Hidden Lake from Logan Pass

This out-and-back trail takes hikers on a journey up the slope towards Clemens Mountain, offers a direct view of the glacier nestled right against it, and leads them through Hidden Lake Pass to Hidden Lake, which can often stay true to its name — hidden.

The lake sits at 6,375 feet above sea level, and early in the season, you’ll get to see ice floes on the icy-blue lake, while late summer turns the water deep-blue, mirroring the sky.

Start at the Logan Pass visitor center. Plan to arrive early in the morning, as the parking lot tends to fill up very quickly. The beginning of the trail is just behind the visitor center, and easily visible. Be prepared for foul weather, as even a warm and sunny day can change into a snowstorm within thirty minutes up in the mountains, especially early (June) or late (September) in the season. In July and August, thunderstorms like to roll into the mountains in the afternoon, so be ready to turn around and leave the hike unfinished. There are no trees to take the hit instead of you, should lightning find its way to the ground, as it so often does this high in the mountains.

Start hiking up the slope behind the visitor center on Hidden Lake Trail. If you’re there early in the season, especially on the first day the road up to Logan Pass and/or the trail is open, you might have trouble finding the exact trail; follow the markings in the form of poles sticking out from the snow. Remember to wear proper footwear, as worn-down sneakers don’t fare well on snow and you might end up sliding down the mountain.

Follow the trail for 1.1 mile. There is a particularly treacherous part at around half a mile in, especially if the trail is still covered in snow, where a large rock-pile must be bypassed on a steep slope.

While hiking on this stretch of the trail, to the left, visitors are offered a view of Reynolds Mountain, the “Hanging Gardens,” and Heavy Runner Mountain behind it.

After 1.1 mile, right past a small lake and a wooden bridge, there’s a barely-recognizable trail junction; continue straight, following Hidden Lake Trail for 0.2 mile until you reach the Hidden Lake Overview. The trail there follows a rocky path on an elevated terrace and offers one more quite slippery slope. There’s a tiny group of small trees right opposite to the overview and an information sign, which might be the most you’ll see of Hidden Lake, should the clouds roll in.

If you desire to walk all the way to the waterfront, follow the trail for another 1.2 mile. It will lead you down the slope to the lake; the trail ends there and you will need to hike back up. If you’re already feeling fatigued, enjoy the lake from the overlook, which offers views of the beautiful Bearhat Mountain (8,675 feet) standing tall over the lake.

Once you’ve enjoyed the lake, simply retrace your steps, following Hidden Lake Trail all the way back to Logan Pass Visitor Center.