Hidden Lake: glacial cirque lake at Logan Pass, Glacier NP

Hidden Lake Overlook in Glacier National Park offers a panoramic view of the lake below with snow-dusted peaks.

Snow-dusted peaks frame a bowl-shaped lake in a high-alpine basin. Hidden Lake Overlook sits above the water, offering panoramic views of the cirque and surrounding ridges. This lake was sculpted by glaciers during the Pleistocene Ice Age.

Moderate day-hike destination in Glacier National Park, with wildlife & mountain scenery.

Access & viewing

GPS Coordinates: Not available
Accessibility: Boardwalk to overlook; hillside trail to lake is steep with few barriers

Conditions & safety

Permits Required: 0

Planning advice

Nearby Attractions: Logan Pass area; other trails from Logan Pass; Going-to-the-Sun Road viewpoints
Nearby Facilities: Vault toilets at Logan Pass; interpretive signs; no guaranteed water at trailhead
Best Time To Visit: July–September, when Going-to-the-Sun Road is open. Arrive by 6:30–7:10 a.m. for parking; morning light and calm water enhance views.
Tips Advice: Arrive early (6:30–7:10 a.m.) at Logan Pass to snag parking; shuttle from St. Mary is an alternative.
Bear spray is highly recommended; keep a safe distance from wildlife.
Dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes; boardwalk to overlook and steeper lakeside path.
Bring water; snow can linger into July.
Insider Tips: Arrive early for parking
Bear spray is recommended
Check Going-to-the-Sun Road status and pack warm layers

More details

Park Area: Logan Pass, Glacier National Park
Family Friendly Notes: Exposed edges; hold kids' hands on steeper sections; bear awareness
Recent Updates: Not available
Attraction Type: Glacial Lake
Elevation Feet: 6375
Distance From Entrance: 2.6 miles roundtrip to Hidden Lake Overlook; 5.1–5.2 miles roundtrip to the lake
Accessibility Level: Boardwalk to overlook; lakeshore path steep and less barrier; some steps
How To Get There: Drive Going-to-the-Sun Road to Logan Pass; park at the Logan Pass Visitor Center; Hidden Lake Overlook Trailhead is just beyond; follow signs toward Hidden Lake, then continue to lakeshore if desired
Parking Availability: Logan Pass parking fills very early in summer (7:00–7:10 a.m.); arrive by 6:30 a.m.; alternative parking at St. Mary Visitor Center with shuttle
Road Type: Paved to Logan Pass; trail surfaces are dirt and boardwalk; some rocky sections near the lake
Seasonal Access: Road typically open in summer; snow can linger into July; access limited by weather
Entry Fees: Included with park entrance fee
Main Features: Hidden Lake Overlook; cirque lake; alpine meadows; Belt Supergroup geology; snowfields nearby
What Youll See: Alpine peaks, cirque walls, Hidden Lake, interpretive signs along the trail, wildlife in alpine meadows
Unique Characteristics: Belt Supergroup sedimentary rocks dating 1.6–0.8 Ga; Lewis Overthrust (~170 Ma) exposure nearby
Safety Considerations: Gravity: steep descents on the lakeside; bears present; weather can shift quickly; rocky terrain and crevasses under snow. Stay on designated paths, carry bear spray and know how to use it.
Best Viewpoints: Hidden Lake Overlook platform for panoramas; lakeshore vantage along the lower trail
Photo Opportunities: Alpenglow on peaks at sunrise/sunset; lake reflections; distant ridgelines
Photography Spots: Overlook platform; lakeshore vantage along the lower trail; boardwalk corners; alpine meadows
Stargazing Quality: Good on clear nights with dark skies; high altitude yields crisp skies
Sunrise Sunset Quality: Alpenglow at sunrise and sunset; photography-friendly
Visitor Center Present: 1
Restrooms Available: 1
Restroom Type: Vault toilets
Picnic Areas: 0
Interpretive Signs: 1
Cell Service: Cell service is sparse around Hidden Lake; expect little to no coverage at the trailhead and lake.
Water Available: 0
Guided Tours Available: 0
Trailheads Here: Hidden Lake Overlook Trail (from Logan Pass).
Connecting Trails: Hidden Lake Overlook Trail; connections to other Logan Pass trails
Nearby Services: Logan Pass Visitor Center facilities; interpretive signs; St. Mary Visitor Center shuttle option
Common Wildlife: Mountain goats, bighorn sheep; bears (grizzly and black); marmots; pikas
Best Wildlife Times: Mornings along alpine meadows near Logan Pass and overlook
Wildflower Peak: Not available
Fall Colors Peak: Not available
Geological Formation Type: Cirque
Scientific Interest: Rocks belong to Belt Supergroup (1.6–0.8 Ga); Lewis Overthrust uplift about 170 Ma; glacial morphology
Road Opening Dates: Going-to-the-Sun Road typically opens in July; check NPS updates
Snow Lingering: Snow can linger on the trail into July
Winter Access: Not accessible for vehicle travel; winter seasons require snow travel; trails closed
Best Visit Times: Weekday mornings and shoulder seasons; summer early morning
Best Season: Summer (July–September)
Weather Patterns: Rapid weather changes; afternoon thunderstorms possible; dress for wind and cold
Peak Fill Times: Very early morning; parking fills by 7–8 a.m. in peak season
Busiest Season: Summer
Waterfall Height: Not available
Waterfall Flow Rate: Not available
Lake Size: 1.4 miles long, 0.40 miles wide (2.25 km by 0.64 km)
Fishing Species: Not available
Fishing Nearby: 0
Swimming Allowed: 0
Boating Allowed: 0
Climbing Areas: 0
Review Summary: A classic alpine hike with a dramatic glacial past. Expect wildlife encounters and cool winds; the payoff is the overlook and lake views, especially early in the day.

Location

Photos

Hidden Lake boardwalk in Glacier National Park winds through alpine meadow toward rugged mountain peaks.

Hidden Lake meadow vista in Glacier National Park, with yellow wildflowers, evergreen trees, and snow-dusted peaks.

Hidden Lake area in Glacier National Park features snowfields, evergreen trees, and a pyramid-shaped peak beneath a clear blue sky.

White alpine goat stands on meadow beside Hidden Lake in Glacier National Park, with a turquoise lake and distant mountains.

Frequently asked questions

Do I really need to arrive before 7am to get parking?

Yes. Logan Pass parking fills very early in the busy season. Plan to arrive around 6:30–7am; a shuttle from St. Mary is available if parking is full.

Is the 2.6 mile roundtrip to the overlook worth it, or should I go all the way to the lake?

The overlook provides expansive panoramas of the cirque and peaks, and the lakeshore adds closer lake experiences; many visitors consider the overlook sufficient for a rewarding alpine view.

Can someone with limited mobility reach the overlook safely?

The overlook path includes a boardwalk and a few steps, offering accessibility to the platform; the lakeshore section is steeper and not designed for wheelchairs.

Will I see bears on the Hidden Lake Trail?

Bear activity is common. Carry bear spray, keep a safe distance, talk and make noise while hiking, and stay on designated paths.

Is the water actually blue, or is that just in photos?

The article does not specify water color; expect glacier-fed water to reflect light with a cool tone, depending on light and viewing angle.