Willow Flats Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Lake · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Starting from Jackson Lake Lodge, this hike begins on a mostly unused jeep road. Generally closed to vehicles, this road only sees motorized traffic from horse-riding groups being resupplied.

The first mile of the route heads through a marsh, which proves to be an incredibly ecologically diverse area. Chances are high of you seeing some wildlife. Continue onwards and pass by two beaver ponds and over Spring Creek on a small footbridge. From here you'll get a great view of the Teton Range as it towers over Jackson Lake.

After crossing the marsh, pass over Pilgrim Creek on a large concrete bridge and approach the first trail junction. At the junction, Willow Flats meets Second Creek Trail and you'll enter a forested area mainly comprised of cottonwoods. Take a right at this junction to stay on Willow Flats Trail.

After the junction the forest becomes more populated with conifers, and the trail beckons you to continue further, enjoying the cool views along the way. After the second intersection with Second Creek Trail, continue on for ~1 mile and you'll eventually reach the corral.

From the corral, Willow Flats Trail becomes wide singletrack and slowly re-enters the forest from the open corral area. Pass by Swan Lake Connector and the trail terminates at an intersection with Hermitage Point Connector.