The trail to Hidden Falls has multiple starting points. Jenny Lake Trailhead is at the largest parking area near the Visitor Center. When weather permits, there is also a boat shuttle service that takes you directly across the lake which greatly reduces your hike distance.
We began our hike off Lupine Meadows Road at the Moose Pond Trail which connected to Jenny Lake Trail. Hidden Falls is located on the west side of Jenny Lake at the mouth of Cascade Canyon. In May, with spring thaw near peak, this snowmelt-fed, 100-foot cascading falls is one of the most popular destinations in Grand Teton National Park.
The rocky uphill trail through the forest provided plenty of fresh morning air to fill the lungs. Soon the lake was visible and the trail continued along the shoreline until we got to the junction of South Cascade Creek Trail. We were able to cross the creek here and see the raging waters below. The remaining distance to the falls was uphill. We couldn’t see the creek at all times but the roar of the cascades was ever-present.
The falls are a series of cascades that tumble over 100 feet to the Cascade Canyon floor. Deb and I found a perfect location to enjoy our snack and beverage while feeling the refreshing mist of the falls before we headed back for the return trek.
Inspiration Point is not far ( only a 1/2 Mile but ALL uphill with about 400 feet elevation gain ). We decided we’d save that for another time as we would love to extend our hiking adventures up through Cascade Canyon.
The views and scenery on the trail back were just as spectacular as it was going in. However, the solitude, peace and quiet were gone, now the waves of hikers were out in full force. We took our shortcut back to Moose Pond Trail. 4.6 miles for a breathtaking adventure! As we drove past the Jenny Lake Visitor Center, it was no surprise that parking had overflowed onto the shoulders of Teton Park Rd.
Click on any photo to enlarge
