Skip to main content
ForestMatters, LLC

Leigh Lake Trail

Kootenai National Forest, Montana · 3 min read

Distance
6 mi
Elevation Gain
1,800 ft
Difficulty
moderate
Route Type
Out-And-Back
Best Season
July through September
Dog Friendly
Yes
Difficulty Score
6 / 10

Trailhead Amenities

Restroom
Vault Toilet
Parking
Free
Cell Service
No Signal
Water
Nearby
Camping
Dispersed
Google MapsApple Maps

Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • Cabinet Mountains cirque lake below the wilderness peaks
  • One of the more accessible Cabinet Mountains lake destinations
  • Old-growth cedar-hemlock forest on the approach
  • Active grizzly bear habitat throughout the drainage
  • Mountain goats visible on the cliffs above the lake basin

Overview

Leigh Lake sits in a granite cirque in the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness, accessible via a 6-mile round trip from a trailhead west of Libby in the Kootenai National Forest. The trail climbs through old-growth cedar-hemlock forest that transitions to subalpine terrain near the lake basin, providing a full wilderness experience in Montana's most ecologically distinctive forest.

This is grizzly bear country in a meaningful sense. The Cabinet-Yaak Ecosystem grizzly population, one of the smallest and most isolated in the lower 48, relies on this kind of drainage for food, movement, and denning. Encounters are documented annually, and the appropriate response is to carry bear spray, know how to use it, and travel with awareness.

The Route

Trailhead to Lower Cedar Canyon (0 to 1.5 miles)

The trail begins in the Leigh Creek drainage through dense cedar-hemlock forest. The canopy closes completely overhead and the forest floor is carpeted with vegetation characteristic of the moist Northern Rockies. The creek is accessible throughout the lower section.

Middle Canyon Climb (1.5 to 2.5 miles)

The trail steepens as the canyon narrows and the forest transitions from cedar to subalpine fir and Engelmann spruce. Grizzly digging sites in the moist soil are common in this section as bears excavate for bulbs and rodents. Make consistent noise through this dense vegetation.

Upper Basin and Lake (2.5 to 3.0 miles)

The trail reaches the cirque rim and the lake becomes visible. The granite basin is open and the surrounding cliffs rise above the lake's north and west shores. Mountain goats are regularly observed on the cliffs. The lake is cold and clear with good fish populations. Return via the same route.

When to Hike

July through September is the reliable season. The basin typically clears snow by early to mid-July. September is a particularly good month for clarity and wildlife observation, though grizzly bear activity increases as bears prepare for hibernation.

What to Bring

Carry bear spray and keep it clipped to your hip belt where it is immediately accessible, not buried in a pack. Many hikers carry 2 to 3 liters of water with lake filtration available at the destination. Noise-making devices (bells, voice, clapping) are useful in the dense lower canyon vegetation. Review bear canister requirements for overnight camping.

Trailhead Access

Leigh Creek Trailhead is on a forest road west of Libby. The road is gravel. No permit or fee required (as of 2026). A vault restroom is present. Space for 10 to 12 vehicles.

Dogs must be under strict control in this grizzly recovery zone.

Nearby

Leigh Lake is one of the more accessible Cabinet Mountains wilderness lakes. Saint Paul Lake Trail provides another Cabinet Mountains lake destination from the south. Cabinet Mountains Loop is the demanding multi-lake wilderness circuit. Ross Creek Cedars Trail provides the accessible old-growth experience without the wilderness demands.

Review current bear activity and trail conditions with the USFS guide. Follow Leave No Trace principles throughout and be a responsible visitor in this recovery zone.

Trailhead Parking

Gravel lot at the Leigh Creek Trailhead off Forest Road near Libby. Space for 10 to 12 vehicles.

← Back to Kootenai National Forest

More Trails in Kootenai National Forest

strenuousloop

Cabinet Mountains Wilderness Loop

14 mi4,200 ft gain
July through September

A strenuous 14-mile loop through the heart of the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness, visiting alpine lakes, sub-alpine ridgelines, and grizzly bear habitat in one of Montana's most remote designated wildernesses.

4 min read

moderateout-and-back

Hawkins Lakes Trail

7.8 mi2,000 ft gain
July through September

A 7.8-mile out-and-back to a pair of remote alpine lakes in the Purcell Mountains of the northeastern Kootenai National Forest, through old-growth forest with minimal foot traffic.

3 min read

easyout-and-back

Kootenai Falls Trail

1.8 mi150 ft gain
April through November

A 1.8-mile round trip to the largest undammed waterfall on the Kootenai River, a powerful cascade sacred to the Kootenai Tribe and one of the most accessible dramatic waterfall views in northwestern Montana.

3 min read

strenuousout-and-back

Northwest Peak Trail

7.4 mi2,800 ft gain
July through September

A 7.4-mile out-and-back to the highest point in the northwest corner of Montana near the Idaho-Montana-Canada border, with panoramic tri-state views from an exposed sub-alpine summit.

3 min read

easyloop

Ross Creek Cedars Trail

1.4 mi50 ft gain
May through October

A 1.4-mile loop through one of the most impressive old-growth western redcedar groves in the Rocky Mountain region, with trees over 1,000 years old and up to 12 feet in diameter near Troy, Montana.

3 min read

moderate-hardout-and-back

Saint Paul Lake Trail

8.2 mi2,400 ft gain
July through September

An 8.2-mile out-and-back to a cirque lake below Saint Paul Peak in the southern Cabinet Mountains Wilderness, with exceptional solitude and active grizzly bear habitat throughout the drainage.

3 min read

moderateout-and-back

Ten Lakes Scenic Area Trail

9 mi2,100 ft gain
July through September

A 9-mile out-and-back into the Ten Lakes Scenic Area near the Canadian border, accessing a cluster of sub-alpine lakes in open parkland terrain with exceptional views of the northern Kootenai and Canada.

3 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Leigh Lake Trail take?
The 6-mile round trip with 1,800 feet of gain takes most hikers 3.5 to 5 hours. The sustained climb to the lake basin is the primary exertion of the route.
Is Leigh Lake Trail dog friendly?
Dogs are permitted but must be kept under strict voice control or on leash at all times due to the active grizzly bear presence in this drainage. A dog that encounters or disturbs a grizzly creates serious risk for all party members.
Are grizzly bears commonly seen on the Leigh Lake Trail?
Grizzly bears are present throughout this drainage, which sits in the Cabinet-Yaak grizzly recovery zone. While direct encounters are not everyday occurrences, sign (tracks, diggings, scat) is frequently found on the trail. Carry bear spray and make noise in dense vegetation.