Pros & cons
PROS
- Secluded lakeshore hike with intermittent Teton Range views
- Early–mid summer wildflowers and excellent birding/wildlife potential
CONS
- Heavy mosquitoes in season
- Active bear country and very limited facilities
Overview
Two Ocean Lake is a quiet, glacial lake in the northeastern corner of the park, reached by a gravel road. It’s the antidote to the hustle around Jenny and String: gentler trails, fewer people, and a long lakeshore loop with periodic views of the Teton Range.
What You’ll See
Expect a mix of conifer forest, sagebrush meadows, and marshy lakeshore. Early to mid‑summer lights up with wildflowers, and the calm water often mirrors clouds and ridgelines. Birders do well here—waterfowl and other species work the marshy edges—and large mammals are possible.
Trails and Options
From the Two Ocean Lake Trailhead, you can loop the lake and link into a mellow network connecting to Emma Matilda Lake. If you want a bigger panorama, add the steeper connector up to Grand View Point for sweeping looks over Jackson Lake and the Tetons.
Wildlife and Safety
This is bear country any time of day or season. Travel in groups when you can, make noise in brushy sections, and keep bear spray accessible. Give all wildlife a wide berth.
Amenities and Logistics
Amenities are bare‑bones: a small dirt parking lot, a vault toilet, and a few picnic tables. There’s no potable water and no food or store—bring everything you need. Backcountry camping isn’t accessed from this trailhead; treat it as a day‑use hiking spot.
Best Time to Visit
If you’re chasing wildflowers, aim for early to mid‑summer—and bring strong insect repellent because mosquitoes thrive in the marshy sections. Crowd‑wise, this area is generally more secluded than the park’s marquee stops, which makes it a solid pick when everything else feels busy.
Where it is
43.9085, -110.5219Tips for Two Ocean Lake
- 01Bring strong insect repellent in early–mid summer; mosquitoes are notorious here.
- 02Carry bear spray, hike in groups when possible, and make noise in brushy stretches.
- 03Pack all the water you’ll need; there’s no potable water at the trailhead.
- 04Parking is a small dirt lot—arrive early or late to find a spot.
- 05Link Emma Matilda Lake or add the spur to Grand View Point for bigger views.
Amenities
Near Two Ocean Lake
All places →All trails →
1.1 mi awayTwo Ocean Lake LoopQuiet lakeshore loop with big Teton views and real solitudeModerate · 6.4 mi · 4 hr
1.1 mi awayEmma Matilda Lake LoopQuiet lake loop with sweeping Teton views and real wildlife oddsModerate · 10.7 mi · 5.5 hr
1.4 mi awayEmma Matilda LakeQuiet loop with big Teton views and classic glacial terrainTrailhead · Parking
1.9 mi awayGrand View Point TrailShort climb to one of the Tetons’ widest lake-and-peak panoramasModerate · 2.6 mi · 1.5 hr
3.2 mi awayOxbow Bend TurnoutMirror-like Moran reflections and easy wildlife from a roadside pull-offPullout · Parking
3.2 mi awayChristian Pond LoopEasy loop with marsh wildlife and underrated Teton views.Easy · 3.5 mi · 1.5 hr
3.4 mi awayLunch Tree HillFive-minute climb to big Teton views and Willow Flats wildlifeTrailhead · Parking
3.5 mi awayPilgrim CreekQuiet creek corridor famed for grizzly sightings and meadow viewsTrailhead · Pullout
