Hidden Lake Overlook

Dogs No Dogs

Features Lake · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

This run starts from the apex of the Going-to-the-Sun Road at Logan Pass. The entire run features beautiful panoramic views out over alpine meadows and rugged peaks to a fantastic overlook of Hidden Lake tucked beneath towering peaks. The snow can stick around well into July, but the wildflowers are around through September with the best blooms in August.

Always bring a warm hat and gloves as well as a rain jacket as travel through this area, even on a hot summer day, can change quickly. Make sure that you either purchase or rent bear spray. It can be rented in Apgar Village.

Trail is busy, so an early start helps you get in front of groups of hikers.

To start this run, head out on the Hidden Lake Trail past the visitor center that starts as asphalt and quickly turns into a raised boardwalk. The boardwalk heads up turning into stairs that lead toward the glacial moraine that was formed by the glacier that used to sit at the bottom of Clements Mountain. Note that the boardwalk is a series of many steps. They aren't difficult in and of themselves, but were not built at a height to be a simple step for someone shorter than 64 inches. It helps to have a hiking pole or walking stick to be able to navigate the step height.

From here, the trail continues on dirt, climbing over Hidden Pass where you can often spot mountain goats. After 1.4 miles, Hidden Lake becomes visible down below at overlook with an interpretive sign. From here, there is also a great view into Sperry Glacier basin.

Most visitors head back from this overlook, but the trail does continue downward for an additional 1.2 miles to the north side of Hidden Lake. This is a steep descent that can be a challenging addition.

This content was created by Jake Bramante of Hike 734. Visit hike734.com for more expert Glacier content and maps that help you decide which trail to run.

Alpine flowers are breathtaking. Fleabane, glacier lilies, and elephant's head to name a few. Mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and ground squirrels are the more popular animals seen, although pika, bears and mule deer may also be spotted.