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

+2 more

Type

Glacial Lake

Accessibility

Boardwalk to overlook; lakeshore path steep and less barrier; some steps

Best Season

Summer (July–September)

Busiest Season

Summer

Features

Hidden Lake Overlook; cirque lake; alpine meadows; Belt Supergroup geology; snowfields nearby

Elevation

6,375 ft

Overview

About This Attraction

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.

Quick Facts

Type

Glacial Lake

Elevation

6,375 ft

Access

Boardwalk to overlook; lakeshore path steep and less barrier; some steps

Main Features

Hidden Lake Overlook; cirque lake; alpine meadows; Belt Supergroup geology; snowfields nearby

What You'll See

Alpine peaks, cirque walls, Hidden Lake, interpretive signs along the trail, wildlife in alpine meadows

What Makes It Special

Belt Supergroup sedimentary rocks dating 1.6–0.8 Ga; Lewis Overthrust (~170 Ma) exposure nearby

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.

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.

Visitor Tips

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.

Details

Location & Features

Type: Glacial Lake

Elevation: 6,375 ft

Distance from Entrance: 2.6 miles roundtrip to Hidden Lake Overlook; 5.1–5.2 miles roundtrip to the lake

GPS: Not available

What Makes It Unique:

Belt Supergroup sedimentary rocks dating 1.6–0.8 Ga; Lewis Overthrust (~170 Ma) exposure nearby

Water Feature Details

Height: Not available

Size: 1.4 miles long, 0.40 miles wide (2.25 km by 0.64 km)

Flow/Best Viewing: Not available

Fish Species: Not available

Geology

Formation Type: Cirque

Scientific Interest:

Rocks belong to Belt Supergroup (1.6–0.8 Ga); Lewis Overthrust uplift about 170 Ma; glacial morphology

Getting There

Directions:

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

Access Type: Boardwalk to overlook; lakeshore path steep and less barrier; some steps

Road: 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

Parking: 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

Entry Fees: Included with park entrance fee

Trails

Trailheads Here:

Hidden Lake Overlook Trail (from Logan Pass).

Connecting Trails:

Hidden Lake Overlook Trail; connections to other Logan Pass trails

Photography & Viewing

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

Best Photo Spots:

Overlook platform; lakeshore vantage along the lower trail; boardwalk corners; alpine meadows

Sunrise/Sunset: Alpenglow at sunrise and sunset; photography-friendly

Stargazing: Good on clear nights with dark skies; high altitude yields crisp skies

Facilities

Visitor Center
Restrooms (Vault toilets)
Interpretive Signs

Cell Service: Unknown

Wildlife & Nature

Common Wildlife:

Mountain goats, bighorn sheep; bears (grizzly and black); marmots; pikas

Best Wildlife Viewing: Mornings along alpine meadows near Logan Pass and overlook

Wildflower Peak: Not available

Fall Colors Peak: Not available

Seasonal Information

Best Season: Summer (July–September)

Best Times: Weekday mornings and shoulder seasons; summer early morning

Road Opens: Going-to-the-Sun Road typically opens in July; check NPS updates

Busiest: Summer

Parking Fills: Very early morning; parking fills by 7–8 a.m. in peak season

Snow Until: Snow can linger on the trail into July

Winter Access: Not accessible for vehicle travel; winter seasons require snow travel; trails closed

Weather:

Rapid weather changes; afternoon thunderstorms possible; dress for wind and cold

Activities

Nearby

Nearby Attractions:

Logan Pass area; other trails from Logan Pass; Going-to-the-Sun Road viewpoints

Nearby Services:

Logan Pass Visitor Center facilities; interpretive signs; St. Mary Visitor Center shuttle option

Insider Tips

Arrive early for parking
Bear spray is recommended
Check Going-to-the-Sun Road status and pack warm layers

Visitor Information

Accessibility:

Boardwalk to overlook; hillside trail to lake is steep with few barriers

Family Friendly:

Exposed edges; hold kids' hands on steeper sections; bear awareness

Nearby Facilities:

Vault toilets at Logan Pass; interpretive signs; no guaranteed water at trailhead

Reviews

★★★★☆

4.9 /5

Based on 72 Google reviews

Based on 72 guest reviews

" 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."

Reviews from Google

Beautiful turquoise lake, definitely hike all the way down to the lake. Definitely one of the top hikes in the park

Like all the hikes in Glacier National Park, this one is amazing and unforgettable, but has the bonus of being a very easy hike compared to most in Glacier.Also arrived at the parking lot around 9 a.m. on a Saturday and there were plenty of spots.

Hidden Lake in Montana is worth the hike! The view is amazing, with a beautiful lake and the stunning Bearhat Mountain in the background. The hike is not too hard, and when you reach the lake, the peaceful scenery and wildflowers along the way makes it all worth it. If you enjoy nature and great views, this place is a must-see!

Showing 3 of 72 reviews

FAQs

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?

Can someone with limited mobility reach the overlook safely?

Will I see bears on the Hidden Lake Trail?

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

📖 hikinginglacier.com 📖 usgs.gov 📖 wikipedia.org 📖 countrywalkers.com 📖 youtube.com 📖 nps.gov 📖 glacierinstitute.org 📖 twodaysjourney.com 📖 noahlangphotography.com 📖 hikingwalking.com 📖 thetravelingtraveler.com 📖 utahsadventurefamily.com 📖 travelwithwes.com 📖 hike734.com 📖 workingfamilytravels.com 📖 glacier.org 📖 outdoorguide.com 📖 yellowstonepark.com 📖 parkchasers.com 📖 quora.com 📖 astheyare.org 📖 wanderlog.com 📖 erinexploring.com 📖 mmrvpark.com 📖 npshistory.com 📖 trip.com 📖 discoverkalispell.com 📖 explorewhitefish.com 📖 reddit.com ⭐ Google Reviews 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research. Learn how YourNPGuide works →

Hidden Lake

Type

Accessibility

Best Season

Busiest Season

Features

Elevation

Overview

About This Attraction

Quick Facts

Main Features

What You'll See

What Makes It Special

Best Time to Visit

Safety Considerations

Visitor Tips

Details

Location & Features

Water Feature Details

Geology

Getting There

Trails

Photography & Viewing

Facilities

Wildlife & Nature

Seasonal Information

Activities

Nearby

Insider Tips

Visitor Information

Location

Address & Directions

Proximity

Reviews

The YNPG Verdict

Reviews from Google

FAQs

Hidden Lake

Type

Accessibility

Best Season

Busiest Season

Features

Elevation

Overview

About This Attraction

Quick Facts

Main Features

What You'll See

What Makes It Special

Best Time to Visit

Safety Considerations

Visitor Tips

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