Elbow Lake is another one of Michigan’s turquoise lakes. When the sun is overhead, the lake is a brilliant green. The bottom on the boat landing side has the feeling of soft clay, while the far side of the lake is deeper and has a darker bottom. The lake water is clear throughout and has some interesting sunken landscapes.
My friend Alex and I originally found this lake by accident. We had been lost trying to find another lake and decided to head to Pine Lake instead. We saw signs for Driftwood Recreation Area right before a sign that read “Elbow Lake Boat Landing.” Neither of us knew what a “boat landing” was so we decided to stop and we were pleasantly surprised.
The boat landing is nothing more than a sandy spot on the lake with a few parking spots, but it does the job. I have seen fishing boats launch from this spot, but it requires wading into the water a bit since the area is very shallow. Be careful where you step because the damp areas next to the boat landing are littered with frogs, turtles, and (if the time of year is right) tadpoles!
The lake does not seem too remarkable upon first glance, except for the pleasant color, but the shoreline across from the boat landing and the cove area on the far side of the lake are the best parts!
Painted turtles definitely call this lake home. There are many trees that have fallen in along the shoreline, which creates a perfect place for turtles to sunbathe. There are many small and medium-sized fish that can be seen in and among the fallen trees as well. The lively scenery makes the lake a fun and exciting place to kayak.
There is a part of the lake that completes the elbow shape. It is a shallow area that has the lighter, sand and clay bottom with cabins and cottages around it. The narrowed area that leads to this cove is indeed so shallow that you can have trouble getting through, even in a kayak! Alex and I explored this area a little, so I will tell you to save yourself the trouble. There really isn’t anything to see over there unless you really dig summer homes.
The lake access spot can be found on the west side of N Bass Lake Rd in Lake County, just north of W 10 Mile Rd. Go about 8.5 miles east of Free Soil on E Free Soil Rd until you hit N Bass Lake Rd, where you turn left/north. You can miss the small sign for the lake, so keep an eye out. Don’t pass up the Orchard Market in Free Soil. It is one of our favorite places to stop and buy Michigan cherries and other adventure supplies.
And if you get gas in Free Soil, thank the lady for staying open for granolas who really needed gas one night in May!
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