Find more epic hikes in Glacier National Park Located in Glacier National Park, Hidden Lake is one of the most popular hiking destinations in Flathead County, Montana due to its relatively short trail and breathtakingly scenic views of the surrounding alpine landscape.Īt an elevation of 6,375 ft above sea level, the lake is surrounded by picturesque meadows that are filled with wildflowers during the summer, and rugged mountain peaks like the distinctive Bearhat Mountain that towers overhead.
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This is a great time to perfect your glissading skills if there is still snow, but please BE CAREFUL! Your route back is the same as the way you came up. If you have the energy, hike down the 235 m to the lake, but remember you need to climb back up! This is a pleasant walk and there are nice views from the lake. Later in the season, once the path is open, you have the option to continue another 2.3 km down to Hidden Lake. To the right you can see Mount Cannon in the distance, while to your left the Dragons Tail leads from Mount Reynolds and connects with Bearhat Mountain.Įarly in the season, Rangers often close access to the lake as bears are feeding on salmon (at least that is what they said, we’re impressed the salmon get from the Pacific all the way to Hidden Lake!). Hidden Lake is dominated by Bearhat Mountain rising directly above. From the pass you get an idea of the beauty that lay ahead, with Bearhat Mountain dominating the view.Īs you descend a short distance, you’ll get to another wooden boardwalk, boasting more wonderful views. As you come over a pass there is often a pleasant little tarn or two on your left, which can offer some beautiful photos with reflections when the sun is right and the wind is low. As you rise, cross a stream or two, which hopefully means there are some Rocky Mountain goats nearby. You can also pick out the start of the wonderful Highline Trail, which takes you along the Continental Divide to Granite Park Chalet.īut you’re continuing ahead.
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Towering above the Visitor Centre is Mount Pollock, with Mount Piegan on the right. It goes without saying it’s worth it to stop and look behind you. On your left you will see Reynolds Mountain. These meadows, known as “Hanging Gardens” are fragile, and much of this path is on a boardwalk, designed to preserve the fragile grasses of this area.Īs you look up, you will see Clements Mountain towering on your right, with waterfalls coming down early in the season. This entire route is through alpine gardens, which makes it stunning. Walk behind the visitor center and you will see a load of people heading up towards Hidden Lake Pass. We didn’t mind as we had our good, sturdy leather boots (thank-you Zamberlan!), however people in sandals or running shoes were having a tough time.įrom the parking lot, head towards the visitor center. As early evening approached, the snow was melting, and the trail was quite wet. Our last trip in mid-July was very snowy, with only about half the hike without powder. We heard people ask him “Are you going skiing?” He didn’t even reply, and frankly we were left wondering what the people asking the question thought he might be doing besides skiing. In mid-July we saw a father with his kids carrying ski gear up to get some turns in. And it’s only 2.1 km each way!Įarly in the season this hike retains a lot of snow. There are literally hundreds of people doing this route, and for good reason.
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Bear in mind that this is grizzly country.This hike is some-kinda-wonderful, but don’t expect to be alone on the trail. The lake does provide some good opportunities for casting to large Yellowstone cutthroat trout. For that reason, the lake is restricted to catch-and-release. It is a moderately difficult trail that receives a great number of visitors and anglers each year. Plan on arriving early in the day if you want to take the three-mile hike down to Hidden Lake, one of the highest lakes at 6,375 feet elevation. Be advised, however, that the parking lot at Logan Pass Visitor Center often fills during July and August. In truth, I join the masses each time on the boardwalk-guided tour, as it is breathtaking in beauty and offers great photo opps for mountain goats and people. Hidden Lake is closed to fishing during spawning season.ĭriving the Going-to-the-Sun Road to the Logan Pass Visitor Center is similar in popularity to driving to Yellowstone’s Old Faithful. Special restrictions: Fish caught in Hidden Lake and the outlet must be released. Maps: USGS Glacier National Park Montana Atlas and Gazetteer, p.84įishing species: Yellowstone cutthroat trout General location: Below the Logan Pass Visitor Center on the Going-to-the-Sun Road