Cascade Lake via Cascade Creek

The hike to Cascade Lake via Cascade Creek is a serene 2.8 mile hike through forests and meadows near Canyon Village in Yellowstone National Park.

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Cascade Lake via Cascade Creek Trail Description

From the trailhead, wander through the large meadow as you head straight toward the forest. You’ll enter the woods where a small pond in a smaller meadow appears on the right. As the trees get denser, you’ll enjoy easy hiking through the calm forest.

Maintaining a steady route ahead, you’ll wind around the west side of a large meadow lined with Cascade Creek nearby. Staying in the woods for a lengthy stretch, you’ll cut a bit deeper into the forest, followed by a quick crossing of Cascade Creek. Immediately after, you’ll reach a junction with the Cascade Lake Trail. Head left to continue to the lake.

You’ll make a brief ascent, crossing over a pair of seasonal creeks in the process, as you continue ahead through the forest. Soon the trees begin to give way to larger meadows. Not long after, the trail will open up into an immense and expansive meadow.

Meandering through the wide clearing, you’ll cross a small creek, followed by a backcountry campsite. Upon making another small creek crossing, you’ll begin to see Cascade Lake in the distance. Note that the trail can be quite saturated in the early months of the season, so be prepared.

Upon reaching the lake, you’ll find a junction to also access the Observation Peak Trail forking off to the right. Head left where you’ll see several spur trails leading down to the lake’s shores. The trail itself will continue to Grebe Lake 2 miles ahead, so a downed tree makes for a pleasant bench above the lake to rest and relax. When ready, head back out the same way you came in.

Getting There

From Canyon Village, head straight from the intersection for 0.25 miles. The trailhead will be on your right.