Hiking Jackson Lake

Marina with Tetons in the Background

After 3 days of Pineapple Express weather fronts, we got out and traveled over Teton Pass into Jackson, Wyoming yesterday and drove north to the Grand Teton National Park's north entrance - Jackson Lake and Colter Visitor Center.  I was surprised at how big this lake is, formed from the glacier runoff and snow/ice snow melt of the Tetons.  There are 7 lakes in the park and we chose this lake to do some hiking, will hike Jenny Lake another day.  Stopped at the visitor's center to get the scoop on the best viewing of the Tetons and for photography.  The visitor's center is in front of the marina, so logical we started out on the walk around the marina first.  Were very surprised at how large some of the boats were, and, we saw a sailboat just like we had many years ago - a MacGregor.  Now we knew it would be a good day! Walked the short path that hugged the bank of the marina and came across a vista view of the Tetons.  Wow.

Wilderness and Columbine Waterfalls Looking Across Jackson Lake

Oxbow Bend on Snake River, View of  Mt. Moran

From the walk by the marina we spotted a waterfall way across the lake on the mountain side.  Only through our binoculars could we verify that it was indeed a waterfall  (we love waterfalls!).  Came back to the beginning and took the lakeside trail out to a small island which skirts the edge of the lake for 2 miles.  Oh my - saw a notice that said there was a bear sighting on this trail just two days ago - beware!  Got me a little nervous.  But since there were others on the trail our chances of meeting the bear were diminished.  We did see hikers who wore bells (like jingle bells) and from what we read, these are not effective at all.  We have learned prior to the hike what to do if we encounter a bear so we were prepared.  We have also looked into purchasing a bear repellent spray - but the price of this is very cost prohibitive.  We will stick with making loud noises and clapping our hands.

I could have stayed out on this island all day and find a log to sit on to stare at the Tetons. So very calming.  When we neared the west side of the island which was where the lake opened up in front of the mountains, the waterfall wasn't just one - it was a two.  These two are called the Wilderness and Columbine Waterfalls - each is 250 feet tall - too far away to hear it but you could see how much water was flowing.  The park's information said that if you wanted to see the falls up close - boat access was the only way.

On our way back from the hike we stopped at a place called Oxbow Bend Overlook on the Snake River.  This location is one of the top 7 spots to see the Tetons.  Glad we stopped - the pics are amazing.  And finally - the clouds lifted high enough to see the peaks on all the mountains.  Yeah! A really good day!