Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
amas (when the weather is clear) stretch across the Yellowstone caldera south to Yellow-
stone Lake, Canyon and the Hayden Valley and north to the Beartooth and Absaroka
Ranges. Below you are the smoking Washburn Hot Springs. Keep your eyes peeled for
marmots and bighorn sheep basking near the summit. If the crowds get too much, you can
always head five minutes down the Washburn Spur Trail for some peace and quiet. From
the summit return the way you came.
ALTERNATIVE ROUTE: MT WASHBURN SPUR TRAIL TO CANYON
3 HOURS, 8.1 MILES, 2340FT DESCENT
If you can arrange a shuttle, consider hiking the 5.4-mile
Mt Washburn Spur Trail
to the
junction with the Sevenmile Hole Trail and then on to the
Glacial Boulder Trailhead
Offline map
in Canyon, a total 11.3-mile hike through the heart of grizzly country and past
the
Washburn Hot Springs
. For an excellent overnight option, head down into the
Sevenmile Hole -
Click here
f
or details of both of these options. These hikes can be done
in reverse, but this adds 850ft of ascent.
Cascade Lake & Observation Peak
Duration
4-5 hours
Distance
10.4 miles
Difficulty
Moderate
Elevation Change
1400ft
Start/Finish
Cascade Lake Trailhead (4K5;
Click here
)
Nearest Town/Junction
Canyon
Summary
There's plenty of flexibility here for all levels, mixing an easy hike to Cascade
Lake with fine views atop Observation Peak.
There's something for everyone on this trail, which starts just a couple of minutes' drive
north of Canyon Village. The full hike climbs 1400ft to Observation Peak (9397ft), but
the easier turnaround at Cascade Lake gives a level hike of only 4.4 miles return (2½
hours). You can also add on a 4-mile return side trip to Grebe Lake, should you want. If
you can arrange a car shuttle, it's also possible to hike in from Cascade Lake Trailhead
and hike out south to the slightly further Cascade Creek Trailhead, on the Canyon-Norris
road.
