Two Ocean & Emma Matilda Lake Trails in Grand Teton National Park
You can arrive at these lakes from the east or west: From the west, you begin at the Grand View Point Trailhead, 1 mile north of Jackson Lake Lodge, or at the Christian Pond Trailhead, just east of Jackson Lake Lodge. From the east, you go up Pacific Creek Road, 4 miles east of Jackson Lake Junction on the road to the Moran entrance. There is a pullout for Emma Matilda Lake 2 miles up this road, or you can go a half-mile farther, take a left on Two Ocean Lake Road, and go to the Two Ocean Lake Trailhead parking lot, from which trails lead to both lakes.
Emma Matilda Lake
The larger of the two lakes tucked into this northeastern corner of the park, Emma Matilda Lake offers excellent wildlife habitat, rolling terrain, and a splendid backcountry waterfront. We like starting from the trailhead on Pacific Creek Road. Head for the north shore first to hike it counterclockwise, looking out for ripe thimbleberries in high summer—but be aware that bears love them too, so practice good bear safety. Hike through aspen groves and up a steep ridgeline with birds-eye views over the lake, then swing south through sagebrush meadows. The southern shore is primarily a thick spruce/fir forest, save for the sweeping vantage point of Lookout Rock. You can also combine this loop with a circumnavigation of Two Ocean Lake for a much longer trip.
The larger of the two lakes tucked into this northeastern corner of the park, Emma Matilda Lake offers excellent wildlife habitat, rolling terrain, and a splendid backcountry waterfront. We like starting from the trailhead on Pacific Creek Road. Head for the north shore first to hike it counterclockwise, looking out for ripe thimbleberries in high summer—but be aware that bears love them too, so practice good bear safety. Hike through aspen groves and up a steep ridgeline with birds-eye views over the lake, then swing south through sagebrush meadows. The southern shore is primarily a thick spruce/fir forest, save for the sweeping vantage point of Lookout Rock. You can also combine this loop with a circumnavigation of Two Ocean Lake for a much longer trip.
9.9-mile loop. Easy to moderate. Access: Emma Matilda Lake Trailhead on Pacific Creek Rd.
Two Ocean Lake
The hike around this lake is shorter and easier than Emma Matilda’s trail, but you still get the same wildlife-scoping, wildflowers, and lake views—plus a chance to ascend to awe-inspiring views at Grand View Point. From the Two Ocean Trailhead, hike counterclockwise through meadows and aspen groves with peekaboo views of Two Ocean Lake and the Teton summits. Look out for waterfowl such as ducks, trumpeter swans, grebes, and loons. Once you start curving around the western edge of the lake, you can add on the 1-mile (one-way) spur up Grand View Point for the best vistas of the day. Huckleberries and thimbleberries are plentiful along the southern shore, so you can enjoy a foraged snack—just be very mindful of bears. This trail links up with Emma Matilda Lake Trail for a longer trip.
The hike around this lake is shorter and easier than Emma Matilda’s trail, but you still get the same wildlife-scoping, wildflowers, and lake views—plus a chance to ascend to awe-inspiring views at Grand View Point. From the Two Ocean Trailhead, hike counterclockwise through meadows and aspen groves with peekaboo views of Two Ocean Lake and the Teton summits. Look out for waterfowl such as ducks, trumpeter swans, grebes, and loons. Once you start curving around the western edge of the lake, you can add on the 1-mile (one-way) spur up Grand View Point for the best vistas of the day. Huckleberries and thimbleberries are plentiful along the southern shore, so you can enjoy a foraged snack—just be very mindful of bears. This trail links up with Emma Matilda Lake Trail for a longer trip.
6.4-mile loop, or 8.6 miles round-trip with the Grand View Point side trek. Easy to moderate. Access: Two Ocean Lake Trailhead on Two Ocean Lake Rd.