This lake is also known as "Big West Lake", a name given to it by Louis Seymour. Also known as "French Louie" or "Adirondack French Louie," he was an Adirondack guide, trapper, woodsman and hermit. Here is where he entertained the “sports” and grew potatoes that were watched over by his collection of garter snakes. The West Canada Lake Wilderness was made famous by Seymour as he trapped, fished, and hunted there from 1855 to 1915.
Key takeaways
- Distance: 15 miles round trip to the fireplace
- Elevation gain: 2000 feet
- Hike includes trail junctions
Hiking to West Lake
A 7.5 mile hike into West Lake and to the unfinished fireplace left behind by Louis Seymour is a benchmark hike of anyone who recreates in the Adirondacks. It can easily be found within sight of the junction between the Northville-Placid Trail (NPT) and the connecting route to Brooktrout Lake. This hike requires a trail map, which is a must when hiking in such remote locations. Finding the trailhead is the initial battle, but one on the trail you will follow it all the way to the trail junction with the NPT, where you will find the fireplace nearby.
West Lake in the winter
This is a very remote location with non-maintained roads and trails. Even with considerable expertise, it can be difficult, and is not often done when snow is on the ground. Being prepared is necessary.
Experience more trails in Hamilton County
Does West Lake sound amazing, but a little more than you want to tackle right now? With hundreds of miles of trails, we can help find the right hike for you in the big outdoors.
Camping
West Lake Lean-to #1 is on the southeastern shore of West Lake. This is 1.0 mile north of the intersection with the French Louie Trail.
West Lake Lean-to #2 is on the northeastern shore of West Lake. This is 0.2 mile up the Brooktrout Lake Trail, which connects with the Northville-Placid Trail 1.1 miles north of the intersection with the French Louie Trail. A designated primitive tent site is located nearby.
There is a designated primitive tent site between the two lean-tos, at the junction with the NPT and the Brooktrout Lake Trail, as well as on the western shore of West Lake. Another lean-to is found on the eastern shore of Brooktrout Lake.
Birding
The 2,935-acre West Canada Mountain Primitive Area (WCMPA) is the largest of the three primitive areas associated with the wilderness. It is surrounded by private lands on the north, east and west. The southern boundary is the access road to the Miller Camp south of the Indian River.
Fishing
This part of the Adirondacks is known for its remote wilderness brook trout fishing, and West Lake is one of the waters reached along the Northville-Placid Trail.
NOTE: Use or possession of bait fish is prohibited on any waters within the West Canada Lake Wilderness Area and the West Canada Lake Primitive Area.
How to get there
From Inlet, head southeast on Highland Trail toward NY-28 S for 180 feet, then take Limekiln Lake Road for 3.0 miles. Take Moose River Road to Otter Brook Road (second right) for 15.0 miles. Eventually this turns into Indian River Road, where you will park.
