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About Hidden Lake Trail
- Trail Highlights – Open meadows, spectacular views, crystalline alpine lake, plentiful wildflowers and wildlife
- Roundtrip Length – 6 miles
- Elevation Gain – 540 feet
- Peak Elevation – 7,152 feet
- Parking Lot — Yes
- Difficulty — Easy
- Region – Logan Pass
- Availability of Water – Yes
Hidden Lake is an extremely popular hike, so expect to have plenty of fellow trekkers with you on the trail. The trail passes predominantly through open meadows, which makes for stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
The trailhead begins directly behind the Logan Pass Visitor’s Center at the end of Going to the Sun Road. There is parking here, but because of the popularity of this spot, it can get crowded, especially during the summer months.
Hang in there, and sooner or later – hopefully sooner – a spot will open up. You can also hop on one of the free shuttles from any of the transit centers in the park, which will take you to Logan Pass.
As long as you’re at the parking lot by 8:30AM, you shouldn’t have any difficulty finding a parking spot.
Let’s Hike the Hidden Lake Trail!
The first section of the trail is paved, before turning into a raised wooden boardwalk, which keeps hikers above the mud and snow that melts slowly at this elevation.
On this section of the trail, you’ll be treated to some spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. Directly ahead of you, you’ll see the towering peaks of Clements Mountain. To the north, you’ll have a great view of the Garden Wall and to the northwest, Mount Oberlin.
The boardwalk section of the trail ends about .5 miles from the trailhead and proceeds to the southwest toward Bearhat Mountain. Mount Reynolds and Heavy Runner Mountain will be on your left.
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Mountain Goats are common along the Hidden Lake Trail |
About 1 mile into the hike, the path head up a slight incline, with two ponds to your left. At 1.2 miles you’ll be at the Continental Divide.
At 1.5 miles, or halfway into the hike, you’ll arrive at Hidden Lake Overlook, where you’ll be treated to a sweeping panorama of the glittering alpine lake 750 feet below, with Bearhat Mountain looming at 2,300 feet over it and Sperry Glacier and Gunsight Mountain to the south.
This is a prime viewing spot to get a gander at some of the local wildlife, including bighorn sheep, mountain goats, marmots, wolverines and sometimes, grizzly bears (learn more about Glacier National Park’s diverse wildlife).
The next section of the trail, which traverses another 1.5 miles to Hidden Lake, drops almost 800 feet in elevation. Although it has switchbacks to ease the decline, the trail somewhat rough and rocky, making it the most difficult part of the hike, especially on the return trip.
It’s worth it though, just to reach the shores of this pristine lake in one of the most beautiful areas in Glacier Park.
A trail winds around the lake, so you can find a perfect spot to hang out for a while, dangle your toes in the water and take in the gorgeous surroundings.
Hidden Lake is also primo fishing spot for Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout, but because it’s so easily accessed and tends to get overfished, all angling is catch-and-release only.
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Hidden Lake Elevation Profile |
Additional Hidden Lake Photos
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Hidden Lake in the Winter Time |
Additional Glacier National Park Hiking Info
Check out other Glacier National Park hiking trails, or head back to the hikes in the Logan Pass area.
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Glacier National Park Travel Guide
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