The first part of the climb is rather steep and takes us past Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point, the common destinations for most tourists who explore this trail. Our destination will require the better part of 8 hours to reach as we move slowly under the weight of our packs (Jeanine is carrying 30 pounds, I have 40) and the lack of oxygen at this altitude (Solitude Lake is at over 9,000 ft). Once we enter the main part of Cascade Canyon, the trail levels off following Cascade Creek and offers a variety of ecosystems along the way (dense Pole Pine forests, open meadows, and rock falls).