Hidden Lake Overlook Trail in Glacier National Park

26 Aug Hidden Lake Overlook Trail in Glacier National Park

Posted at 16:44h in Montana, U.S.A., West by Alaina Thomas 0 Comments

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Time for some honesty. The Hidden Lake Overlook Trail was my favorite trail in all of Glacier National Park. That is some high praise, for the park is full of hikes with stunning views. What made this trail stand out to me?

Well, we hiked the trail at sunrise. We began hiking before the sun rose over the mountains so that we could arrive at the overlook just as the sun began to peak out. It is hard to describe in words just how beautiful the sunrise was. We could see the sun rising above the mountains behind us, and it began to shine over Hidden Lake and the nearby valleys. Imagine a blue-colored lake surrounded by mountains with a beautiful yet mysterious mist sitting in the valleys of the mountains. The scenery at the Hidden Lake Overlook in Glacier National Park is already quite stunning by itself, but the sunrise just took it to another level.

For other moderate trails leading to lakes with gorgeous views, check out the Avalanche Lake Trail along the Going to the Sun Road in West Glacier or the Iceberg Lake Trail in Many Glacier. For an easier hike leading to a lake with gorgeous views (and sometimes moose), check out the Fishercap Lake Trail in Many Glacier.

1) General Glacier National Park Information

Glacier National Park, also known as the Crown of the Continent, is one of the most beautiful and desirable national parks in the US. Just about every time I see a friend post on social media when they return from Glacier, they claim it as their new favorite national park. Scroll through some pictures on Google (or visit for yourself), and you are sure to understand why.

The park is full of magnificent (and challenging) hiking trails, lakes with crystal clear or turquoise blue water, a vast variety of wildlife, and so much more. If Glacier is not already on your travel bucket list, you need to add it immediately. (And bump it up somewhere near the top).

For a fun fact, Glacier National Park in the US combined with Waterton National Park in Canada to form the first international peace park. The scenery of each national park does not end at the border, but instead the unique beauty of the parks transcend between countries. Moreover, the wildlife, for example bears, moose, and elk, call both of the parks home as they roam back and forth across the border.

Where is Glacier National Park Located?

Glacier National Park is located in northwestern Montana, just under 30 minutes from the Canadian border. The park can therefore be a bit difficult to access due to its location. There is no nearby, convenient airport like there is in Jackson Hole for Grand Teton.

Instead, the closest airports are the Kalispell City Airport at two hours southwest, the Great Falls International Airport at three hours southeast, and the Missoula Montana Airport at three and a half hours southwest. (I used Logan Pass as a calculation for the time from each airport to the park. Be aware that the driving distance can be longer or shorter depending on your final destination in Glacier.)

Enjoying a private view of Hidden lake just past the overlook area

What are the Different Sections of Glacier – Most Visited?

Honestly, some places online say there are five sections in Glacier National park while others say there are nine sections, etc. It is all a bit relative, for you can split up the park in a few different ways. My favorite way to split up the park is into five sections: (1) Two Medicine (2) Many Glacier (3) Going to the Sun Road (4) North Fork (5) Goat Haunt.

First, the Going to the Sun Road spans from the eastern to the western side of the park. This is the section that people often break down into more sections. For example, there is the town of St. Mary at the eastern edge, Rising Sun just 15 minutes west from there, Logan Pass near the middle of the road, and Lake McDonald as well as Apgar Village near the western edge. Moreover, this is the busiest and most popular section of the park, especially around Logan Pass. Along the Going to the Sun Road you can find attractions such as the Hidden Lake Overlook Trail, Highline Trail, and Avalanche Lake Trail.

Second, Many Glacier is located in the eastern section of the park, just a bit north of the Going to the Sun Road. This section is fairly popular, for it is where you can access the trailhead to one of the park’s most popular trails: Grinnell Glacier Trail. Another trail that has less hype but just as gorgeous of views is the Iceberg Lake Trail.

What are the Different Sections of Glacier – Least Visited?

Third, Two Medicine is located in the southeastern corner of the park. Due to its location, it is generally not too crowded. People will often completely skip visiting this area if they only have a day or two inside the park. I would agree that you should skip this area if you are limited on time. Otherwise, check out the Running Eagle Falls Trail and the South Shore Trail to Paradise Point if you have extra time.

Fourth, North Fork is located in the western section of the park. It is just north of the Going to the Sun Road. However, North Fork is not as popular of an area due to the fact it is more difficult to access. If you do make it up that way, I recommend you at least hike to Bowman Lake.

Fifth, Goat Haunt is located in the northern section of the park. Actually, it is right along the Canadian border. This is the least accessed area of the park due to the fact you have only two options to reach it. First, you can go on an overnight backpacking trip from Glacier. Second, you can take a scenic cruise from Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada.

This map was created with Wanderlog, the best trip planner app on iOS and Android

What are the Opening Hours of Glacier National Park?

Time for some good news! Glacier National Park is open to visitors 24/7, every single day of the year. However, do not get too excited just yet. Due to its location in northern Montana, it can receive a lot of snow in the winter. That being said, a lot of the roads within the park close for the winter season. They normally start to close roads beginning in the late fall. Nevertheless, the one road that (usually) remains open the entire year and is plowed by park officials is the portion of the Going to the Sun Road from West Glacier to Lake McDonald Lodge.

While this is not a large section of the park, it is still better than nothing. Maybe you can only visit during the winter. Or maybe you love the snow and want to take advantage of some winter skiing and snowshoeing.

I started with some good news, but now time for some bad news. If you visit in the winter, you will not be able to drive to the Hidden Lake Overlook Trail. The portion of the Going to the Sun Road that leads to the trailhead, which is located at Logan Pass, usually closes in mid-fall, specifically October, due to weather conditions. It then reopens in the early summer, specifically around late June or early July.

Do I Need an Entrance Pass for Glacier National Park?

First, you MUST have a valid entrance pass to enter Glacier National Park. Similar to almost every other national park in the US, Glacier requires you to obtain an entrance pass to access their park. The pass is $35 per private vehicle. See the nps.gov Glacier webpage for more information on the fees for other vehicle types, for example a motorcycle. As a bonus, they now offer the option of purchasing digital passes in addition to the physical passes offered at the entrance stations and visitor centers.

Furthermore, do not think that you can sneak into the park without an entrance pass if you enter around 5am and there is no one at the entrance station. No matter when or where you enter the park, you are required to pay the entrance fee. If no one is at the entrance station, there will be a sign with information on how to pay the fee. Think about it this way – you are paying to help protect and preserve the park for years to come.

On the other hand, you can purchase an annual park pass for $80. I definitely recommend you buy this pass if you plan to visit three or more national parks within one year. For example, maybe you also have a trip planned to Zion National Park to hike Angels Landing or to Acadia National Park to watch the sunrise on Cadillac Mountain. Buying this pass can save you a lot of money in the long run.

Do I Need a Vehicle Reservation for Glacier National Park?

Second, you also MUST have a vehicle reservation to access most of the sections of Glacier National Park between 6am and 3pm from around the end of May to the middle of September. The four sections of Glacier that require a separate vehicle reservation are North Fork, Two Medicine, Many Glacier, and Going to the Sun Road.

You cannot just purchase one vehicle reservation and be good to go for all areas of the park. Nope. Instead, you have to purchase a separate reservation for each area, though they are only $2 each. For example, you need to purchase a Going to the Sun Road vehicle reservation for the Hidden Lake Overlook Trail. Check out the nps.gov Glacier webpage for more information on vehicle reservations and the exact dates they are required for each area of the park.

I know, this sounds like a lot. But the park is doing what they can to protect the area for many years to come. They want people to be able to visit tomorrow. Nevertheless, they also want them to be able to visit 50 to 100 years from now.

On the other hand, one way to skirt around the vehicle pass regulation is to enter the park areas before 6am or after 3pm. You are able to enter freely at those times.

Light rays from sunrise just starting to hit the mountains and valleys behind Hidden Lake

2) Location of Hidden Lake Overlook Trail

Where is the Hidden Lake Overlook Trail located? In what section of Glacier National Park is the Hidden Lake Overlook Trail?

The trailhead for Hidden Lake Overlook is located at Logan Pass along the Going to the Sun Road. This means you need an entrance pass as well as a vehicle reservation (if you enter between 6am and 3pm) to access the trailhead.

Logan Pass is not exactly in the middle of the Going to the Sun Road, but instead it leans on the eastern side. For reference, it is 35 minutes from St. Mary at the eastern end of the road. It is one hour and 10 minutes from West Glacier at the western end of the road. Worried about parking at Logan Pass? That is a valid fear. Head to section three below for more information.

Something to keep in mind is that cell service is not reliable near the Hidden Lake Overlook nor anywhere in Glacier National Park. I downloaded an offline version of Glacier National Park on Google Maps before I visited, and I recommend you do the same.

Panoramic view from Hidden Lake Overlook

Camping and Lodging Near Hidden Lake Overlook

There is no overnight camping allowed on the Hidden Lake Overlook Trail or at Hidden Lake. Nevertheless, you can still camp at a nearby campground for a more intimate experience in the park.

The closest campground to the trailhead is the Rising Sun Campground at 25 minutes east. While it is in a prime location, the campsites are first-come, first-served. It is thus not the best option to ensure you have a place to stay at night.

The second closest campground to the trailhead is the Avalanche Campground at 30 minutes west. This campground is closer to West Glacier as well as one of the park’s most popular trails – Avalanche Lake.

The third closest campground to the trailhead is the St. Mary Campground at 35 minutes east. I can personally recommend this campground since we stayed here for three nights during our trip to Glacier. While it is located within a short drive of a bunch of attractions, it is also located pretty close to some good food options in the town of St. Mary. The only thing to note is that we had hot showers around 5pm but ice cold showers around 8pm.

Alas, maybe the camping experience is not for you. Maybe you want an actual bed with blankets, pillows, etc. – that sounds lovely. The closest you can get to luxury lodging in the area is the Cozy Duck Lake Cabin or St. Mary Village.

Sun shining on Bearhat mountain behind Hidden Lake

3) Parking at Logan Pass

When does the parking lot at Logan Pass fill up? When should I arrive at Logan Pass in the morning to get a parking spot?

An entire section devoted to parking? Yup. You would not believe the struggle that is finding a parking spot at Logan Pass. Let’s dive in.

When we arrived at Logan Pass at 6am on a weekday in early August, the parking lot was already 40% full. Parking was then completely full at 8am with cars circling the lot over and over. We went to our car to grab a few things between hiking the Hidden Lake Overlook and Highline Trails. Probably five to 10 people asked us if we were leaving. We had to crush their dreams and tell them no.

We thought the parking situation at Logan Pass was similar to vultures. Not only were people circling the lot in their cars, but they were also standing outside by the bathrooms asking people if they were leaving and if they could take their parking spot.

Our experience is not unique. You can expect this type of parking chaos every single day at Logan Pass in the summer. Moreover, the portion of the Going to the Sun Road with access to Logan Pass closes around October and reopens around June or July every year. Therefore, you want to plan a visit for sometime between July and September.

Sunrise behind the mountains near Logan Pass from the Hidden Lake Trail

My Three Recommendations

Here we go. First, I recommend you arrive at Logan Pass before sunrise to grab a parking spot as well as to enjoy the views. Yes, this is incredibly early. While you might hate waking up so early, your future self will appreciate you. The sunrise we saw along the Hidden Lake Overlook Trail was one of the most beautiful sunrises I have seen in my entire life. Additionally, we grabbed a parking spot early in the morning and did not have to waste any time searching for a spot by circling the lot later in the morning.

Second, I recommend you plan your itinerary so that you only have to park at Logan Pass once. For example, we hiked the Hidden Lake Overlook Trail, visited the Logan Pass Visitor Center, and hiked a few miles along the Highline Trail all in the same morning / afternoon. We thus parked in the parking lot for Logan Pass in the morning and did not have to worry about moving our car for any of the aforementioned attractions.

Third, I recommend you take the shuttle to Logan Pass if you do not plan to arrive early in the morning. Circling the lot looking for a parking spot will not only waste your time, but it might also put you in a bad mood. Check out the Glacier Shuttle NPS webpage for everything you need to know, including a list of shuttle shops.

Alternative Option to Parking at Logan Pass

Another option is to park in a pull off on the side of the Going to the Sun Road near Logan Pass and then walk along the road to Logan Pass. I will say that this is not the best option. We saw people park in pull offs just east of Logan Pass as we hiked along the Highline Trail. However, they then had an uphill battle ahead of them because the road leading to Logan Pass is quite steep. They began hiking before they even reached a trailhead.

Amenities at Logan Pass

Logan Pass is a parking lot, but it also has a few additional amenities. First, there are bathrooms here. Thank goodness, for you need to take care of business before tackling a hiking trail. Second, there is a visitor center. The visitor center has some informational exhibits as well as a small gift shop. We were a bit surprised the gift shop was so small because it is in such a popular location.

Third, you can enjoy some good views from the parking lot. Fourth, you can access a few different trailheads. For example, there is the Hidden Lake Overlook Trail and Highline Trail.

Trail to Hidden Lake Overlook

4) Best Time to Hike

When is the best time to hike to Hidden Lake in Glacier National Park?

The best time to begin hiking the Hidden Lake Overlook Trail is before 8am or after 4pm.

Parking can be a bit difficult (to say the least) at Logan Pass for the trailhead. Therefore, it is best if you can snag a spot earlier or later in the day. When I say “earlier”, I mean well before 8am. Otherwise the parking lot will be full with at least a handful of cars circling.

Moreover, the temperature will be more moderate if you begin the hike in the early morning or evening. Even though we began hiking around just after six in the morning, I was starting to sweat as we hiked up the trail to the overlook. There were a fair amount of steps at the beginning, but we were also hiking at a fast pace. We wanted to make sure we arrived at the overlook by sunrise.

When is the Best Season to Hike the Hidden Lake Overlook Trail?

I mentioned above in section one that the portion of the Going to the Sun Road around Logan Pass closes in October and does not reopen until June or July. You therefore cannot hike to the Hidden Lake Overlook during those months.

That being said, the best seasons to hike to Hidden Lake Overlook are the summer and fall. More specifically, the best months are from July through September. Snow can sometimes remain on the trail until late June or July. If you wait until August or September, you are likely to be rewarded with a mostly or completely snow-free trail. We hiked in early August and did not encounter any snow on the trail.

Hidden lake overlook Glacier National Park

View from Hidden Lake Overlook

5) Trail Directions and Scenery

How do I reach the trailhead for Hidden Lake Overlook in Glacier National Park?

As mentioned previously, the trailhead for Hidden Lake Overlook is located along the Going to the Sun Road at Logan Pass. Arrive early to snag a parking spot so that you can begin hiking immediately. You can find a map of the trail as well as the trailhead itself behind the visitor center.

One of the best things about this trail is that it is easy to follow. There are no side trails or anything like that leading you away from the main trail. Simply start hiking once you see the main trailhead sign and keep hiking until you reach the overlook area. It is obvious to tell when you reach the overlook, for there is an informational panel and fence along the cliff’s edge.

Oh, and you even cross the Continental Divide while hiking the Hidden Lake Overlook Trail. While there is no sign, the Continental Divide is at the 1.2 miles (~1.9 kilometer) marker.

Map of the trail to Hidden Lake Overlook on Google Maps

What Scenery is on the Trail to Hidden Lake Overlook?

First off, let me try to convince you to hike the Hidden Lake Overlook Trail at sunrise. The views are stunning; words do not do them justice.

When hiking along the trail, be sure to look behind you every now and then. This is even more important during sunrise, for the sun will begin to peak over the mountains. These specific mountains are Piegan Mountain and Pollock Mountain.

Moreover, look to your left and right in the valleys to try and spot wildlife. We did not see anything, but that does not mean you will not either. The mountains to the left of the trail are Reynolds Mountain and Heavy Runner Mountain. The mountains to the right of the trail are Clements Mountain and Mt. Cannon. The mountain to the north of the trail and right behind Hidden Lake is Bearhat Mountain.

Lastly, you can see the Hanging Gardens to the left of the wooden boardwalk trail when hiking to the overlook. While they might still be covered in snow in June or even July, the wildflowers should be out and about in August and September.

What Wildlife is on the Trail to Hidden Lake Overlook?

We did not see any wildlife when we hiked the Hidden Lake Overlook Trail at sunrise. Honestly, I cannot emphasize enough that seeing wildlife is often random. People say this trail is a great area to spot mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and marmots. Sometimes wolverines even make an appearance. No animals for us, though!

Additionally, it is possible to see bears in the area. However, bear sightings are more common on the trail from the Hidden Lake Overlook down to Hidden Lake.

Map of the Hidden Lake Trail at the Trailhead

6) Trail Length, Distance, and Difficulty

Is the Hidden Lake Overlook Trail family friendly? How long is the trail to Hidden Lake Overlook?

The Hidden Lake Overlook Trail in Glacier National Park is a 2.7 mile (~4.3 kilometers) out and back trail with approximately 550 feet (~168 meters) in elevation gain. It is considered to be a moderate trail.

Moreover, an average hiker can complete the trail in one hour and 20 minutes. We hiked to the overlook in about 30 minutes and back down in 35 minutes. However, I will say that we were hiking at an above-average pace to reach the overlook so that we did not miss the sunrise. I felt as though we were half-running up the trail (and I think we actually were). That being said, I recommend that you plan at least two hours in your itinerary for this trail. You need a little less than an hour and a half for hiking. The other half hour can be spent appreciating the views at the overlook.

This is one of the best family-friendly trails in Glacier due to the minimal elevation gain and mileage. Moreover, the payout at the end is well worth the hike. Honestly, the Hidden Lake Overlook Trail is probably the best bang-for-your-buck trail in the entire park.

Additional Information on the Hidden Lake Overlook Trail

The trail to the overlook begins just behind the visitor center at Logan Pass. While it starts as a concrete path, it then quickly turns into a wooden boardwalk with steps. There are a few breaks in the boardwalk, but only when there are large rocks to act as steps instead. What a nice trail, right? Well, it does not last forever.

The wooden boardwalk ends maybe around halfway to the overlook, and the trail then switches to a dirt and gravel path. There are still some larger rocks here and there, and they act as stepping stones. Be sure to watch your footing along the entire trail.

Moreover, please respect the area and remain on the official trail. There are a few signs noting that you should not traverse off-trail.

How Challenging is the Hidden Lake Overlook Trail?

The trail to the Hidden Lake Overlook has pretty steady elevation gain from the beginning with a fair amount of steps. You might look ahead on the trail and think “ah yes, just have to get over this hill”. That is not exactly the case. While it looks like you are about to reach the end of the elevation gain once or twice, there is another hill waiting for you just over that hill.

The trail evens out for just a couple of minutes as you get closer to the overlook. Then keep pushing, for there is only one more hill before you then hike downhill to the actual overlook area.

View just off to the right of the formal Hidden Lake Overlook

7) When You Reach Hidden Lake Overlook

Is hiking to Hidden Lake Overlook worth it?

At the overlook you can enjoy views of Hidden Lake with mountains and valleys as the backdrop. The large and looming mountain directly behind the lake is Bearhat Mountain. The valley at the eastern edge of the lake is the valley between Bearhat Mountain and Mt. Cannon. To put it simply, the hike is absolutely worth it.

Moreover, the amount of snow you see on the nearby mountains and valleys depends on when you visit. We only saw a small amount of snow when we visited in early August. However, the amount of snow is much higher in June and early July.

What are the Views Like at Hidden Lake Overlook at Sunrise?

I have said this before, and I will say it again. It is hard for me to describe in words just how beautiful the Hidden Lake Overlook is at sunrise. Yes, this is another shameless attempt to convince you to hike at sunrise. The sun will be rising behind you as you hike to Hidden Lake since it rises in the east. However, this means that as the sun rises, the sun rays start to hit Hidden Lake and the surrounding mountains.

If you visit at sunrise, the sun slowly starts to shine on Bearheat mountain as it rises. This sometimes produces a red tint on the mountain. Additionally, the valley between Bearhat Mountain and Mt. Cannon is slightly covered with fog early in the morning. When we arrived at the overlook, the foggy valley had almost a bluish tint. However, we were even more in awe as the sun rays started to reach the valley. They produced beautiful spots of yellow/orange, and the light then extended across the valley.

Moreover, the entire sky behind Hidden Lake can be a variety of colors at sunrise. For example, the sky was a mix of blue, yellow, orange, and red when we visited.

Light rays from sunrise hitting the valley behind Hidden Lake

How Do I Find the Best Spot at the Overlook?

First and foremost, there is an official overlook area. There is an informational panel as well as a fence here. However, you do not have to remain exactly in this one spot. It can get a bit crowded as more and more people finish the hike. I recommend that you find a more private spot.

The trail continues to the right past the overlook and down to the shore of Hidden Lake (see the next section for more information). I am not saying you have to hike all the way down to the lake. Instead, you can walk for a minute or two along the trail, find an open spot just off the trail with a good view, and then take some pictures or have a snack with no one around. This is how we captured some of our favorite pictures of Hidden Lake.

Light rays from sunrise just starting to hit the valley behind Hidden Lake

8) Optional: Continue Hiking to Hidden Lake

Can you hike down to the shore of Hidden Lake?

After you take in the views at Hidden Lake Overlook in Glacier National Park, you have a decision to make. First, you can stop hiking here and then return back along the trail the way you came. Second, you can continue hiking down to the shores of Hidden Lake.

We decided not to hike down to the shore of Hidden Lake. Why? We loved the view from the overlook, and honestly we did not think it could get much better than that. Additionally, we had a bunch of other hikes and attractions planned for the day, so we had to prioritize our time accordingly.

Nevertheless, I recommend you hike down to the lakeshore if you have some extra time. I definitely recommend you hike down if this is the only hike to a lake that you are doing while in Glacier.

How Long is the Hike to Hidden Lake?

If you decide to continue to Hidden Lake, you have to hike an additional 1.4 miles (~2.3 kilometers) round trip with an additional 780 feet (~238 meters) in elevation gain. The trail down to the lake loses elevation and can be steep at times, so make sure you have on good hiking shoes and tread carefully.

Moreover, this means you have to hike 780 feet (~238 meters) as you trek back up to the overlook from the lake. That is a fair amount of elevation in a short period of time, so feel free to take a break or two as your legs start to burn. Furthermore, plan for another hour and a half in your itinerary.

Overall, the entire hike from the trailhead at Logan Pass to Hidden Lake is 5.1 miles (~8.2 kilometers) out and back with approximately 1,340 (~408 meters) feet in elevation gain. An average hiker can complete the trail in just under three hours.

Word of Warning – Bears

You can see a bear in any part of Glacier National Park, including the trail to Hidden Lake Overlook. However, please note that bear sightings are more common on the trail from the overlook down to Hidden Lake. This portion of the trail is not as crowded, and it leads straight to a water source. Moreover, it is sometimes closed due to bear activity.

Beginning of the trail to Hidden Lake Overlook

9) Bear Safety

Glacier National Park exists in bear territory, and this includes both black bears and grizzlies. While the Hidden Lake Overlook in Glacier National Park is a heavily trafficked trail, that does not mean bears do not wander around there every now and then. Moreover, bears are more common on the portion of the trail that runs from the overlook down to the lakeshore. Sometimes this portion of the trail down to the lake is closed due to bear activity.

While we did not see any bears as we hiked along the trail, it is always a possibility.

How Do I Prepare for Hiking in Bear Territory?

Here are some important bear safety tips provided by the National Park Service. First, never approach a bear. They are wild animals, and their behavior cannot be predicted. Second, maintain a distance of at least 100 yards (~90 meters) from bears at all times.

Third, make noise while you are hiking. When bears hear noise, they will then generally walk in the opposite direction. The National Park Service recommends calling out and clapping as effective noise measures. Fourth, hike with a group of people. If you are a solo traveler, then make some friends with people you meet on the trail. Fifth, do what you can to not surprise a bear. This includes making noise, avoiding hiking in the dark, not running along a trail, etc. Sixth, carry bear spray (and know how to use it). If a bear attacks, bear spray is one of the best methods to deter them.

Check out the NPS webpage on bear safety for more information.

View from Hidden Lake Overlook as the sun starts to hit the mountain

What Do I Do if I Encounter a Bear Along a Trail?

It is important that you know what to do if you encounter a bear while hiking along the trail. Sometimes you can take all of the precautions above but still have an unexpected encounter. If you see a bear ahead along the trail, get out of the bear’s path and let it continue walking. However, sometimes bears might be a bit more curious or defensive towards hikers.

A bear is likely agitated if they sway their head, lay back their ears, clack their teeth, lower their head, or huff. On the other hand, actions such as standing on their hind legs or approaching you are not necessarily acts of aggression. The bear might just be curious at that point. You can then talk in a quiet, calm voice as you slowly back away. Additionally, do not look the bear directly in the eyes. If the bear appears to become agitated as you back away, then stop moving.

If the bear continues to approach you without any indicators of agitation as mentioned above, then have your group huddle together and make noise. At this point, you should get your bear spray ready to use in case it becomes necessary.

If the bear continues to approach you with indicators of agitation as mentioned above, then talk quietly, do not run, and prepare to use your bear spray. Most bear sprays will spray up to 30 feet (~nine meters).

What Do I Do During a Bear Attack if I Do Not Have Bear Spray?

In the unfortunate scenario that a bear is about to attack and you do not have any bear spray, then you need to prepare your body. Fall to the ground on your stomach as you hold your hands behind your neck. As much as possible, do not let the bear turn you over onto your back.

The bear will most likely then leave you alone if they are attacking out of defense once they determine you are not a threat. If the bear continues to attack you, then you should fight back.

View of the western side of Hidden Lake

10) Recommended Items to Bring

What should I pack for a hike in Glacier National Park? What should I bring on the Hidden Lake Overlook Trail in Glacier National Park?

1. Water bottle: Definitely bring water with you while hiking the Hidden Lake Overlook Trail. Consider a reusable water bottle to reduce plastic waste. They also keep your water cooler due to their insulation – bonus!

2. Bathing suit + travel towel: You might be thinking, why would I need a bathing suit on this trail? If you hike all the way down to the shore of Hidden Lake, you might want to take a dip in the lake or just dip your toes in. I am pretty sure you already know this – but the water is fairly cold. However, the views make up for the temperature.

Hygiene

3. Sunscreen: While this might not be as important on a cloudy day, it will be on a day full of beautiful clear skies. Walking around even for just 30 minutes can lead to sunburn if you have fair skin. The Hidden Lake Overlook Trail is in the full sun for the duration of the trail. The only times you can avoid the sun are if you hike before sunrise or if it is cloudy.

4. Bug spray: Let’s be honest – mosquitos, gnats, and any other little type of fly can ruin an experience. You cannot truly enjoy an attraction if you are swatting away bugs from your face the whole time. Therefore, be prepared with bug spray or a mosquito repellent bracelet.

Enjoying the view at Hidden Lake Overlook

Hiking Items for the Hidden Lake Overlook Trail

5. Bear spray: Glacier National Park, including the Hidden Lake Overlook Trail, is located in grizzly territory. You thus need to practice bear safety, which includes carrying a can of bear spray. Hopefully you will not have to use it, but it is better to be prepared.

6. Hiking shoes: Hiking shoes are generally not cheap, though I will say they are well worth the investment. They provide grip and traction to help you out while hiking as well as to keep you safe. The Hidden Lake Overlook Trail starts out as a wooden boardwalk with a bunch of steps. It then turns to a dirt and gravel trail with some larger rocks here and there that act as steps. Hiking shoes can help you make it to the overlook as easily and safely as possible.

7. Hiking poles: Bring along a set of hiking poles if you want some extra support on the trail. For example, there are a lot of steps (some along the wooden boardwalk and some along the dirt trail). Hiking poles can offer a big assist, especially if you deal with chronic knee problems.

8. Binoculars: We did not bring binoculars on any of our hikes in Glacier, and that was a mistake. Other people were using their binoculars to spot wildlife while we just had to stand there, squint, and still not see anything.

9. Optional – crampons: These are only necessary if there is snow or ice along the trail. Crampons are spikes that attach to the bottom of shoes. You might encounter snow along the Hidden Lake Trail in June or even July. I recommend that you research trail conditions to prepare yourself for snow if necessary.

Staring at the view in awe at the Hidden Lake Overlook

Camping Items

10. Amflip Pop-Up Camping Tent: If you do not want to spend time fighting with poles to set up a tent, then just buy this pop-up tent. My partner and I could set up the tent in around five minutes, and it was incredibly easy to do so. Moreover, the tent held up pretty well in the rain, for we experienced multiple hours of downpours during our trip. No rain ever entered from the top, though some did seep in from the bottom (mainly due to our campsite and the fact the ground was uneven).

11. AmazonBasics Waterproof Camping Tarp: We also brought a tarp to add a layer between our tent and the ground. However, you can also hang up the tarp so that you protect the whole tent from the elements.

12. Elegear Double Sleeping Pad: Our favorite thing about this sleeping pad is that it has a foot pump. We thus did not have to worry about bringing an extra air pump along. Not only was that a big convenience factor, but it also helped us maintain our goal of visiting Glacier National Park on a budget. Moreover, there is a built-in “pillow” section at the top.

13. Sleepingo Double Sleeping Bag: We would have been freezing at night without our sleeping bag. The national parks can get quite cold at night, even in the summertime. Moreover, we love how this sleeping bag comes with two pillows.

Amflip Pop-Up Camping Tent set up in Glacier National Park

11) Nearby Attractions

One thing to note about the Hidden Lake Overlook Trail (and all trails within Glacier National Park) is that they can be closed at any time due to bear activity. Crossing my fingers that the trail will not be closed when you arrive. However, under the unfortunate circumstances that it is closed, it is best to have a back-up plan. The bears do not adhere to anyone’s schedule but their own, so there is really no way to determine when a trail will be closed and/or for how long.

You can chat with a park ranger at the Logan Pass visitor center for information on the current trail status and recent bear activity.

Nearby Attractions at Logan Pass

Thankfully Logan Pass has a few additional attractions, including the starting points for other trails. You can choose to engage in one or more of the below attractions to replace the Hidden Lake Overlook Trail. On the other hand, you can head to another attraction only to come back to Hidden Lake later to see if the trail has reopened.

First, Logan Pass has a nice view from the parking lot of the mountains and valleys.

Second, there is a visitor center at Logan Pass. The visitor center has some informational and interpretive exhibits as well as a gift shop. It is open daily from around 9am to 7pm. Please note there is no restaurant here, but rather the gift shop carries a few snacks.

Third, there is a sign denoting the Continental Divide in the northwestern corner of the parking lot. In simple terms, the Continental Divide is the border between river systems. More specifically, it is the line at which all waters to the west run to the Pacific Ocean while all waters to the east run to the Atlantic Ocean, Arctic Ocean, and Gulf of Mexico.

Fourth, the Highline Trail begins across the street from the Logan Pass parking lot. The Highline Trail is one of the most popular trails in the park, and for good reason. You can enjoy sweeping views of the mountains and valleys. It is a 11.6 mile (~18.7 kilometer) trail with approximately 800 feet (~244 meters) in elevation gain and 3,000 feet (~914 meters) in elevation loss. The trail begins at Logan Pass and ends at The Loop overlook; you can take a shuttle back to Logan Pass from there.

View of the sun just above the mountains as we hiked back along the trail

Nearby Attractions on the Going to the Sun Road

First off, the Going to the Sun Road is an attraction in and of itself. You can enjoy stunning views as you drive along. You have probably seen a video or two of people filming their drive along the road, especially the portion when they come out of the short tunnel. The entire road is around 50 miles (~80 kilometers) long.

Second, the Paradise Meadow Overlook is just five minutes down the road from the Hidden Lake Overlook Trail. You can pull off here for a quick view of the valley.

Third, the Jackson Glacier Overlook is 10 minutes east of Hidden Lake. This is another pull off area, and you can enjoy views of Jackson Glacier in the distance.

Fourth, the St. Mary and Virginia Falls Trail is 12 minutes east of Hidden Lake. The trail leads to two waterfalls: (1) St. Mary Falls (2) Virginia Falls. It is a 3.1 mile (~five kilometer) out and back trail with approximately 450 feet (~137 meters) in elevation gain. It is thus a fairly moderate trail, and an average hiker can complete it within an hour and a half.

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After your time in Glacier, head west to North Cascades: Day Trip from Seattle to North Cascades National Park.

Need some more convincing to plan a visit?: Reasons to Visit North Cascades National Park.

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National Parks, Road Trip, U.S.A