31 Two Ocean Lake

Description: A medium-length hike around a large lake in a lesser-known section of the park

Start: Two Ocean Lake Picnic Area and Trailhead

Total distance: 6.4-mile loop

Difficulty: Moderate

Best season: Mid-June through Sept

Maps: Earthwalk Press Grand Teton map; National Park Service handout map

Finding the trailhead: From the Jackson Lake Junction, drive east on US 287 for 2.6 miles and turn left (north) on Pacific Creek Road. From the Moran Junction, drive west on US 287 for 1.2 miles and turn right (north) onto Pacific Creek Road. Once on Pacific Creek Road, drive 2 miles before turning left (north) on Two Ocean Lake Road, which ends at the picnic area and trailhead 2.4 miles later. Pacific Creek Road is paved, but Two Ocean Lake Road is not, but it is accessible by most vehicles when in good condition. In the spring, heavy rains sometimes turn this road into a quagmire and the NPS closes it, so be sure to check the status of the road at an entrance station or visitor center before making the trip. Park at the trailhead, which has picnic tables and a toilet. Trailhead GPS: 43.901231 / -110.501607

The Hike

When I took this hike in late June, I didn’t see another hiker, which is next to amazing considering how nice it is. The reason? When you think of hiking in Grand Teton, you don’t think of gentle trails around forest-lined mountain lakes. Instead, you think of walking around the great peaks. Consequently, it appears that the northeast corner of the park has been spared the popularity of its western section.

You can take the loop in either direction. I liked the north shore better because it was more open and the Teton Range was visible across the lake on the horizon. Since the morning is clear more often than the afternoon, you might try the north shore first.

Hiking around Two Ocean Lake. National Park Service

Along the north shore, the Two Ocean Lake Trail splits. Take the high route, as the low route is for horses and has no footbridges over streams and marshy areas. Most of the north-shore trail goes through meadows with consistently great scenery. The north-shore route is also slightly longer than the south shore. The south shore is more forested and has fewer views of the lake, but it has a few large meadows.

Watch for waterfowl on the lake and moose in the thickets lining both shores. Also, and most important, bring bear pepper spray and stay alert for signs of the great bear, as grizzlies are more common in this area than in other parts of the park.

Camping: No camping allowed along this route.

Options: You can take this loop in reverse with no extra difficulty. You can also start this loop at the Grand View Point Trailhead, a good option in the spring if the Two Ocean Lake Road is closed.

Side trips: When you get to the west end of the lake, you can take a short side trip to the top of Grand View Point for a truly grand view of the lake you’re hiking around. You can also take a 2-mile (round-trip) trail from the picnic area to see Emma Matilda Lake.

Miles and Directions

0.0Two Ocean Lake Picnic Area and Trailhead

3.3Junction at the west end of lake; turn left

6.4Two Ocean Lake Picnic Area and Trailhead