Glacier National Park • Hike guide

Hidden Lake Overlook: Beautiful, Accessible and Very Crowded

Hidden Lake Overlook is basically a conveyor belt of hikers. It is also one of the easiest ways to get huge alpine views at Logan Pass, so we still think it is worth doing.

Beyond the Overlook verdict
Effort4/10
Views9/10
CrowdsVery high
TimeShort
Worth it?Yes
SolitudeNo
Alpine scenery near Hidden Lake Overlook
2.6 milesround trip to the overlook
608 ftofficial one-way elevation gain
Boardwalk + trailwith stairs
Crowdsexpect lots of them

What it is actually like

The trail starts behind the Logan Pass Visitor Center. The first portion is largely boardwalk with steps, then continues through open alpine terrain. The wildflowers were beautiful and the mountain views felt much bigger than the effort required to reach them.

What you should not expect is solitude. Families, kids and hikers of all speeds are moving in both directions. Go in knowing that and it is easier to enjoy the trail for what it is.

Mountain goat near the Hidden Lake trail

Wildlife is part of the appeal

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

Would we do it?

Yes, especially if you are already at Logan Pass. It is an unusually accessible return on effort. We would pair it with a short out-and-back on Highline rather than devote separate days to each.

All Glacier guidesPlan your Glacier trip