How to Hike to Hidden Lake in Glacier National Park

As one of the best hikes in Glacier National Park, Hidden Lake in Glacier National Park is the perfect trail to add to your Glacier National Park itinerary. I’ve done this hike numerous times and I’m still blown away by the views you get the entire way through. If you would like to see a mountain goat on your time in Montana, this is one of the hiking trails to do so–don’t be surprised if you run into a few!

Here’s everything you need to know about hiking Hidden Lake in Glacier National Park on your trip!

Distance: 5.3 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation gain: 1,374 feet

How long is the Hidden Lake hike?

The hike to Hidden Lake in Glacier National Park is approximately 5.4 miles round trip and takes about three hours to complete. During the hike, you’ll experience a total elevation gain of 1,325 feet, with the highest point measuring 7,152 feet above sea level. The Hidden Lake Trail ends at the northwest corner of the lake, but you are free to wander along the shoreline and check out other areas around the lake if you wish. Hidden Lake in Glacier spans a total of two miles, so there’s certainly plenty to explore. 

How difficult is the Hidden Lake hike?

The Hidden Lake Trail in Glacier National Park is generally considered to be an intermediate or moderately challenging route, given its length and, at times, steep elevation changes. While the trail does start out relatively easy (the first half mile is paved and covered with a boardwalk), the closer you get to Hidden Lake in Glacier National Park, the more difficult the trail becomes. Once you pass the Hidden Lake Overlook, which is approximately 1.3 miles into the hike, you’ll really start to see steep descents as the trail drops roughly 780 feet in elevation. It’s along this section of the trail where you’ll experience a very steep series of switchbacks that can be difficult to navigate – and don’t forget you’ll have to walk back up them on your return trip. But don’t let that stop you; the views around Hidden Lake are definitely worth the work!

What should I know about parking for the Hidden Lake hike? 

You can access Hidden Lake from Logan Pass, where parking is available at the Visitor’s Center. However, this area is extremely popular, as it is the highest reachable elevation by car. Therefore, you may have a difficult time finding a place to park. If you would really like to park here, it’s recommended that you arrive either very early or late in the day to avoid the crowds. If you are unable to find parking here, there is the Glacier National Park shuttle system that you can utilize instead. Depending upon where you park, you can catch a ride to Logan’s Pass on either the West Side Shuttle or East Side Shuttle. There are several park-and-ride lots located throughout the park, so you should have no problem finding parking if you choose to take the shuttle up to Hidden Lake in Glacier National Park.

You’ll also want to keep in mind that Logan Pass is in the middle of the park, so it can be a bit of a drive from where you are staying. Just make sure to consider this when looking at places to stay near Glacier National Park so you can get there before the crowds do.

Is the Hidden Lake hike good for kids?

The Hidden Lake hike in Glacier is more suited for older children and those that have experience hiking. Given the trail’s steep switchbacks and sharp elevation changes, it can be difficult for some children, especially younger children, to navigate. That being said, if you’re still interested in hiking the trail with your kids, you could try out the first section of the Hidden Lake hike, which will bring you to the Hidden Lake Overlook. This part of the trail is mostly paved or covered with a boardwalk, so it’s quite easy and doable for the majority of children. And from this lookout point, you’ll have a great view of Hidden Lake and the surrounding mountains. It’s an ideal compromise to consider if you’d like your kids to catch a glimpse of Hidden Lake in Glacier National Park.

How to hike Hidden Lake in Glacier National Park

You’ll find the trailhead to Hidden Lake in Glacier National Park on the west end of the Logan Pass Visitor Center. There is also a parking lot located here; however, it is known to fill up quickly and may not be available, depending on when you visit and the time of day. If you’re planning to park here, it’s best to come early in the morning or later in the day to avoid the crowds. Otherwise, there’s a free park shuttle system that you can utilize to reach Logan’s Pass and Hidden Lake in Glacier National Park.

Once you’ve arrived at the trailhead, you’ll begin your hike to Hidden Lake in Glacier National Park by making your way up a steady incline. This trail starts out as a paved path but quickly switches over to a boardwalk and then becomes a dirt trail about half a mile in. The trail, which is exposed and completely open, offers a unique view of the alpine meadows, better known as the Hanging Gardens. In the summertime, these meadows become overgrown with wildflowers and are quite beautiful to behold. In addition to this, you’ll be able to catch a glimpse of several mountains, including Clements Mountain, Bearhat Mountain, Mount Reynolds, and Heavy Runner Mountain.

At approximately 1.2 miles into the hike, you’ll reach the Continental Divide, a natural drainage divide that separates water flow between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. From there, it’s just another .15 miles to the Hidden Lake Overlook, where you’ll be able to admire breathtaking panoramic views of Hidden Lake and the surrounding mountains. While you’re there, be sure to also keep a lookout for wildlife. Mountain goats, bighorn sheep, wolverines, marmots, and grizzly bears have all been known to frequent the area.

Once you’ve passed the overlook, you’ll begin your descent towards Hidden Lake in Glacier National Park. This part of the hike is definitely the most demanding, as you’ll quickly descend 780 feet down the mountainside. On the way, you’ll encounter a series of switchbacks and steep terrain, so be sure to keep an eye out and tread carefully!

When you finally reach level ground, you’ll be greeted with views of Hidden Lake in Glacier National Park. The trail will bring you out near the northwest corner of the lake, where you’ll find a small beach. Here you’re welcome to relax, rest, have a picnic, and maybe even hop in the lake for a swim. Just be warned, the water here is likely to be incredibly cold, so be sure to brace yourself before diving in! If you like, you can also walk around Hidden Lake in Glacier National Park and wander through the surrounding area a bit more. The lake measures two miles in length, so there’s certainly plenty of shoreline for you to explore before returning to the trail.

Have you ever hiked to Hidden Lake in Glacier National Park? Let me know in the comments!