This pleasant trail is busy during hot summer days, when families come out in droves to swim, fish and paddle non-motorized boats around this small lake. No bikes are allowed on the trail but you can cross-country ski during winter. You can also rent paddle boats, and there is a large picnic shelter available to lease for the day. Other shelters are scattered about the grassy banks of the lake, and you'll find picnic tables and pit toilets all along the path.
The path is concrete where it skirts the ample parking area but turns to crushed gravel for most of the way. A large fishing pier on the far end of the lake is a great place to drop a line. Look for many species of passerine birds, especially warblers, in the willow thickets and cattails that line the shores. A concession stand, open during summer only, is near the parking lot.
There is a small user fee for out-of-state visitors. Pets on a leash are welcome from October to April only. Check the website for specific dates allowed.
From US 12/Euclid Avenue in Helena, turn north on Joslyn Street and follow the brown signs to the park. Shortly after turning on Joslyn, turn left (west) on Country Club at the bend in the road, then left again on Broadwater Avenue. The park is on the left.
Nice little walk
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