Spectacular Paddle Trip - String and Leigh Lakes

Grand Teton National Park (70"s, clear blue skies, perfect)

This paddle trip is one of our all time favorites.  As a rule, we prefer kayaking down rivers.  However, this was certainly an exception.  The scenery was splendid, weather perfect, and our paddling companions were so much fun.  Priceless!  

The launch for String Lake is located within the Grand Teton National Park.  It's best to arrive early since parking is limited and it can get very crowded with swimmers in the afternoon.  We arrived around 9 a.m. with our friends Diana and Pat (lurkers of our blog & RV Dreamers) and Patsy and Bob (volunteers at Ding Darling and the Elk Refuge).  

Patsy paddling in the distance

You can pull up to the launch area and drop off  all  your gear  It's a short walk to the launch site and very easy to put in.  String Lake has crystal clear water and you overlook some very spectacular mountain ranges.  

Diana and Pat in their Sea Eagle

We just took our time and enjoyed the quiet solitude.  At this point there were not too many people on the water.  It was dramatically different in the afternoon on our return back to the launch site.  We saw lots and lots of paddle boarders.  This is certainly very popular here and the calmness of the lake makes it very easy.  

Mt Moran in the distance

This rock was draped wit swimmers in the afternoon

Patsy loves her new inflatable kayak

Pat is ready to upgrade to a hard sided kayak

Notice the clarity of the water

I tried out my new Keen water shoes for the first time.  Love them! They are very comfortable with a good arch and foot protection. Plus, they match my kayak so nicely, don't you think.

After a about an hour and half we arrived at the portage site to Leigh Lake.  It is about 100-150 yard portage to the other lake depending on who you asked.  :) We forgot to bring our little cart which would have made this a snap to portage.  Oops!  Pat was quite the trooper and helped everyone transport all their boats and gear.  We had a nice lunch and then headed out onto Leigh Lake.  

Launch in the distance.  There are some stairs involved  down to the water

This is a glacial formed lake and much larger than String Lake.  It's about 2 miles in width and a little longer in length.  It's a very deep lake and the views of Mt. Moran were spectacular. Patsy and I remarked about how blessed we are to be here and see this beautiful place.

There are back country primitive camping sites all around this lake. Hmmn, maybe this will be in our future.  There is also an easy trail around the lake too. Here is a link to a map of the lakes and campsites.

Beautiful Mt. Moran

 It was interesting to see the glaciers up close on Mt. Moran.  

Bob and John

We paddled around and gawked at the mountain range for quite awhile.  Reluctantly we had to turn around and head back the way we came.  We have seen this mountain throughout our stay in the Tetons.  It's especially prominent when you are in the Colter Bay area.  It was amazing this time to see it so up close.  

 What a beautiful paddle.  Certainly one we hope to repeat again soon.  

John checking out the glaciers with his binoculars