And when you are ready to go, hop in the car and head to Dornan's at Moose Junction for a celebratory beer on their sun filled deck. String Lake is very inviting, and not quite as chilly, for a post-hike swim. and no sleeping overnight allowed many places, for example, not in the first 4+ miles of the Cascade Canyon trail, or the first 6+ miles of the Paintbrush. Follow signs to String Lake Parking Area and head back to your car. You'll circumnavigate Jenny Lake for a quarter of the lake's circumference. At the end of the canyon, take a short detour to see Hidden Falls (if you haven't already seen them).Ĭontinue on down to the Jenny Lake Boat Dock and turn Left. But don't let this take away from the spectacular scenery below Cascade Canyon's towering rock walls. It is also busier and you'll pass many day hikers, backpackers, and families. From this point onward, the trail is relatively flat and steady. Stopping on the large flat rocks near Lake Solitude is a must.Ĭontinue on down the North Fork through fields of wildflowers and rushing streams until you come to the junction at the forks. It can be windy and cold up here so make sure to bring an extra layer if you plan to take a break.įrom here the trail really only goes one way – down – and as you descend into the North Fork of Cascade Canyon, you'll be treated with views of the Cathedral Group as well as Lake Solitude. At the top of the Paintbrush Divide, you'll feel like you are on top of the world. This is often snow covered in sections, even in the heart of the summer, but steps are usually built in (ask a ranger about the Divide before you hike). Dip your feet in if you like.Ĭontinue up the trail towards Paintbrush Divide. This is a short detour but ends up linking up with the main trail. Higher up in the canyon look for a sign for Holly Lake. Keep watch for moose, bears, and lots of marmots. In the early summer, wildflowers are beautiful. From here the trail winds and rolls over a nicely maintained trail, slowly climbing higher and higher. You'll come to a sign for Paintbrush Canyon. Cross the bridge at the junction of Leigh and String Lakes. Park at the String Lake Parking Area and follow signs towards Leigh Lake/Paintbrush Canyon. You may need to bring an ice ax or hiking poles for support. Check with a ranger at the closest visitor center to make sure it is passable on foot. Warnings: Snow can sometimes cover the top of Paintbrush Divide.This hike can be completed as a full day hike or multi-day backpack (campsites are available in upper Paintbrush Canyon and Cascade Canyon – permits required). The views are spectacular the entire way through. Two high alpine lakes welcome a quick soaking of the feet or a full dip for the cold blooded. While Cascade Canyon is swarming with hikers, especially below the forks, Paintbrush Canyon offers a remote wilderness setting. If you don't have time for a multi-day backpacking trip in the Tetons, but still want to see the best of the backcountry, try a full day hike up Paintbrush Canyon, over the Paintbrush Divide, and back down Cascade Canyon.
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