Hidden Lake Overlook Trail Glacier National Park Montana
Iconic trail in Glacier NP offering stunning alpine lake views and frequent wildlife sightings. A must-do for nature lovers.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better parking
Hidden Lake Overlook Trail Glacier National Park Montana
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic trail in Glacier NP offering stunning alpine lake views and frequent wildlife sightings. A must-do for nature lovers.
"The panoramic views were absolutely stunning, leaving us breathless."
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Logan Pass parking fills by 8 AM. Consider shuttle or late afternoon visits. :car:
🥾 Trekking Poles Recommended
Snow patches can be slippery. Poles aid balance and traction on uneven terrain. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Hidden Lake Overlook
Logan Pass
Breathtaking panoramic views of the glacial lake and surrounding peaks. A true 'wow' moment.
Wildlife Encounters
Along the trail
Keep an eye out for mountain goats, bighorn sheep, marmots, and even bears! Always maintain a safe distance.
Boardwalk and Stair Sections
Start of the trail
A unique and scenic boardwalk leads to a challenging but rewarding series of stairs.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds at Logan Pass
Trail Conditions Can Vary
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Logan Pass parking fills by 8 AM. Consider shuttle or late afternoon visits. :car:
🥾 Trekking Poles Recommended
Snow patches can be slippery. Poles aid balance and traction on uneven terrain. :athletic_shoe:
🐻 Bear Safety First
Carry bear spray and know how to use it. Make noise to avoid surprising wildlife. :bear:
📸 Capture the Views
Breathtaking scenery at every turn. Don't forget your camera!
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Logan Pass parking fills by 8 AM. Consider shuttle or late afternoon visits. :car:
🥾 Trekking Poles Recommended
Snow patches can be slippery. Poles aid balance and traction on uneven terrain. :athletic_shoe:
🐻 Bear Safety First
Carry bear spray and know how to use it. Make noise to avoid surprising wildlife. :bear:
📸 Capture the Views
Breathtaking scenery at every turn. Don't forget your camera!
💧 Stay Hydrated
The sun can be intense at higher altitudes. Bring plenty of water. :droplet:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Hidden Lake Overlook Trail for its absolutely breathtaking panoramic views and abundant wildlife, calling it a quintessential Glacier National Park experience. While the hike is moderate, the presence of snow patches and numerous stairs can make it challenging, especially for those with mobility issues or carrying young children. Parking at Logan Pass is a significant hurdle for many.
"Our first hike at Glacier NP, the Hidden Lake Trail, was an incredible introduction! Even with our 10-month-old, it was a truly beautiful and amazing experience. We even scored a rare stroke of luck, finding immediate parking at Logan Pass on the afternoon of July 4th – pure luck!
The panoramic views were absolutely stunning, leaving us breathless. And the abundant wildlife (wild goats, bighorn sheep, a buck, and squirrels) kept our little one entertained throughout.
Be ready for a 500-foot elevation gain. Only about 10-15 minutes of the trail is boardwalk; the rest is uphill. Roughly 50% of the hike was covered in slippery snow patches, which felt a bit scary at times. If you're carrying a baby or toddler, we highly recommend trekking poles or snow boots for better traction.
Despite the challenging snowy sections, the incredible views and wildlife encounters made every step worthwhile. This trail truly offers a quintessential Glacier National Park experience!"
Jay Narayanasamy
"Nice hike with rewarding views, but don’t underestimate the elevation gain or the difficulty. For an experienced hiker there is nothing to be afraid of, but it’s not a flip-flop trail, even if it starts like one. Halfway through, we encountered multiple tilted snow fields that you need to cross, and you need good shoes and some experience to handle that. As of early July 2025, the trail is closed after the viewpoint over Hidden Lake."
Will Pirnasch
"Stunning hike to the Hidden Lake overlook. The incline is moderate but doable for the elderly and kids. May take a little longer. 2.6 miles round trip. The wildflowers are gorgeous against the backdrop of the mountain peaks. Walking sticks are a nicety for navigating the rocks and uneven steps. Lots of wildlife including mountain goats, squirrels, chipmunks, marmots, and even a bear crossed our path. Highly recommended if you can survive the gauntlet of the parking lot at Logan Pass Visitor Center."
Sean “Wookiee Warlord” Fielding
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The trail starts at the Logan Pass Visitor Center in Glacier National Park. Parking at Logan Pass is extremely limited and fills up very early. Many visitors opt to use the park's shuttle system or arrive before 8 AM to secure a parking spot.
Yes, there is parking at the Logan Pass Visitor Center, but it is notoriously difficult to find, especially during peak season and times. Arriving very early in the morning or later in the afternoon is your best bet.
Glacier National Park operates a shuttle system that can take you to Logan Pass. This is a great alternative to driving and struggling with parking. Check the park's official website for current shuttle routes and schedules.
For fewer crowds and better parking, aim for early morning (before 8 AM) or late afternoon (after 4 PM). The golden hour light in the late afternoon can also make for stunning photos.
Vehicle reservations are required for the Going-to-the-Sun Road corridor, which includes access to Logan Pass. Ensure you have the correct reservation for the day you plan to visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, an entrance fee is required for Glacier National Park. You can purchase a pass at the park entrance stations or online in advance.
No special permits are required for the Hidden Lake Overlook Trail itself, but you will need a valid park entrance pass and potentially a vehicle reservation for the Going-to-the-Sun Road.
The Logan Pass Visitor Center typically opens in late June or early July and closes in mid-October, depending on snow conditions. Hours can vary, so check the park's official website for the most up-to-date information.
The main trail from Logan Pass leads to the Hidden Lake Overlook. To reach the actual lake, you would continue on a longer, more strenuous trail that descends to the lake shore. The overlook is the most popular and accessible part of the hike.
No, the Hidden Lake Overlook Trail is typically only accessible from late June or early July through mid-October due to heavy snowfall. Snow can linger on the trail well into the summer.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The trail to the overlook is considered moderate. It involves a significant number of stairs and an elevation gain of about 550 feet over 2.7 miles round-trip. Some sections can be challenging, especially with snow.
Most visitors take 2-3 hours to complete the hike to the overlook and back, allowing time for photos and wildlife viewing. This can vary depending on your fitness level and how long you spend at the overlook.
You have a good chance of seeing mountain goats and bighorn sheep, especially near the overlook. Marmots, squirrels, chipmunks, and even bears have been spotted. Always maintain a safe distance and never feed wildlife.
Restrooms are available at the Logan Pass Visitor Center at the trailhead. There are no restrooms along the trail itself.
The trail can be challenging for very young children due to the stairs and potential snow. However, many families with older children and even toddlers (with carriers) complete the hike. Trekking poles are highly recommended for added stability.
📸 📸 Photography
The overlook itself offers stunning panoramic views. The boardwalk section also provides unique photographic opportunities with the mountains as a backdrop. Keep an eye out for wildlife for candid shots.
Early morning or late afternoon offer the best light for photography. Sunrise can be magical, and the golden hour before sunset provides warm, dramatic lighting.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive mountain vistas. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife photography if you spot any animals from a distance.
Drones are generally prohibited in Glacier National Park, especially in popular areas like Logan Pass and on trails, to protect wildlife and visitor experience. Always check the park's current regulations.
A sturdy camera with good low-light capabilities is ideal. Consider a lightweight tripod for stable shots, especially during sunrise or sunset. A waterproof bag is also a good idea in case of unexpected weather.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Wildlife sightings are a huge hit with kids, so keep an eye out for goats and sheep!
🚶 Budget Travelers
To save money, pack your own snacks and water. Avoid purchasing expensive items at the visitor center. Utilizing the park's shuttle system can also save on gas and the stress of finding paid parking, if applicable.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The overlook provides a stunning panorama, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the grandeur of the landscape and a telephoto lens for potential wildlife encounters. Be prepared for changing weather conditions, and consider a weather-sealed camera and a protective bag.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Logan Pass Parking
To increase your chances of finding parking, arrive extremely early (before 7:30 AM) or consider visiting in the late afternoon (after 4 PM). If parking is impossible, the park's shuttle system is a viable alternative. The shuttle can drop you off directly at Logan Pass, bypassing the parking hassle. However, be aware that shuttle services also have capacity limits and can experience wait times.
Some travelers suggest that visiting on a weekday might offer slightly better parking odds than on weekends, though it's still highly competitive. Patience and flexibility are key when planning your visit to Logan Pass.
Trail Conditions and Safety
Many reviewers emphasize the importance of sturdy hiking boots and trekking poles. These can provide crucial traction and stability, especially when navigating icy patches or steep ascents/descents. If you are hiking with children or carrying a baby, these aids become even more critical for safety.
While the overlook itself is relatively accessible, the trail to the actual Hidden Lake (if open) is more strenuous and can be even more challenging with snow. Always check the trail status at the visitor center or online before you go, and be prepared to turn back if conditions are unsafe.
Wildlife Encounters: A Thrill and a Caution
However, there have been reports of more significant encounters, including bears. A TikTok video captured a startling close encounter with a grizzly bear near the trail.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit