Hidden Lake Overlook: Beautiful, Accessible and Very Crowded

Hidden Lake Overlook is crowded. We would still call it a must-do.

This was one of the busiest trails we hiked in Glacier. The trail starts directly behind the Logan Pass Visitor Center, and on a summer day it can feel like everyone at Logan Pass has decided to hike it at the same time.

But here is the thing: we would still do it. We found the hike easy compared with Glacier’s bigger hikes, the alpine scenery starts almost immediately, and the view down to Hidden Lake surrounded by mountains is amazing. For a first trip to Glacier, we think the payoff is worth both the crowds and the stress of getting to Logan Pass.

How hard is Hidden Lake Overlook?

The National Park Service lists the overlook at 1.3 miles each way, with 608 feet of elevation gain. The trail is a mix of wooden boardwalk and packed trail, with stairs and switchbacks. We found it very easy, especially compared with hikes like Grinnell Glacier or Dawson–Pitamakan.

That said, “easy” is relative. You are hiking at Logan Pass, the route still climbs, and the stairs can make it feel more moderate if you do not hike regularly. But for the amount of scenery you get, the effort-to-view ratio is exceptional.

The views start long before the overlook

This is not a hike where you grind through the woods waiting for one payoff at the end. You are in open alpine terrain almost immediately, with mountains around you, summer wildflowers and wide views across Logan Pass. The overlook itself gives you the classic view of Hidden Lake tucked below the surrounding peaks.

NPS also notes that, with binoculars and a map, you can see the headwall of Sperry Glacier beyond the far end of Hidden Lake. We were more focused on the overall scenery than glacier spotting, but it is another reason to slow down once you reach the overlook.

Wildlife is part of the appeal

We saw a mountain goat in the Logan Pass area, and the alpine terrain around the trail is known for wildlife. Keep your distance and give animals plenty of room even when everyone around you is stopping for photos.

Yes, Hidden Lake really is that crowded

We are not going to tell you there is a magic time when you will have this trail to yourself. It is one of the most accessible hikes at Logan Pass, and it is popular for a reason. We had a steady flow of people around us for essentially the entire hike.

Normally crowds like that would knock a trail down in our rankings. Here, they did not. The landscape is big enough and the views are good enough that we still loved it. Just do not come expecting a quiet wilderness experience.

Parking at Logan Pass in 2026

The hardest part of Hidden Lake Overlook may be getting a parking spot. Logan Pass has historically been extremely congested, and NPS says the lot has often filled before dawn and stayed mostly full through the day.

There are no vehicle reservations required anywhere in Glacier in 2026. If you are planning a longer hike from Logan Pass, the logistics are different: the new ticketed Logan Pass shuttle is designed for day-long outings such as hiking the Highline Trail.

Hidden Lake + a short Highline hike is a great Logan Pass day

If you want more than Hidden Lake but do not want an all-day hike, we would pair it with a short out-and-back on the Highline Trail. You can experience the famous cables, Garden Wall scenery and Haystack-area views without committing to the entire trail.

That combination gives you two very different Glacier experiences from the same general area: Hidden Lake is the easier, high-payoff hike; Highline feels more adventurous almost immediately.

Worth it?