A few years ago we enjoyed the hike to Two Oceans Lake. Since we were in Grand Teton National Park again, we decided to do a hike in the same area called Emma Matilda Lake. Everything we’d read about this hike was that it was over 10 miles, but we planned to do a much shorter version of our own design.
Where We Hiked
In order to reach the lake, we would travel Pacific Creek Road. Along this road is a trailhead with a small parking area signed for Emma Matilda Lake. From this point it is just 0.6 miles to a junction near the lake shore. We wanted to turn left and follow the shore for around half a mile and then turn back, making this hike just over 2 miles.
The Bugs
Unfortunately, we ran into a couple of problems. The first was the mosquitos, for which we were totally unprepared. We had shorts, t-shirts, and no bug spray. The biting and itching started out bad, but grew steadily worse as we approached the lake. The short climb up through the narrow draw was pleasant and very beautiful, and had we been prepared we would have loved this hike. There were lovely wildflowers along the way, but we didn’t dare stop to really enjoy them.
In order to be prepared, we should have worn long pants and long sleeves. Covering our necks would have been wise, too. Of course, a good mosquito repellent would have helped. As it was, the hike became unbearable, and we turned back before we would have liked to avoid being eaten alive.
The Lake
The second problem that we faced is distance from the lake. We never did get very near the shore, even though the maps seemed to indicate that we would. We drew with 50 yards, and then turned left. The trail stayed between 50-100 yards from the shore as we continued along the path, the mosquitos growing worse with every step.
After a short distance we crossed a bridge and continued through the thick trees. The area was beautiful and covered with wildflowers, but at just a third of a mile from the junction, we gave up and turned back, defeated by the bugs.
Emma Matilda Lake in Grand Teton is a great hike, but if you go, go prepared! Maybe you’ll make it a little further than we did! We hiked this trail in mid June, so maybe it would be better in the Fall. It was easy and mostly flat, so we are going to try again another time with better preparation. For some better family-friendly trails, check out Grand Teton Kid Hikes for all our recommendations.
