The fork of Cascade Canyon, where the majestic canyon diverges into the North and South Forks, has become a popular day-hiking destination. Thanks to its forested and shaded terminus, along with a spectacular hike in through the iconic canyon, the fork has become a must-do destination in Grand Teton National Park.

There are multiple options to begin the hike, but for most, the Jenny Lake West Boat Dock will be the most likely. Using this option, you can enjoy a round trip boat ride across Jenny Lake. This eliminates roughly four miles from the hike, saving a lot of time and resources. This winds up totaling to about 10 miles round trip. Another options is to begin from the main Jenny Lake Trailhead, hike in the extra two miles, and then take a one-way boat trip back. This would leave you with a roughly 12-13 mile hike, round trip.

In either case, this writeup will assume you’re starting from the boat dock. If you’re starting from Jenny Lake, the trail is well signed and easy to follow, and you’ll pick up the same try just short of Hidden Falls.

Cascade Canyon Fork Trail Description

From the boat dock, begin by hiking up through the forest, quickly ascending at a modest pace. It be long before you cross a large footbridge spanning Cascade Creek, rushing through rapids below. Beyond the bridge, you’ll continue climbing up to a junction where you’ll want to head right. Just up the trail you’ll reach another junction for Hidden Falls. It’s a quick spur, so if this is your first time in the area, you should really check out the falls.

Once you’ve enjoyed the falls, continue back up the main trail by crossing a pair of footbridges across Cascade Creek. Immediately on the other side of the bridges, you’ll begin the climb up to Inspiration Point, easily the most challenging part of the whole hike. For roughly 0.3 miles, the trail will climb steeply up toward the point, occasionally along a rocky cliff face.

The climb ends abruptly as you round past a large rock face and see Jenny Lake sprawling into the landscape below. You’ll know you’re at Inspiration Point and not one of the false summits because a sign will indicate you’re at the right spot. If inclined, stop to enjoy the view, but please do not feed the wildlife – this includes squirrels, chipmunks, and marmots. Feeding them puts their lives at risk when winter comes around and the handouts disappear.

After you’ve enjoyed the view sufficiently, continue heading up the trail where the mouth of Cascade Canyon looms ahead, marked by massive granite cliffs. The view becomes partially obscured, however, as the forest thickens. Wind through the forest as you hear the rush of Cascade Creek nearby. At 1.3 miles in, you’ll connect with the Cascade Canyon Horse Trail branching off to the right. Head straight to stay on the Cascade Canyon Trail.

Beyond the junction, you’ll wrap around a meadow before paralleling Cascade Creek roaring just below the trail to the left. There are multiple opportunities to enjoy the water as it flows steadily by. At 1.7 miles in, you’ll emerge from the forest into a large boulder field with an unparalleled view of the canyon. For many, this makes for a great place to turn around, however, there’s plenty more of the canyon to see. So revel in the view any continue up the trail when ready.

At the other end of the boulder field, you’ll enter another forested grove. This begins to become a familiar pattern as the forest offers intimate views of the forest while the occasional clearing shows off the canyons stunning vistas. Many of these views feature incredibly tall waterfalls, cascading and pouring thousands of feet below the peak of Mount Owen. In addition to the stunning scenery, you can also expect to see a wide variety of wildlife, including mule deer, black bears, moose, marmots, pika, and many others.

As you approach 4 miles in, the forest will become permanent, steepening as you head nearer to the fork. You’ll cross another footbridge crossing the North Fork of Cascade Creek, where the trail fork sitting just a short distance ahead. As mentioned, there’s no view here to enjoy, however, if you head just a short distance up the South Fork, there is a fantastic waterfall sliding down a large cliff to see. Enjoy your time here and when ready, head back out the same way you came in.

Getting There

From the Craig Thomas, Grand Teton National Park Visitor Center, head up Teton Park Road for 7 miles. Turn left into the South Jenny Lake area and find a parking spot. Head into the developed area to locate the main Jenny Lake Loop Trail. This will start the Jenny Lake Loop Trail, and will also bring you to the boat dock.