Last summer's 20,000 plus acre Berry Creek fire might deter you from venturing to that area of Grand Teton National Park for a hike.
In fact, it is a fascinating and beautiful place to hike. Situated on the northwest side of Jackson Lake, it is one of the more remote areas of the park, but well worth the effort to get there. Hike eight miles from the trailhead on Grassy Lake Road to the Berry Creek patrol cabin,
and you will cross through terrain with different fire histories: some that has not burned in recent times, some that burned only in the early 2000s,
some that burned only in 2016,
and some that burned during both fires.
Fire changes landscapes in fascinating ways. It opens up views that one would not ordinarily see.
It leaves evidence of its incredible intensity.
But it also makes way for rebirth and regrowth.
I found the new growth astonishingly beautiful, especially because it stands out so dramatically against the blackened trees and ground.
Berry Creek and Owl Creek are notable for offering a very different aspect of the park from the more popular regions closer to the high peaks. The trails are gentler and the canyons more open than, for example, Cascade and Paintbrush Canyons. They are also far less traveled.
Besides hiking in from Grassy Lake Road (here is a map with a route that covers both Berry Creek and Owl Creek), you can also reach the area by canoeing across Jackson Lake from the Lizard Creek campground. Note that this photo is from the parking area south of Lizard Creek - due to closures around the August 21 solar eclipse we were not allowed to launch our canoe from the campground.
If you plan to canoe, be warned that Jackson Lake can be quite windy, especially in the late afternoon, making the crossing dangerous. Should you encounter strong winds, you can take the longer, but calmer, way by hugging the shore all the way around the north end of the lake.
Happy trails.
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| 2016 Berry Creek fire |
In fact, it is a fascinating and beautiful place to hike. Situated on the northwest side of Jackson Lake, it is one of the more remote areas of the park, but well worth the effort to get there. Hike eight miles from the trailhead on Grassy Lake Road to the Berry Creek patrol cabin,
and you will cross through terrain with different fire histories: some that has not burned in recent times, some that burned only in the early 2000s,
some that burned only in 2016,
and some that burned during both fires.
Fire changes landscapes in fascinating ways. It opens up views that one would not ordinarily see.
It leaves evidence of its incredible intensity.
But it also makes way for rebirth and regrowth.
I found the new growth astonishingly beautiful, especially because it stands out so dramatically against the blackened trees and ground.
 |
| Fireweed |
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| Owl Creek |
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| Along Owl Creek |
If you plan to canoe, be warned that Jackson Lake can be quite windy, especially in the late afternoon, making the crossing dangerous. Should you encounter strong winds, you can take the longer, but calmer, way by hugging the shore all the way around the north end of the lake.
Happy trails.
