The Hidden Lake Overlook Trail in Glacier National Park, Montana, begins at the Logan Pass Visitor Center—the highest point on the Going-to-the-Sun Road at 6,646 feet—and climbs 460 feet over 1.4 miles to a dramatic overlook above Hidden Lake. The 2.8-mile round trip is one of the park's most popular short hikes, combining a wildflower-rich boardwalk traverse with sweeping views of a pristine alpine lake set deep in a glacial cirque.
The trailhead is immediately behind the Logan Pass Visitor Center, accessible by the free Glacier National Park shuttle (stopping at Logan Pass from early July through Labor Day) or by private vehicle with a timed Going-to-the-Sun Road reservation from recreation.gov. Restrooms and a water station are available at the visitor center. No trail permit is required for day hiking; the park entrance fee or America the Beautiful Pass applies.
The trail begins on a boardwalk that protects the fragile alpine tundra of Logan Pass. This section traverses subalpine meadows filled with beargrass, glacier lilies, and Indian paintbrush that bloom spectacularly in July and early August. Mountain goats are a near-constant presence along the boardwalk, often grazing within a few meters of hikers. Grizzly bears are also present in the Logan Pass meadows and may be visible from the parking area and lower trail.
Beyond the boardwalk, the trail transitions to packed gravel and natural rock as it climbs to the overlook. At the overlook, Hidden Lake lies approximately 700 feet below, set in a deep cirque encircled by jagged peaks including Clements Mountain, Reynolds Mountain, and Bearhat Mountain to the south. The lake's color ranges from deep blue-green to vivid turquoise under direct sunlight. Hikers choosing to continue may follow a steep, unmaintained trail from the overlook down to the lake shore—an additional 3 miles and 700 feet of descent round trip. The upper trail and boardwalk sections are often snow-covered through mid-June; current conditions are posted at the visitor center.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Glacier National Park
- Best season
- July–September; often snow-covered June
What to bring
- Hiking shoes
- Bear spray
- Layers
- Water
Location
Logan Pass Visitor Center, Glacier NP, MT 59936
48.6968, -113.7175 View on map
Highlights
- Boardwalk trail through Logan Pass alpine meadows with one of Glacier National Park's finest wildflower displays
- Mountain goats regularly seen at close range directly on and adjacent to the boardwalk
- Dramatic overlook above Hidden Lake, set 700 feet below in a glacial cirque ringed by jagged peaks
- Views of Clements Mountain, Reynolds Mountain, and Bearhat Mountain from the overlook
- Accessible by free park shuttle—no vehicle reservation required when using the Logan Pass shuttle
Tips for visiting
- Use the free park shuttle to Logan Pass to avoid the Going-to-the-Sun Road vehicle reservation requirement
- The boardwalk and upper trail often retain snow into late June—check current conditions at the Logan Pass Visitor Center before visiting
- Mountain goats along the boardwalk are wild animals; observe from at least 25 yards and never feed them
- Bring layers even on warm days—Logan Pass at 6,646 feet can experience rapid weather changes including afternoon snow in early summer
- The optional descent from the overlook to Hidden Lake is steep and unmaintained; trekking poles and sturdy footwear are essential for this extension
When to visit
Mid-July through early September offers optimal conditions, with wildflowers peaking in late July and the trail typically clear of snow. The boardwalk is busiest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.; early morning or late afternoon visits offer quieter conditions at Logan Pass.
Accessibility
The initial boardwalk section of the Hidden Lake Overlook Trail is relatively flat and paved, making it manageable for wheelchairs in dry conditions. The upper portion from the boardwalk end to the overlook involves uneven rocky terrain and is not accessible for wheelchairs or strollers.
Frequently asked questions
Can hikers descend from the overlook to Hidden Lake itself?
Yes, an unmaintained trail descends approximately 1.5 miles and 700 feet from the overlook to the lake shore, adding roughly 3 miles and significant elevation to the round trip. The trail is steep and can be slippery; sturdy footwear and trekking poles are recommended.
Are mountain goats always visible on the Hidden Lake Overlook Trail?
Mountain goats are among the most reliably spotted wildlife in Glacier National Park on this trail, frequently grazing on and near the boardwalk. Grizzly bears are also present in the Logan Pass area and may be visible from the visitor center meadows.
How do visitors reach Logan Pass without a vehicle reservation?
The free Glacier National Park shuttle stops at Logan Pass from early July through Labor Day, departing from the Apgar Transit Center and St. Mary Visitor Center. Using the shuttle eliminates the need for a timed vehicle reservation on Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Is the boardwalk section of the trail wheelchair accessible?
The initial boardwalk section is relatively flat and paved, making it manageable for wheelchairs in good weather. The upper section transitioning from the boardwalk to the overlook involves rocky, uneven terrain and is not accessible for wheelchairs or strollers.
When is the trail typically free of snow?
The lower boardwalk is usually clear by early July, though the upper section near the overlook may retain snowfields until mid-July in heavier snow years. Current trail conditions are posted at the Logan Pass Visitor Center and on the Glacier National Park website.