Hidden Lake

Hidden Lake Overlook: a cirque lake at Logan Pass; overlook easy, lakeshore hike rewarding.

Insider tip

Arrive early for parking

Insider tip

Bear spray is recommended

The light

Alpenglow at sunrise and sunset; photography-friendly

Heads up

Gravity: steep descents on the lakeside; bears present; weather can shift quickly; rocky terrain and crevasses under snow. Stay on designated paths, carry bear…

Natural Attraction

Natural Attraction★ 4.9
Glacial Lake6,375 ftRestrooms availableNo permit neededGolden-hour pick

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.

Getting there & parking

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
Distance From Entrance
2.6 miles roundtrip to Hidden Lake Overlook; 5.1–5.2 miles roundtrip to the lake
Road Type
Paved to Logan Pass; trail surfaces are dirt and boardwalk; some rocky sections near the lake
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
Peak Fill Times
Very early morning; parking fills by 7–8 a.m. in peak season

When to go

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.
Best Visit Times
Weekday mornings and shoulder seasons; summer early morning
Sunrise Sunset Quality
Alpenglow at sunrise and sunset; photography-friendly
Best Season
Summer (July–September)
Busiest Season
Summer
Seasonal Access
Road typically open in summer; snow can linger into July; access limited by weather
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
Weather Patterns
Rapid weather changes; afternoon thunderstorms possible; dress for wind and cold

What you will experience

Attraction Type
Glacial Lake
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
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
Best Viewpoints
Hidden Lake Overlook platform for panoramas; lakeshore vantage along the lower trail
Common Wildlife
Mountain goats, bighorn sheep; bears (grizzly and black); marmots; pikas
Best Wildlife Times
Mornings along alpine meadows near Logan Pass and overlook
Geological Formation Type
Cirque
Scientific Interest
Rocks belong to Belt Supergroup (1.6–0.8 Ga); Lewis Overthrust uplift about 170 Ma; glacial morphology
Stargazing Quality
Good on clear nights with dark skies; high altitude yields crisp skies

Facilities, fees & access

Entry Fees
Included with park entrance fee
Permits Required
0
Restrooms Available
1
Restroom Type
Vault toilets
Picnic Areas
0
Water Available
0
Cell Service
Cell service is sparse around Hidden Lake; expect little to no coverage at the trailhead and lake.
Interpretive Signs
1
Accessibility
Boardwalk to overlook; hillside trail to lake is steep with few barriers
Accessibility Level
Boardwalk to overlook; lakeshore path steep and less barrier; some steps
Nearby Services
Logan Pass Visitor Center facilities; interpretive signs; St. Mary Visitor Center shuttle option
Nearby Facilities
Vault toilets at Logan Pass; interpretive signs; no guaranteed water at trailhead
Family Friendly Notes
Exposed edges; hold kids' hands on steeper sections; bear awareness

Safety

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.

Nearby

Nearby Attractions
Logan Pass area; other trails from Logan Pass; Going-to-the-Sun Road viewpoints
Connecting Trails
Hidden Lake Overlook Trail; connections to other Logan Pass trails
Trailheads Here
Hidden Lake Overlook Trail (from Logan Pass).

Planning advice

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

More details

Park Area
Logan Pass, Glacier National Park
Elevation Feet
6375
Visitor Center Present
1
Guided Tours Available
0
Lake Size
1.4 miles long, 0.40 miles wide (2.25 km by 0.64 km)
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

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.

Vulture Peak

Glaciated peak with Precambrian Belt rocks; backcountry scramble to the summit.

Numa Peak

Numa Peak rises above Bowman Lake; Numa Ridge Lookout reveals vast alpine views.

Pyramid Peak

Granite peak sharpened by glacial ice; scrambling to Pyramid Peak from Pyramid Pass.

Grace Lake

Grace Lake: glacial cirque lake at 3,966 ft, reached via the Logging Lake Trail.

Mount Vaught

8,854 ft peak in the Livingston Range; scrambling ascent; Belt Supergroup rocks thrust by Lewis Overthrust.

Sources

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated December 2025. Report an issue.