String Lake Guide for Families: Grand Teton National Park
If you’re planning a family trip to Grand Teton National Park and wondering where you can actually relax a little, you’ve found it. String Lake is that rare spot where the scenery is jaw-dropping, but the vibe is calm. Think picnic tables, shallow water, and kids giggling as they chase minnows in the shallows.
This post covers everything you need to know from parking, swimming, hiking, and a few insider tips to dodge those summer crowds.
Related: Check out our guide to Jenny Lake fun too!
Quick Snapshot
| Location: | String Lake Area, north of Jenny Lake Scenic Drive on Teton Park Road |
| Trailhead: | String Lake Trailhead, near North Jenny Lake Junction |
| Distance: | 3.8 miles roundtrip (loop) |
| Elevation Gain: | About 250 feet |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
| Best For: | Families, swimming, paddling, and short scenic hikes |
| Facilities: | Picnic tables, restrooms, bear boxes, and a large parking area |
| Nearby Trails: | Leigh Lake Trailhead, Paintbrush Canyon, Cascade Canyon, Trapper Lake |
| Views: | Mount Moran, Mount Owen, and the base of the Teton Range |
Why Families Love String Lake
If you’ve spent any time in the Tetons, you know that most hikes involve climbing. String Lake is the exception.
Just past North Jenny Lake Junction, tucked between Jenny Lake and Leigh Lake, String Lake sits like a mirror at the base of the Teton Range. The water is calm, the shorelines are shallow, and there are sandy beaches where kids can wade while adults kick back and actually take a breath.
It’s one of those popular spots that somehow still feels peaceful if you time it right. Whether you’re here for a short walk, a picnic, or a lazy paddle, it’s one of the best places in Grand Teton Park for families to spend a half-day.
Getting to String Lake
From the Moose Entrance Station, head north on Teton Park Road for about ten miles. After passing the Jenny Lake Scenic Drive, turn left at the North Jenny Lake Junction and follow the signs for String Lake and Leigh Lake.
The road ends at a large parking area near the String Lake Trailhead. Just know… you’re not the only one who’s discovered it. This is one of the most popular areas in the park. On busy summer months, expect a full lot by late morning and occasional traffic jams as people circle for open spots.
If you can, start early. Get there by 8:30 a.m., snag one of the shaded picnic tables, and you’ll be set for the day. It’s also a beautiful time to watch light spill across Mount Moran before the crowds roll in.
The String Lake Loop Trail
If you’re after an easy, family-friendly hike with views the entire way, the String Lake Loop Trail delivers. It’s a 3.8-mile round trip, mostly flat, with only a bit of elevation gain.
From the String Lake Trailhead, the path hugs the eastern shore of String Lake, weaving through open pine forest with constant views of the lake. It’s an easy stroll with some roots, and a few short hills, but nothing too tricky for little legs.
About a half mile in, a wooden bridge crosses the lake’s outlet. Everyone stops here. The reflections of Mount Moran on the glassy surface are unreal. This is definitely one of those “pause and take a photo” moments.
Past the bridge, the trail continues north toward the Leigh Lake Trailhead. If you keep going, you can connect to Bearpaw Lake, Trapper Lake, or Paintbrush Canyon. But for most families, looping back on the west side makes for a perfect round trip that doesn’t eat up your whole day.
Along the way, watch for movement in the trees and you might catch a pine marten darting across the trail or a golden-mantled ground squirrel perched on a log. Higher up on the ridges, you might spot bighorn sheep or even mountain goats.
And if you’re lucky, listen for the wild call of a sandhill crane echoing through the valley.
Related: Another favorite Grand Teton lake hike is the hike to Taggart Lake!
Swimming and Playing at String Lake
Here’s the best part: you can actually swim here.
Because String Lake is relatively shallow, it warms up faster than most alpine lakes. The water is still crisp, but on a sunny July afternoon, it feels amazing.
The east side of the lake is the most family-friendly, with sandy beaches and a gentle drop-off. Kids can splash for hours while parents relax on the shore with a perfect view.
If you brought a paddleboard or kayak, you can launch from the small inlet near the String Lake Bridge. A short portage trail connects to Leigh Lake, so you can paddle both in a single day if you’re feeling adventurous.
Just remember: cell phones don’t always work out here. So download your map ahead of time, then put it away and enjoy the quiet.
Wildlife Around String Lake
This area is a wildlife hotspot, especially early in the morning or close to sunset.
Keep your eyes peeled for black bears near berry patches (it’s rare, but possible). Bring bear spray and store food properly.
You might also see:
- Bald eagles or golden eagles gliding over the lake
- Canada geese or sandhill cranes feeding near the shallows
- Great blue herons stalking along the edges
- Peregrine falcons around the cliffs
- And if you’re really lucky, a great gray owl at dusk
The Park Service maintains bear boxes at the String Lake Trailhead and around the picnic areas. Please use them because this is still active bear country.
Related: If you love wildlife, check out this wildlife guide for Yellowstone National Park!
Picnicking at String Lake
If you’ve got sandwiches and a cooler, this is the best place in the park to unpack lunch. The picnic areas are right near the parking area, with picnic tables, restrooms, and shaded trees overlooking the lake.
These fill quickly, so the earlier you arrive, the better your view. We once showed up just after 11 a.m. in July and circled like vultures for twenty minutes before finding an open table. Lesson learned.
There are quieter spots on the east side of the lake if you don’t mind a short walk. They’re a little more secluded and have fine views of the base of the Teton Range.
Whatever you do, don’t leave food out, even for a minute. Chipmunks here are bold, and the Park Service really does enforce “leave no trace” rules.
Paddling and Portaging Between Lakes
If you want a quick adventure, follow the portage trail at the north end of the lake to Leigh Lake. It’s short, easy, and a fun way for kids to feel like explorers.
Paddleboards, canoes, and kayaks are all allowed, and the calm water makes it one of the best places in Grand Teton National Park for beginners.
If you paddle farther north, you’ll reach Bearpaw Lake and Trapper Lake, but that’s a bigger trip. Most families stick with String and Leigh Lakes. It’s the perfect mix of fun and doable.
Hiking Connections
For families with teens or strong hikers, String Lake connects to several iconic Grand Teton trails:
- Leigh Lake Trailhead: Flat, scenic, and quiet.
- Paintbrush Canyon: A steep climb, but amazing wildflowers and views.
- Cascade Canyon: Connects via the Jenny Lake Loop, one of the most popular spots in the park.
Related: Great hikes with kids in Grand Teton National Park
Even if you don’t go far, you’ll still catch stunning views of Mount Owen and Mount Moran.
Tips for Visiting with Kids
- Arrive early. Less wind, easier parking, calmer water.
- Bring water shoes. The lake bottom turns rocky past the shallows.
- Stay alert. Even small animals like chipmunks can be persistent snack thieves.
- Cell service is limited. Let someone know your plan before heading out.
- Carry bear spray. Always.
- Pack layers. Mountain mornings can be chilly even in July.
Related: Check out our photography tips for Yellowstone too!
Photography and Scenic Views
If you want those “wish you were here” shots, go early. The reflections of Mount Moran are best between 8 and 10 a.m., before the wind picks up.
From the eastern shore, you can frame turquoise water against the granite peaks—honestly one of the best views in Grand Teton National Park.
Photographers love this area because wildlife wanders through often. I’ve seen red-winged blackbirds, bald eagles, and even a great blue heron fishing along the reeds.
Nearby Attractions
After your String Lake adventure, head north to Leigh Lake for a quieter paddle or loop back to Jenny Lake Lodge for lunch.
If you’re heading south, the Jenny Lake Scenic Drive and Jenny Lake Overlook are both worth the stop. And if you have another day in your itinerary, Cascade Canyon is absolutely worth exploring.
Final Thoughts
String Lake is such a peaceful, family-friendly spot in Grand Teton National Park. And one of the easiest places to appreciate the Tetons without breaking a sweat.
My daughter could’ve stayed there all day- throwing rocks, watching Canada geese, and trying to count how many shades of green the water turned as the sun moved.
For families, it’s the sweet spot between adventure and rest: short hikes, minimal elevation gain, and endless views. Whether you’re picnicking, paddling, or just sitting by the water, String Lake really is one of the best places to experience the heart of Grand Teton National Park.
Bring patience for the crowds, a sense of wonder, and maybe a little extra time. You’ll want to stay longer than you planned.
