Western Wanderlust Chronicles

Setting Out from South Fork Cascade Canyon

Day 4 began with Jackie, Bill, and me setting off from South Fork Cascade Canyon, aiming for the North Fork and the serene beauty of Lake Solitude. This lake, with its stunning blue waters encircled by towering canyon walls, is the crowning jewel of Cascade Canyon. As we made our way, Bill spotted a black bear in the distance. Thankfully, the bear kept its distance, but its sheer size was a humbling reminder of the wild terrain we were traversing.

Lunch at Lake Solitude

We reached Lake Solitude and took a long, leisurely lunch. The cool waters invited us to dip our feet and relax, soaking in the tranquil beauty of our surroundings. However, the respite was short-lived as we faced the challenge of the day: ascending the daunting Paintbrush Divide.

The Ascent to Paintbrush Divide

The climb up Paintbrush Divide was a formidable task—a 2.25-mile ascent with a 1,700-foot elevation gain. From Lake Solitude, the trail looked intimidating, but we tackled it one step at a time. The journey upwards was grueling but immensely rewarding. Upon reaching the top, we were greeted with views that were nothing short of spectacular. Standing at 10,720 feet, we felt on top of the world, marveling at the breathtaking, mind-blowing vistas that stretched out below us.

Descending into Paintbrush Canyon

The descent into Paintbrush Canyon was steeper and shorter compared to the ascent from Cascade Canyon. The trail included challenging snow crossings, boulder fields, and scree. Despite the rugged terrain, we navigated our way down into a lush canyon filled with streams, pine trees, and vibrant meadows.

Camping at Holly Lake

We finally reached a picturesque campsite near Holly Lake, where we settled in for the night. The evening was spent enjoying a well-deserved dinner, reflecting on the day’s accomplishments, and relaxing in the peaceful ambiance of the canyon. Our major climbs were now behind us, and we looked forward to a downhill trek on Day 5, savoring the last moments of our incredible journey through the Tetons.