Hidden Lake

Last Updated on September 12, 2023 by

We took a chance on this hike because it starts at the Logan Pass Visitors Center. If we haven’t mentioned it already, parking everywhere is a chore, but Logan Pass is particularly challenging. The lot is typically full by 6:30, and remains that way until late in the day. For us, that means a 4:30 AM wake-up, to leave at 5 and get there by 6.

By ‘took a chance’, he means, Angela was in a ton of pain from the 10 mile day we had yesterday and this trail looked short and sweet. It didn’t matter that we had to get up at o’dark thirty. As we have mentioned before, there aren’t a lot of short hikes in this park so this one was right up our path. Off we went, climbing switchbacks in the car, circling and snaking up the mountain to Logan path in the dark of the night. Actually made me giggle a little as we got higher and higher watching all those little twinkling headlights down below. I continue to be in utter awe of the creation of this road. Not to mention, there were tons of parking spots left when we finally arrived at the parking lot. Bodes well for leaving at the same time when we do the Highline Trail.

I am happy to report this hike did not disappoint, once again affirming the distance of the hike is not necessarily the determinant to it’s quality. The first, ‘touristy’, section is mostly board-walked, but surprisingly steep that takes you to the overlook of the lake. Fortunately, again, we were on the trail early because it was literally a traffic jam of humanity in this area on the way back. You should see a theme here. (Note rules one and two here.)

This hike was wide open for us. Quite literally – hardly anyone on the trail since it was so early. We were definitely in Big Sky country here. 360 degree views. Alas, no mountain goats as the brochure touts for this area. Even getting on the trail at dusk, no sightings. Hope springs eternal. But we did start the day with a gorgeous walk through the Hanging Gardens while the sun was rising – 533 feet up in one mile to the overlook.

Continuing past the overlook, you follow the trail on a fairly steep descent down to lakes edge. It’s a great little spot for photography buffs because the lake reflections off the glaciers (and mountains) are great. We also had a pretty entertaining time with a friendly/aggressive (you choose) Golden Mantled Ground Squirrel who came right up and took apples and peanut butter right out of Angela’s hand. Clearly, these little guys get plenty of human interaction.

Repeat of the Inca trail hike here. It had to be about 2000 foot elevation decent in one mile down to the lake. Of course that meant 2000 feet elevation gain to get back out. Lots of switchbacks and stairs. We thought a short and sweet hike, boy were we surprised. We were, however, rewarded with awesome views (are there any other kind out here?) Not to mention a couple of lunatic 20 year olds who decided jumping into the lake would be a good idea. Note the glacial water here. The brochures say 64 degrees, but from experience I can tell you, it’s ice cold. We, on the other hand, decided hot tea and a treat were in order. So did the squirrel.

On the way back, the marmots were also apparently aware of the human traffic schedule as they were out in force all over the trail. (Hoary Marmot vs. the Yellow Bellied Marmot of Yellowstone. He looked like an old grizzled marmot with all the grey on his head and back. We did our research and found out that is just Hoary’s coloring.) We also (finally) got to see some mountain goats – even if they were about a mile away. Sort of hurts my feelings to keep having conversations with folks that start with – ‘Oh a moose walked right in front of us at X trail…..’. Alas, the scenery is making up for it. Mostly.

YEAHHHHH! Mountain goats. Eight of them. Of course the binoculars were at the ranch. We had to deal with the emergency ones we keep in Shawn’s pack. (I know, I know, first world problems). But, we did get to see them. As well as two couples who were also up there on the goat path. The goats were following them up the mountain. Waiting to see if the crazy humans were going to fall off? You decide. The NPS lady was not impressed they were up there. Not a technical trail. Don’t tell the goats that.

I on the other hand, could barely make the boardwalk trail down, forget trying a trail like that. (Though I kept looking up wistfully thinking – Hold my beer. Maybe not.) All those horizontal lines, going down steps, trying to take in the scenery and cue the vertigo. Remember 533 feet down over one mile. Good thing there were mountain goats to stop and look at.

Always Remember the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace

Plan Ahead and Prepare, Stay on Designated Trails, Dispose of Waste Properly, Don’t Take Anything You Didn’t Bring with You, Minimize Campfire Impacts, Respect Wildlife, Be Considerate of Other Visitors

Courtesy: Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics