Albeit short, this trail does have some bite, as you are gaining about 1,000 feet in just over a mile. In fact, the trail does not fool around and immediately starts the climb in a well-shaded forest. Views of the Leigh Creek valley open up just before entering the Wilderness, with the bushes ablaze in orange and red fall colors and the sight accompanied by the roar of the Leigh Creek waterfall. Steadily climbing, the falls are reached in just under a mile. It is the first source of water. Looking back, this location also offers a great view down the Leigh Creek valley.

Past the falls the trail is rocky and confusing. The main trail appears to climb steeply up, while many side trails wind hither and tither. Up and west is generally the direction you want to go. Once you are on the level of the lake, the last bit of trail easily contours along. The lake is almost completely ringed with near-vertical granite, the sheer cliffside of Snowshoe Peak being the most dominant. The northeast side of the lake likely is the best starting point for an off-trail excursion to Snowshoe Peak, or just the ridge between Snowshoe and Bockman, which promises views onto the Cabinet’s only glacier–Blackwell Glacier–, while the unnamed peak to the south likely puts you in the the best position for a birds-eye photo of the lake.

Alternate Routes

• The best approach to Snowshoe Peak is likely via the saddle between Bockman and Snowshoe Peak. Bushwhacking there is minimal, but it looks pretty steep.