The strangest coincidence happened when we parked at Jenny Lake. There were no picnic tables nearby so we decided to eat our picnic lunch in the car. While we were eating, several ladies returned to the car next to us. Amazingly, they were the same ladies we'd met on the Door Trail in the Badlands! Small world, hey?
There are two ways to get across Jenny Lake. You can hike two miles (each way), or you can buy a ticket for a boat ride.We opted for the boat ride.
Why cross Jenny Lake?Two reasons. First, the other side of the lake provides access to the very edge of the mountain range. Second, it brings you to the head of Cascade Canyon Trail.
There are many beautiful things to see on the Cascade Canyon Trail. It crudely follows the course of a swiftly flowing stream. At low elevation, the stream spills through several beautiful rapids. Alas, the trail makes for a pretty steep climb. So Ma hung back at one of the river crossings. I continued solo to Hidden Falls.You hear the roar first. It gets louder as you draw nearer. The trail then wends its way into a deeply shadowed glen. The temperature drops dramatically. As you approach the split rail fence, the waterfall unfolds in front of you. So beautiful!
The trail continues up the mountain. There were several lookouts to Jenny Lake, like this one.
I paused to rest at the lookout, and this golden-mantled ground squirrel joined me.The ultimate destination of the trail is called Inspiration Point. I hear it's the best lookout of Jenny Lake. But I'd had my fill, plus Ma was waiting below. So, I decided to head back.