Lake Solitude Trail

Lake Solitude is a long out-and-back to a high alpine lake at the head of North Fork Cascade Canyon. This saved route follows the boat-access version from West Shore Boat Dock, passes Inspiration Point and turns right at the Forks of Cascade Canyon. It measures about 15.1 miles round trip, with roughly 2,670 feet of climbing; allow 9 to 13 hours. Published mileage figures range from 14.4 to 15.3 miles, so use the longer end when planning. The route returns the way you came. Walking around the south end of Jenny Lake before joining it makes the trip about 18.3 miles round trip. The payoff is the whole canyon, a sustained final climb and a lake beneath a high rocky headwall.

Park at South Jenny Lake and take the shuttle boat to West Shore Boat Dock for this shorter version. The saved route starts at the west dock, so a walk around the lake does not follow the line shown here. Boat service has its own seasonal timetable and fare; check current service and the return departure before starting a full-day hike. The South Jenny Lake lot fills on busy summer days. The boat saves several miles of walking, while the walk-around route is a useful backup if the shuttle is not running, with a longer day as a result.

The trail climbs through forest, then joins the busy route toward Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point. Expect a rougher, rocky approach as you gain the ledge at Inspiration Point. Jenny Lake opens below, with the Cathedral Group rising across the canyon. Past the viewpoint, the crowds thin as the trail heads into Cascade Canyon. It follows Cascade Creek through shaded stretches and open meadows; the valley gradually narrows, and boulder slopes begin to crowd the creek. The long approach is comparatively gentle, which makes the distance feel deceptively manageable before the final branch.

At the Forks of Cascade Canyon, take the signed right branch toward Lake Solitude. The left branch leads toward Hurricane Pass and Alaska Basin; continuing beyond the lake over Paintbrush Divide turns this outing into the much longer Paintbrush-Cascade loop. From the junction, the trail gains elevation steadily for about 2.5 miles. Near the turn, look for the old Cascade Canyon Patrol Cabin, built in 1935 and later adapted for ranger use. The upper trail leaves much of the shade behind and grows steeper and rockier. Footing becomes uneven around boulders and creek crossings, so the climb takes longer than the mileage alone suggests.

Lake Solitude sits in a high glacial basin beneath a broad headwall. The last stretch climbs over a rocky moraine before a short side path drops to the lakeshore. From there, the view takes in the lake, the enclosing cliffs and the Teton peaks to the south. The shore is a natural place to stop for food and rest before retracing the climb and canyon. If the water is still, include the near shore in a photo to show the lake's scale against the rock walls.

Jenny Lake at the start of the hike fills a depression carved by glaciers; the same ice-shaped canyon landscape continues west into Cascade Canyon. The valley's creek, forest edges and willow patches are places visitors report seeing moose, while bears also live in the Jenny Lake area. Wildlife is never guaranteed. Give animals plenty of room and follow park guidance for traveling in bear country.

This is a strenuous, high-elevation hike. The open upper North Fork has little shade, and snow can linger after lower trails have cleared. Afternoon storms, wind and fast temperature changes matter more once you are above the tree line; choose a day with a stable forecast and leave enough daylight for the return to the boat dock. Pets are prohibited on park trails. Overnight stays require a backcountry permit. Carry enough food and water for a long day, since there is no reliable resupply on the route.