WN Hiking Series: Refreshing yet rocky route to Leigh Lake

The beautiful hike to Leigh Lake is a favorite among many locals. For those not familiar with the route, wear good hiking shoes or boots because the last half-mile gets pretty interesting.

To reach the trailhead from Libby, head out of town south on Highway 2 and take a right onto Bear Creek Road. Follow Bear Creek for about three miles, take a right onto Cherry Creek Road (No. 867) and go another 4.4 miles. You’ll go through an open gate and find Leigh Creek Road (No. 4786), which takes over the final 1.8 miles to the trailhead. A sign directs you to the road.

The Snowshoe Mine reclamation project is again under way so if you go during the week, you should probably expect delays. The road to the trailhead is one of those with restrictions but it was smooth sailing this past Sunday. You might want to stick to weekends for this hike.

The trailhead parking lot has room for eight or more vehicles. Four short wooden posts mark the trailhead; the sign is down but you’ll find it to your left leaning against some logs and a tree. You will find a map and the usual info along with a registration box.

To the tune of the creek below, the first mile or so of the hike keeps you in the shade of magnificent trees. Along the way, take note of a huge fir tree, which I’ve read has a diameter of more than 4 feet. The trail is easy to follow and includes a steady climb.

You will reach a small waterfall where you can rest for a few minutes, splash some cold water on your face and pose for pictures. The views of the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness are as usual – incredible.

The trail begins to get rocky around this point and then you’ll reach the big waterfall. Now apparently, at certain times of the year, you can cross the steam and continue along a nice trail. If you can’t cross, you’ll take a trail to the right that heads up rocky outcroppings. An arrow points you in the right direction, which is good, because it can get confusing.

This last half-mile involves some rigorous climbing, some of it on loose rock, so proceed with caution and take your time. At one point, a rock cairn helped us distinguish the trail on one of those occasions when we got a little confused.

Eventually, you’ll reach the top and find yourself walking toward the lake. As of last weekend, sheets of floating ice could be found in one corner of the lake with pockets of snow on the surrounding terrain, which includes Snowshoe Peak and Bockman Peak. Mountain goats can also be seen in the distance and there is apparently a partial view of Blackwell Glacier from the ridge.

From the trailhead to the lake, you’ll climb 1,000 feet. Hiking at a moderate pace with several rests, we took nearly two hours to reach the lake and another two to get back to the parking lot. Those in pretty good shape or youngsters could probably do the hike much quicker.

Leigh Lake Trail

Location: Kootenai National Forest

USFS Trail No.: 132

How to Get There: From Libby, drive about seven miles south on Highway 2 and take a right onto Bear Creek Road No. 278. About three miles in, turn west onto Cherry Creek Road No. 867. Stay on this road for 4.4 miles and then veer to the right up Leigh Creek Road No. 4786 and finish the final 1.8 miles to the trailhead. On weekdays from 6 a.m.-7 p.m., the road will have limited access because of the Snowshoe Mine reclamation project. Expect delays and pilot car escorts if you go during those times.

Round-Trip Distance: 3 miles

Difficulty: Moderate