A Quieter Day at Leigh Lake

Leigh Lake begins with an easy change of pace. From the String Lake trailhead, the walk follows the lakeshore through one of the area’s most popular outdoor corridors, then opens toward a lake with broader views, deeper water and more room to settle into an afternoon.

The appeal is not that Leigh Lake is empty or unknown. The trail can see plenty of foot traffic, especially in popular periods. But compared with the activity around String Lake, its shoreline often offers a more peaceful place to linger, point a camera toward the mountains, launch a boat or simply sit near the water without feeling rushed.

The approach is an easy hike from the String Lake trailhead, making Leigh Lake an approachable outing for families as well as anyone who wants scenery without committing to a long backcountry day. The route ties the String Lake and Leigh Lake areas together, so the transition happens gradually: lakeshore walking first, then a sense that the day is opening up.

Near the end of String Lake, the route includes a bridge. Taking the left turn across it leads toward Leigh Lake, a useful little directional detail when the trails, water and views are competing for your attention.

A junction along the way also offers a right-hand turn toward a more secluded beach area. It is a nice option for people who would rather trade the main flow of walkers for a quieter stretch of shore, though the lake remains a popular destination overall.

Mosquitoes have been reported along the route, so bug spray is a sensible item to have in the daypack. The easy trail and regular presence of other hikers can also make the walk feel comfortable for someone heading out alone.

Leigh Lake’s deeper water gives it a different personality from a quick shoreline stop. Kayaks and canoes suit the setting especially well, letting paddlers move beyond the trail and take in the open water and mountain scenery at their own pace.

Bringing a boat does involve some work. Boats have to be portaged from the trailhead area, and a heavy kayak can make that carry physically demanding. It is worth factoring into the outing before choosing the biggest, most cumbersome boat in the garage.

Once on the lake, the pace can be wonderfully unstructured. Paddle for a while, drift near the shore, pull over for a break, then head back out. Leigh Lake is also used by campers, so it has the feel of a place that can hold more than a brief visit.

You do not need a boat to enjoy the water. Visitors swim at Leigh Lake and use it as a cool-down stop during a summer afternoon. In early August, the water has been described as warm enough for swimming, although lake temperatures naturally vary with weather and season.

The shoreline invites low-key wandering. There are appealing spots to stretch out by the water, watch the light change across the lake or climb around the rocks. This is informal rock scrambling rather than a formal attraction, and it suits the unhurried mood of the place.

A simple afternoon can easily include the hike in, a swim, a little time exploring the rocks and a long pause at the edge of the lake. Bring the swimsuit if water is part of the plan; it is much easier to enjoy an impromptu dip when you came prepared for one.

Leigh Lake is particularly good at giving photographers—and people who just like standing still with a view—a reason to take their time. The lake’s broad water, mountain backdrop and textured shoreline create plenty of angles without requiring a complicated trek to reach them.

The bridge, the shoreline rocks and the change from the narrower String Lake area to the more expansive views at Leigh Lake all provide natural stopping points. You can make the walk a destination in itself, then spend as much time as you like deciding where the best view happens to be.

Wildlife is never an appointment, but kayakers have spotted a family of otters from the water. Consider that a welcome possibility rather than a promise; the reliable spectacle here is the lake and the surrounding scenery.

Parking at the String Lake trailhead is limited and can fill quickly during popular periods. An early start is useful for securing a space, and it also leaves more of the day for the pleasant problem of deciding how long to stay at Leigh Lake.

For a lighter outing, the easy hike, a camera, water and a place to sit by the shore may be all that is needed. For a more active day, add a kayak or canoe, swimming gear and the willingness to handle the portage. Leigh Lake accommodates both approaches without asking visitors to choose between them.