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Steep, rugged trail up a mountain canyon to a lovely waterfall and an alpine lake.


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Map Key

3.2

Miles

5.1

KM

Point to Point

5,205' 1,587 m

High

3,526' 1,075 m

Low

1,699' 518 m

Up

60' 18 m

Down

10%

Avg Grade (6°)

75%

Max Grade (37°)

Dogs Off-leash

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Fishing · Lake · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

The road up to the trailhead is dirt and may be potholed with washboard, but 4x4 and exceptionally high clearance are usually not required in dry weather.

Need to Know

The trail can be "crowded" on summer weekends. There is a stone table, but no restrooms, at the trailhead. Bring bug spray as the trail and the area around the lake can be buggy.

Description

Begin at the Leigh Lake Trailhead. The path climbs steeply through the forest, entering the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness at mile 0.3. The trail steepens at about mile 1.0 to climb up through a boulder field - light scrambling may be necessary; use care to stay on the trail.

At mile 1.2, the path passes the base of the waterfall in the outlet of Leigh Lake. This is a spectacular view, and well worth the effort to hike to. Continue up the trail with a few more light scrambles, then descend on the trail through the brush to Leigh Lake.

Many hikers turn right to go along the lakeshore for better views over Leigh Lake.

Contacts

Shared By:

Anne Travels

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 4 votes

#8140

Overall
  4.5 from 4 votes
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Trail Rankings

#206

in Montana

#8,140

Overall
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1,457 Since Aug 27, 2019
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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
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Check-Ins

Sep 10, 2023
Sara Sawyer
Steep, rugged trail. Felt like a mountain goat at times. Most beautiful reward at the end! 3.2mi — 9h 30m
Nov 16, 2019
Ally Gran
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