Drive 0.8 mile and find the put-in beside a tiny bridge. This is Hay Brook inlet, one of Estes Lake's numerous serpentine side-passages. Swamp maples and alders dominate the right shore, while the left is an attractive mixed forest. Note handsome stands of white pine on both banks. Paddle east from the launch, but don't hurry.
Wildlife abounds here.
After bearing right by a small island and entering the main body, turn left for the wild northern section. You can paddle about a mile before the lake divides and ends in two tributary branches. This part, about a quarter of the lake's total length, boasts mostly undeveloped shoreline and much wildlife. It offers an hour of two of leisurely paddling and few fellow paddlers. The lake's main section runs southeasterly.