Bearpaw and Trapper Lakes Trail

Bearpaw and Trapper Lakes Trail is a 9.2-mile out-and-back from the String and Leigh Lakes Trailhead. It follows String Lake and Leigh Lake north, then leaves the shore for a meadow walk to Trapper Lake; return the same way. The park rates it moderate, with about 460 feet of climbing, and gives a four-to-six-hour window. The tread has short stairs, exposed roots and rocks, plus small ups and downs. Dogs aren't allowed.

The park's 9.2-mile line is the one represented here. A longer itinerary visits the head of Leigh Lake and the Bearpaw Lake backcountry campsite before turning west to Trapper; it is reported as 10 miles from Leigh Lake access, with another half-mile each way if you start along String Lake. Leave time for those detours if you want them.

From the trailhead, take the short access path to String Lake and continue north along its eastern shore. Around 0.9 mile, take the right branch at the Bearpaw Lake split. Keep right at the Leigh Lake portage spur and go straight at the unmarked junction near mile one. This is mostly a forested dirt path, not a smooth lakeside promenade; roots and rocks keep your eyes on the tread even though the overall climb is gentle.

A rocky beach just past 1.8 miles opens a broad view across Leigh Lake toward Teewinot, Rockchuck Peak, Mount Woodring and Mount Moran. It's the best place to stop and take in the mountain line reflected across the water. A longer sandy beach near the backcountry campsites comes around 2.3 miles. Overnight camping there requires a backcountry permit; day hikers can stop at the shore and continue.

Around 2.75 miles, the route skirts the area burned in the 2009 Bearpaw Bay Fire. Near 3.1 miles, it leaves Leigh Lake for an open meadow and a junction. Short spurs lead toward the head of Leigh Lake and the Bearpaw Lake campsite; both return to this junction. For the park's 9.2-mile outing, follow the westbound route to Trapper instead of adding those side trips. It drops along the far side of Bearpaw Lake, then crosses woods and open meadows.

Trapper Lake is a small lake in an open meadow beneath an avalanche chute on Mount Moran. A beaver pond sits at its inlet, and reeds edge much of the water. A low knoll makes a good place for a snack before the return walk. For a photo, keep some meadow in the frame with the lake and mountain behind it; a tight shot of water loses the setting that makes the end of this long walk feel different from Leigh Lake.