache Creek Trail
Head left onto the wide trail to begin making your way back to the parking area. Along the way, you’ll likely encounter cross-country skiers, fat-tire cyclists, as well as other hikers. The trail initially stays close to the creek before making a small climb, exposing captivating views of the Teton Range far in the distance. Continue wandering down the trail as you then reach the large wetlands area seen earlier along the Hagen Trail. Following the wetlands, you’ll descend through a forested grove, climb a small hill, and find yourself in one of the larger meadows, again with gorgeous views all around.
As you follow the trail downward into the forest, the trees will gradually thicken along the left side, while the bare south-facing hillside on your right rises steeply alongside. You’ll soon reach the primary trailhead where you’ll find the main parking area.
Elevation and route courtesy of Route Scout
Getting There
From Town Square in Jackson, Wyoming, head east on Broadway Ave. for 0.6 miles. Turn right onto Redmond Street and follow that for 0.4 miles. As you begin to head up a hill, turn left onto Cache Creek Drive and follow that for 1.2 miles where it will dead-end into the parking lot and trailhead.