Let's take a hike...

The Tetons are a relatively short, narrow range of peaks that rise precipitously from the plain in front of them.  Almost all the hikes here begin near the base of the peaks on the eastern edge.  The hike into Cascade Canyon differs in one small respect.  Instead of plains at the base, there is Jenny Lake, and instead of driving to a trailhead, you take a boat.

See that notch in the peaks?  That is Cascade Canyon - our destination.

After getting off the boat, we begin to climb.  The trail parallels the Cascade Creek.  Look again at the first photo.  The Cascade Creek flows along the bottom of Cascade Canyon, gathering rainfall runoff, spring flow and snow melt into the relatively flat bottom of the Canyon before coming to the Canyon's eastern terminus and the rather abrupt drop to Jenny Lake.  Dropping through this area, Cascade Creek is a roaring, frothing tumult of unrelenting white water.

Cascade Creek is the source of Hidden Falls, a waterfall about half way up to Inspiration Point.

Continuing the climb, about 3/4 of the way up to Inspiration Point is a rock outcrop.  Lots of hikers think this is the Point; it's not. 

The steepest part is ahead.  If you want to see Inspiration Point, check out my post from a year ago.  I had better light for photographing the view over Jenny Lake then.

The trail flattens out a bit after Inspiration Point as it moves into Cascade Canyon.

 

As the trail flattens, the streamfall becomes less violent and it begins to broaden and slow, presenting more tranquil and absolutely captivating views.

Notice how the slies to the west are getting dark?  Yep, we're going to get wet.

 

The dark skies and freshly wet vegetation gave the scenery an intensely green appearance.

Our turnaround is at a pair of waterfalls dropping off the cliff face to our south.  The larger drop on the left is probably 150' high or more.  To the right is a feathery falls that is almost invisible at this distance.

Stopping for a rest and a snack just behind Inspiration Point, I was not the only one nibbling.  A marmot, almost black in coloration, was doing a bit of browsing.

Thanks for sharing the walk with me.  For a final shot, here is a 3-D image of the Canyon.  Click on it to enlarge it.  Then look PAST it so that it forms a double image.  Adjust how far past it you are looking so that the two sides of the image merge or superimpose to create one center image.

Sweet.