Glacier National Park

Hidden Lake Overlook

moderate FamiliesPhotographersWildlife Watching
3 mi Distance
680 ft Elevation Gain
2-3 hours Estimated Time
roundtrip Trail Type

What to Expect

Starting from the Logan Pass visitor center — already one of the most spectacular trailheads in the country — you'll climb a well-maintained boardwalk through alpine meadow before the path turns to packed dirt and loose rock. The elevation gain is steady but never cruel, more of a persistent nudge than a punishment. Mountain goats practically pose for photos along the route, sometimes blocking the trail entirely with zero concern for your schedule. As you crest the final rise, Hidden Lake appears below like a jewel dropped into a granite bowl, ringed by jagged peaks and often still holding ice well into July. The overlook itself is a wide, rocky perch perfect for lunch with a view that earns its place on any national park highlight reel. This trail rewards everyone from first-time hikers looking for a taste of real alpine scenery to photographers who want big payoff without a big suffer-fest.
FamiliesPhotographersWildlife WatchingWildflower SeasonFirst-Time Visitors

Safety Advisory

Snow covers portions of this trail well into July most years, and the steep snowfields near the overlook can be genuinely dangerous without traction devices. Check conditions at the visitor center before heading out.

Grizzly bears frequent the Hidden Lake basin. Carry bear spray, keep it accessible (not buried in your pack), and make noise on blind corners. Solo hiking here is strongly discouraged by rangers.

Weather at Logan Pass changes fast — you can start in sunshine and hit sideways rain with near-freezing wind chill within twenty minutes. Pack a rain shell and a warm layer regardless of the forecast.

Trail Details

Distance 3 miles round-trip
Elevation Gain 680 ft
Difficulty moderate
Estimated Time 2-3 hours
Trail Type roundtrip
Pets Not allowed
Season Year-round
Trailhead Hidden Lake Overlook

Pro Tips

Trail Tip

Arrive at Logan Pass before 8:30 AM or after 4:00 PM — the parking lot fills completely by mid-morning in summer and the shuttle is your only backup plan. Weekdays are dramatically less chaotic than weekends.

Trail Tip

Bring trekking poles for the descent back from the overlook. The boardwalk sections get slick when wet, and the rocky trail beyond can be uneven enough to turn a tired ankle on the return trip.

Trail Tip

The best mountain goat sightings happen in the meadow section during the first half-mile, especially in early morning when they graze close to the boardwalk. Keep your distance — they're habituated to humans but still wild animals with sharp horns.

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