Two Ocean Lake Trail

At a glance

• Length: About 6.3 miles as mapped by the National Park Service
• Use: Hiking
• Surface: Earth
• Season: Summer and fall
• Time of day: Day
• Elevation: From about 6,900 feet to about 7,010 feet
• Trailhead: Two Ocean Lake Trailhead
• Facilities: Parking, picnic tables, a vault or composting toilet, trash receptacles and lake access
• Park area: Grand Teton
• Longer option: The Two Ocean Lake–Emma Matilda Lake Loop takes about 7 hours

Why hike it

Two Ocean Lake Trail provides access to the shore of Two Ocean Lake. The mapped route is about 6.3 miles and follows an earth surface.

Hikers can connect this trail with routes around Two Ocean and Emma Matilda lakes. That longer circuit climbs to Grand View Point before descending toward Emma Matilda Lake.

Early and midsummer bring wildflowers to the surrounding area. The wet, marshy setting also supports many mosquitoes, so bug spray is useful.

Getting to the trailhead

Park at the Two Ocean Lake Trailhead. The parking lot, trailhead and Two Ocean Lake Picnic Area are together. A restroom is also at the starting area.

The Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center is about 20 miles away. Moose, Wyoming, is about 20 miles away in a straight line. Jackson, Wyoming, is about 32 miles away.

Nearby airports include Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) and Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA). These are listed as access points, but no driving routes or travel times are provided.

Visitors may enter Grand Teton National Park at any time. However, vehicle access and visitor services change during the year. Check current access before traveling to the trailhead.

On the trail

The National Park Service maps Two Ocean Lake Trail at about 6.3 miles. Actual walking distance can be slightly longer because mapped trails may be divided into separate pieces.

The mapped route ranges from about 6,900 feet to about 7,010 feet. These elevations are estimates from an elevation model along the route.

The trail begins at Two Ocean Lake Trailhead beside the picnic area. Its surface is earth, and it is designated for hiking.

A broader Two Ocean Lake–Emma Matilda Lake Loop starts from the same trailhead. It first follows the north shore of Two Ocean Lake. The route then climbs to Grand View Point and descends to Emma Matilda Lake.

That complete loop is 13.2 miles and gains 1,960 feet. The National Park Service describes it as moderately strenuous and also as strenuous. A typical trip takes 420 minutes, or 7 hours.

The full loop has an average slope of 5%. Expect obstacles and a narrow path through thick underbrush. These conditions apply to the longer Two Ocean Lake–Emma Matilda Lake Loop.

What you will see

Two Ocean Lake is visible through conifers near the picnic area. The trees provide some shade around the tables and trailhead.

On the full loop, Grand View Point provides broad views across Two Ocean Lake, Emma Matilda Lake and Jackson Hole. The route later descends toward Emma Matilda Lake.

Wildflowers grow in the area during early to midsummer. Wet and marshy ground makes the area especially favorable for mosquitoes.

History and nature

Two Ocean Lake takes its name from Two Ocean Plateau. That plateau lies on the Continental Divide in Yellowstone National Park, many miles northeast of the lake.

Despite its name, the lake does not drain toward two oceans. All of its water flows west into the Snake River.

Conifers surround the picnic area and partly screen the lake. Elsewhere, the route passes wet, marshy terrain and dense underbrush.

Some visitors carry canoes or kayaks through shrubs to reach the water. The designated Two Ocean Lake canoe and kayak access is about 0.1 miles from the trailhead area.

When to go

The listed hiking seasons are summer and fall, and the route is intended for daytime use. Early to midsummer offers wildflowers but also brings abundant mosquitoes.

Grand Teton weather can change quickly. Snow and frost are possible during any month, and winters are long and cold.

April, May and June alternate between mild days, cool nights, rain and snow. July and August generally have warm days and cool nights. Afternoon thunderstorms are common.

September, October and November alternate between sunny days, cold nights, rain and occasional snowstorms. From December through April, snow covers the mountains and valley. Days between storms can be sunny, while nights are frigid.

Check current conditions, alerts, motor vehicle access and available services on the park’s National Park Service website.

Accessibility

The facts do not identify Two Ocean Lake Trail as an accessible route. Its surface is earth.

The full Two Ocean Lake–Emma Matilda Lake Loop is moderately strenuous. It has a 5% average slope, obstacles and narrow sections through dense underbrush.

The loop covers 13.2 miles and includes 1,960 feet of elevation gain. Visitors should consider these conditions when deciding whether the route fits their needs.

A parking lot and restroom are at the trailhead. The available toilet is a vault or composting toilet.

Permits, fees and rules

Grand Teton National Park charges these entrance fees:

• Private vehicle: $35
• Motorcycle: $30
• Per person: $20
• Commercial sedan: $25

A boat permit is required before launching a canoe or kayak on Two Ocean Lake. Water access is about 0.1 miles from the trailhead area.

The listed trail use is hiking. Follow posted rules, use trash receptacles where provided and leave no trace.

Nearby trails and places

The Two Ocean–Emma Matilda Cutoff Trail connects at this location. It is about 0.7 miles as mapped by the National Park Service.

The Two Ocean Lake Picnic Area sits beside the parking lot and trailhead. It has a few picnic tables, a vault toilet and trash receptacles. Conifers shade parts of the area.

Two Ocean Lake canoe and kayak access is about 0.1 miles away. The main Two Ocean Lake–Emma Matilda Lake Loop also begins at this trailhead.

Before you go

Carry water, pack layers and bring bug spray. Prepare for changing weather, including possible frost or snow during any month and summer afternoon thunderstorms.

Check the park’s National Park Service website for current trail conditions, weather, closures and alerts. Confirm seasonal vehicle access and visitor services before leaving.

The longer loop takes about 7 hours and is strenuous. Account for its obstacles, narrow underbrush-lined path, elevation gain and marshy terrain.

Use the trailhead parking area and follow posted rules. Obtain a boat permit before launching a canoe or kayak.

Questions