Just north of the Canyon Junction in Yellowstone, there is a picnic area and a trailhead for Cascade Lake. The picnic area is located just north of the trailhead parking, and both are easily accessible to the trail. You can use either spots as parking for this trail. It is just over 2 miles to the lake, making this hike around 4 miles. The trail is also flat and easy to Cascade Lake in Yellowstone.
We hiked this trail from the Cascade Lake Trail parking area. This trail starts out through the trees, and we spotted white-tailed deer and marmots along the way. The hike begins in the thick timber, and it is shady and beautiful. Soon, you come to a trail junction back to the picnic area. But stay to the left and along the Cascade Lake Trail.
After a short jaunt through the trees, this hike comes out in an open meadow. This is perfect moose country, and we watched among the willows in the lowland for one as we hiked along. There were no moose, but we did see five buffalo right near the path. Luckily, after a short wait, they moved off the trail enough to let us pass. Many have seen bears here, too, so be aware and prepared.
After the large meadow, the trail turns again and enters the basin where Cascade Lake lies. You can see it from far off, but you can’t get too close, at least, not in June. About 100 yards from the shore, the trail grew very wet. It was impossible to stay dry as it got wetter and wetter, and soon the grasses were a marsh with 2-6 inches of water at every step. We did reach the sign that directed us to the campsites, but we could get no closer to the lake without soaking our shoes entirely.
The hike back to the trailhead was easy and flat. There is virtually no elevation gain on this hike, making it perfect for a leisurely stroll through Yellowstone. Even though we didn’t get to the shore of Cascade Lake, we loved this trail. It was beautiful and easy; perfect for families. For our other recommendations, check out our Yellowstone Kid Hikes post.
