The glacial lakes in Jackson Hole are stunning. Clear and reflective, with a perfect blue cast. I'm not sure I've ever seen such pure water in nature. I grew up on Lake Erie, and I've been to the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean Sea, and the Aegean Sea. I've seen the Pacific Ocean from near San Francisco and of course, I live on Long Island, with the Atlantic Ocean half an hour from my door. In my experience, nothing compares to the glacial lakes for clarity and reflectivity.
Lake Jenny, at the foot of Cascade Canyon.
Not all of the water in Jackson Hole is the result of glacial melting. The Snake River is the main water feature. Below is a view of the Snake from the Oxbow Bend.
The Snake River, Oxbow Bend.
Probably my favorite glacial lake is the one we encountered on Mount Glory. Surrounded on three sides by mountain, this (as far as I know) nameless crystal lake feels secret and special. It took a two-hour uphill hike to get to it. We spent an hour walking the perimeter, taking photos, and basking in the quiet.
Rouxie contemplates the lake.
There's very little distortion from the water. You can see the rocks below the surface in great detail from far away.
Try as I might, I couldn't fit the whole lake into the scope of my 210mm lens. That little blue speck on the shore on the right? That's Chris. It's that big.
It wasn't all clear. There was some algae or something clouding the water here.
from a technical point of view, not one of my best photos. The lake was more blue than green. Still, amazing to look at.
In my next installment, we'll wrap up with some close-up flora and a few people. I hope you're enjoying this little travelogue as much as I am.