Valley Trail

We started out to take the String Lake Loop Trail, a mere 3.6-mile loop around the lake that connects Jenny Lake to Leigh Lake. We began at the String Lake Trailhead, but, at 0.3 miles there is junction with the Valley Trail which runs along the northwest side of Jenny Lake at the base of the Tetons. We missed the trail markers at this junction and turned left along the Valley Trail instead of the String Lake Loop. It was a pretty enough hike along a portion of Jenny Lake and that leaves the String Lake Loop Trail for another day.

At the trailhead of String Lake Loop with the Tetons in the background.

The first section of the Valley Trail follows the outlet stream from String Lake to Jenny Lake. Here is where the streams joins Jenny Lake.

Looking back up the outlet stream. I'm trying to show the cascade at the top of the stream, but I don't think it shows up very well. It sure provided a nice sound as we hiked along.

Beginning the trail along the west shore of Jenny Lake.

About 45 minutes into the hike the clouds began to roll in and we could tell that rain was on the way.

Looking east across Jenny Lake. When there are no clouds, and the sun is shining, Jenny Lake is a beautiful shade of blue - but not today.

Since we missed the loop trail we had to come back the same way we went out. As we were hiking along the outlet stream we heard a series of loud whistles. At first we thought it was a big bird, but then we located this marmot. (He was probably looking for us to supply his lunch.)

Close-up

Today's hike:

Length: 3.3 miles

Duration: 1 hour, 45 minutes

Elevation gain: 200 feet (28 floors on the Fitbit)