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Jackson Lake Lodge
The classic view from Jackson Lake Lodge, Grand Teton National Park.
World Famous Grizzly 399 and her quadruplet cubs, June 2021
Jackson Lake Lodge
When we think of Jackson Lake Lodge in Grand Teton National Park, what immediately comes to mind are moose, elk, grizzlies, and an incredible view overlooking Willow Flats and the Tetons. This magnificent place is one of our favorites, and once you look upon the fabled Willow Flats just behind the lodge to the west, you will understand why we feel this way.
The Lodge
Built in 1955, the Jackson Lake Lodge in Grand Teton National Park has a design that is the most "modern" in appearance of all three parks, and it is the newest. It's design is called "International Style", and it has a look that is quite different from the "Parkitecture Style" of the other famous old lodges of Yellowstone Park and Glacier Park, such as Many Glacier Hotel and Old Faithful Inn. However, for some unknown reason this style "fits" Grand Teton National Park perfectly- maybe because it's all we've ever known, or the architect who designed it really knew what he was doing (Gilbert Stanley Underwood). Whatever the case, the Jackson Lake Lodge in Grand Teton National Park fits this area like a glove, and we always enjoy visiting it.
The Grand Room in the Jackson Lake Lodge is huge, and the entire west wall is made of gigantic windows that overlook the Tetons and Willow Flats.
It's quite breathtaking when you enter the grand room from the east and see the Tetons practically in the same room with you. These huge windows are truly one of the most outstanding features of the Jackson Lake Lodge in Grand Teton National Park.
Willow Flats
The best part of the Jackson Lake Lodge in Grand Teton National Park is actually behind it. As you exit the grand room near the giant picture windows, you'll see a wonderful deck as well as a beautiful lawn that overlooks the iconic Willow Flats with the entire Teton Range behind it to the west. This is one of the most famous views of the Tetons, as well as one of the best places in Grand Teton National Park to see moose and elk.
These gigantic willowed flats offer ideal moose and elk habitat, and because the overlook provides such a fantastic vantage point, you can use your binoculars or spotting scope and see animals walking around these willows all day long if you'd like. And if you're lucky, you might even see the occasional grizzly bear walking through, which is always a thrill! There is also now a pack of wolves in the flats, but they are rarely seen.
This is the view of Willow Flats from the overlook behind the Jackson Lake Lodge in Grand Teton National Park.
If you don't see an animal right away, don't worry because they might just be behind some tall willows. As the animals continue to move around, they'll show themselves eventually. The BEST time to see animals here is in the early morning while they are feeding. Once they bed down for the day, they become very difficult to see in the tall grass and willows. Evening is also a great time to view wildlife here because once again, as it begins to cool down, the animals start feeding and moving around again.
When you think of Willow Flats near Jackson Lake Lodge in Grand Teton National Park, you definitely think of moose! This is prime moose habitat.
Lunch Tree Hill
As you are standing next to the fence and as you are facing Willow Flats and the Tetons, if you begin walking straight north along the fence, this turns into a wonderful little trail that takes you higher along the ridgeline overlooking Willow Flats. The views are amazing, and there is also an historic place called "Lunch Tree Hill" where visitors throughout the years take a picnic lunch to enjoy while looking out at some of the most beautiful scenery in Grand Teton National Park.
Additional Information
The Jackson Lake Lodge in Grand Teton National Park not only has 385 rooms, and many "cabins" to stay in, it also has restaurants, gift shops and a lounge. There is also a medical facility here, as well as a horse stable if you'd like to go on a guided horseback ride.
The Jackson Lake Lodge in Grand Teton National Park was built in 1955, and was designed in what architects call "International Style".
This is a view of the grand room in the Jackson Lake Lodge in Grand Teton National Park. The giant wall of windows is to the left, out of view of this photo.
The view of the Teton Mountain Range from behind the Jackson Lake Lodge in Grand Teton National Park is world-renowned.
You can watch elk "rut" throughout Willow Flats from the Jackson Lake Lodge in Grand Teton National Park during their mating season every fall.
Herd Bull Elk standing in Willow Flats
Willow Flats near Jackson Lake Lodge in Grand Teton National Park look a lot different when you're in them instead of looking at them from above. The willows are much taller than they appear from the overlook.
Large male grizzly on Willow Flats
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