Hidden Lake Overlook Trail

The Hidden Lake Overlook Trail is the most walked trail at Logan Pass and one of the easiest ways to stand in Glacier's high country. It starts behind the Logan Pass Visitor Center and climbs 1.3 miles one way through alpine meadow, mostly on wooden boardwalk and steps, to a viewpoint above Hidden Lake with Bearhat Mountain rising behind it. The Park Service gives the climb as about 608 feet up and 128 feet down on the way out.

Wildlife is a large part of the appeal. Mountain goats and bighorn sheep often graze or rest close to the boardwalk, and hoary marmots and ground squirrels are common. In July and early August, once the snow melts, the meadows bloom with alpine wildflowers; the boardwalk exists to keep thousands of boots off those plants, so stay on it. Clements Mountain stands beside the trail for much of the way.

Past the overlook, the trail continues down to the shore of Hidden Lake itself, 2.5 miles from the trailhead. That section drops steeply, about 920 feet according to the park's figures, so the return is a real climb. It is also the part of the trail most often closed for bear activity in summer; when that happens the overlook usually stays open as the turnaround point. Check the park's trail status page before you set out.

In 2026 there were no vehicle reservations, but from July 1 to September 7 Logan Pass parking was limited to three hours, which the park noted was enough for the overlook hike. Going to the lake shore and back is harder to fit into that window. Snow often covers parts of the boardwalk well into July, and when it does the route is slippery and harder to follow. The Logan Pass Visitor Center closed for 2026 after September 27, and the trail is reachable only while Going-to-the-Sun Road's alpine section is open, normally until the third Monday of October.

Practical tip: go early in the morning, when the light is best on Clements Mountain and the boardwalk is quieter, and carry a layer and bear spray. Keep at least 25 yards from goats and sheep, even when they walk toward you.