Wydaho
Labor Day weekend 2023 - Two friends backpack the Tetons
CASCADE TRAIL
Michaela and Sprite pose in front of the trail’s namesake
Michaela and I chatted over the phone to solidify our plans a few long weeks before the culminating holiday weekend of the summer. We were determined to trek across the Tetons. Ok, I was determined and Michaela willingly supported that dream. After discussing shared gear, food, timing, and routing, I lined up other close friends to drop us off in the park. I couldn’t believe my luck, Michaela was finally coming up for a visit and we were going BIG!
FRIDAY
The day finally arrived. Michaela showed up in the early evening and we excitedly headed in to Teton Canyon to drop her car off on our way to dinner. Admiring the sights and sounds of the solitude of the canyon on our way in we soon discovered two moose blocked the main trailhead to Alaska Basin. Did we slowly back away to park in the overflow lot then joke about inadvertently disturbing date night? Yes. Yes, we did. Then, we slowly maneuvered all the way back out the fire road figuring out the difficult decision of where to eat in Driggs, Idaho.
You want me to state the planned route but I think pictures are better. Maybe because I have a fascination with maps. Or maybe because I don’t think I could describe the route to fully give it the appeal it deserves. I’ll highlight some key points for you though before you study the map below:
Jenny Lake boat ride - a must when visiting Grand Teton National Park (Also, a good excuse for hiking less miles. ;-)
Cascade Canyon to South Fork Cascade Canyon - following Cascade creek affords you mesmerizing views to the soundtrack of rushing water
Hurricane Pass - we ate lunch before this difficult climb and felt no shame at stopping to take in the views at the corner of multiple switchbacks
Teton Creek to Sunset Lake - walking the ridgeline overlooking two states captured our hearts and inspired us for the final miles to Sunset Lake
No spoilers here so keep reading!
The plan
SATURDAY
Brimming with excitement, we double checked our gear and hastily ate breakfast. My friend picked us up and off we went to pick up one more friend, which began our adventure. Again, I’m the luckiest human! My two friends ferrying Michaela and I—I’ve mentioned them before so you know the ones—are always up for transporting me to and inviting me along on adventures. They joined Michaela and I for the Jenny Lake boat ride and hiked up Cascade Canyon until they felt they needed to turn around.
In the early morning, we took pictures on the dock in front of jaw-dropping jagged peak views. We held our heavy packs tight in our laps across the peaceful lake crossing. We giddily admired the trees, the waterfalls, the rocky outcroppings of the canyon walls. What a glorious morning and way to spend a day!
Sprite following friends into Cascade Canyon
About 5 miles in we hooked a left and began visibly climbing. The steeper section afforded different views and close-ups on cascading waterfalls. Another 4-5 miles passed and our appetites pulled us over in an open meadow with flat rocks. At this point, a direct line of sight to Hurricane Pass loomed in the distance. We savored the mostly sunny afternoon underneath the Grand and considered how long it would take us to conquer all the switchbacks ahead. And, if you’re wondering, we shared a delicious meal with Michaela teaching me how enjoyable lemon pepper tuna could taste.
Trail runners passed us on their way down Hurricane Pass while we toiled on our way up. We marveled at the view. We took panoramas. We have no words. You have to get out there to experience it for yourself! Finally, we crested and began tiptoeing along the ridgeline. Taking in the vastness of two states simultaneously sunk into our hearts and we continued to capture the moment with our cameras. We cruised along some downhill while discussing the obviousness of Autumn on its way as evidenced by the grasses and end of wildflowers sweeping by our legs.
Sprite admiring the Tetons from Hurricane Pass (photo cred to Michaela)
Michaela and Sprite enjoying camp dinners
When we came upon Sunset Lake and saw the closest campsite, we didn’t hesitate and started setting up our tent. We didn’t even bother searching around for a more suitable location. This one was perfect and meant for us. Especially because drizzle began urging us on. Don’t worry though, the rain was light and swift, allowing us to make dinner in sunshine and play some rounds of cards on a small flat rock. Soon the light began to fade and the wind to cool our skin forcing us into the tent to settle for the night.
SUNDAY
Sprite on the move
Upon waking, we finally had to discuss the reality we knew was blowing in any moment. Inclement weather. Yeah, I know I didn’t share that we already knew the forecast called for rough skies because I didn’t want it to cloud the beauty of the excursion thus far. Now, the decision to wait it out or plan our escape needed to be made. Oh wait, but first! Coffee and potatoes for breakfast!
Michaela is from Idaho and like me, appreciates potatoes in all styles and fashions. Therefore, she wisely taught me the carton of hashbrowns for breakfast while backpacking/camping trick. I. AM. HOOKED. How did I not discover this sooner? Mmmmm delicious! Alright, back to our morning of putting off a decision. We climbed back into our tent to complete the very important crossword puzzle that we were just shy of finishing before dozing off the night before. Our now razor sharp minds nailed it.
Now, for a decision. Well, actually we had a few tasks we could do to put it off just a leetle bit longer. We walked down to the lake and filtered water while eyeing the clouds and stretching out. It really didn’t seem that bad out there. In addition, no vicious looking clouds posed menacingly on the horizon. We remained on the the questionable side of the ability to make a firm decision.
Back at camp, my coffee worked it’s usual magic and a potty break sent me down the back of our campsite following a slight rock ledge to some trees that sort of hid me enough to dig a cat hole and hunker down. I got comfy. I looked forward. My breath hitched in my throat. There down below, directly in my gaze, snuffling around was a big black bear. In a site people had just vacated.
Did I have bear spray within grasp? Nope. Why not? I certainly knew better than to leave it back at camp. Yep, even the experienced are fools too. I’m shockingly living proof. So, I wrapped up my biz and stealthily snuck back up to camp and informed Michaela we were getting out.
Michaela was such a great sport about it all and we headed on down the trail happily chatting. The route today would be about 6.5 miles and we were confidant about beating the rain. This is where you chime in with laughter and ask, “how quickly were you soaked?” Not bad, we made it almost three miles before we pulled on our rain gear.
However, we slipped and slid through so much mud and muck that we were shocked the trail crews we happened upon seemed unscathed by the deluge. And even more shocked at all the groups heading into the canyon and up towards where we fled. Michaela laughed when I began speeding up realizing we were close to the trailhead. We cleared the trees, crossed the open meadow, and followed the creek. And walked right into a sunny patch of earth. Yup, you can’t make it up. We completed our trek in pure sunshine.
The dynamic duo conquering and dominating
Then, we enjoyed the warmth of the sun to dry us off during the car ride back to Tetonia. You know who else enjoyed the sunshine from the road? Cows. Dodging cows and potholes alike by gasping, screeching, and giggling around each turn we couldn’t help but read the side eyes emanating off the cows as anger. Disturbing their peace was the funniest way to recover from the cold rain. Hot showers would be the next step to relishing this adventure.
MONDAY
The rain battered Tetonia all day and we took advantage of the cozy day by remaining in our jammies hovered over a puzzle while sipping herbal tea. I can’t think of a more satisfactory conclusion to our epic trek across the Tetons. Michaela and I have memories, pictures, and stories to last a lifetime. What better way to spend a weekend? Cheers to the many more adventures we have upcoming!
