Near Cascade Falls and Big Pool
Rocky Mountain National Park: Yellow-Bellied Marmot
Near Cascade Falls and Big Pool
Twinberry campsite. First night on North Inlet Trail - doing the 30 mile loop.
Near Cascade Falls and Big Pool
Cascade Falls
Near Cascade Falls and Big Pool
Deer! On the North Inlet Trail.
Near Cascade Falls and Big Pool
High water mark with permission from Hobbes7714 Photo Credit: Andrew Wahr Link: https://twitter.com/WahrAndrew

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Driving Directions
Hike Route

Cascade Falls and Big Pool

4.4 (18 Ratings)
A scenic out-and-back featuring waterfalls and a natural pool.
7.3
mi
Distance
804
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
BirdingLakeRiver/CreekViewsWaterfallWildflowersWildlife

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
7.3mi
Distance
804ft
Elevation Gain
804ft
Elevation Loss
55%
Max Grade
8,912ft
High Point
8,469ft
Low Point
Path Type
There and Back
Description
Starting at the North Inlet Trailhead, head east on the North Inlet Trail as it follows a wide valley and enjoy the views of the marshlands. Soon after starting out, the trail enters a narrower, more rugged landscape. The lower reaches of this trail are very well traveled and meander along a fairly low grade along the creekside. After just over three miles, you'll arrive at the beautiful Cascade Falls. These falls are about 100 feet long as the North Inlet Creek descends over jagged granite. After viewing the falls, continue eastward on the North Inlet Trail toward Big Pool Campground. The campground was named after this natural feature that occurs along North Inlet just past a small waterfall. The pool is bound on one side by steep, 10-15 foot cliffs and more gradual sloping granite on the other. This is the turn around point for this route. Enjoy the varying terrain as you descend back towards Grand Lake on North Inlet Trail and keep your eyes peeled for marmots, moose and other critters.

Route Conditions

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Contributors
Brian Smith