After our first two days hiking 12 and 11 miles respectively, we thought it might be a good idea to give our feet a break – after all, we’re all geezerhikers! We “wisely” chose Hidden Lake – the trail directly behind the Logan Pass Visitor Center.
Hidden Lake just below the observation platform.
After all, it’s a VISITOR CENTER (i.e. TOURIST) trail. It’s where they dump off the busloads of tourists to get a glimpse of Glacier National Park while they continue their winding bus ride over Going to the Sun Road. If you just walk the boardwalk, here’s the view … not bad either!
Hidden Lake from the observation platform at the top of the boardwalk trail stairs.
But think about continuing, it’s worth it…
A hoary marmot just off the trail.
This was probably one of the toughest trails we hiked. Not because it’s long, only 6 miles round trip (and that includes the 1.5 miles up to the observation center and back down) but we went all the way down to the beach. The elevation change in such a short distance means STEEP – especially up. The first part was a broad wooden boardwalk with lots of stairs. After the observation platform at the top, the trail nosed down to the lake. The trail itself wasn’t hard, just a breath-catcher, in more ways than just respiratory distress. Thank goodness. Otherwise I wouldn’t have these photos that I think are pretty spectacular. Maybe there’s a reason they make Hidden Lake the tourist trail! Enjoy!
Friends joined us on the path to the beach.
We had to quick, gather up the rest of our lunch stuff so we weren’t sharing with the wildlife!
David and Joe at our lunch spot.
Returning up the trail, we had many occasions to stop for a breather – I always strategically plan my out of breath stops close to a great photo op. Otherwise, the camera is just a great excuse to stop without looking like it’s because I’m a wimp.
Streams and wildflowers were also an advantage of this hike, as they were on all our hikes.
Did we mention the mountain goats?
And more….
Halfway up and out of breath … again… Worth it? YEP!
And one more from down by the lake just for good measure….
And that concludes our hike to Hidden Lake. If you go, catch your breath at the observation platform and take the trail down to the beach. Pack your lunch, take your time and ENJOY! I understand there are other trail offshoots in that same area that we should have explored, but we didn’t know at the time. If you know more, please leave a comment and share! Cheers! Jan
