Hidden Lake Overlook in Glacier: A family-friendly hike

If you are planning a trip to northwest Montana, you might wonder if Hidden Lake Overlook in Glacier National Park is worth the time and effort, especially if you bring kids along.

With only a small window each year to explore the park, you might worry about the crowds and parking, and wonder if the trail is too far or strenuous for your family.

After hiking Hidden Lake Overlook with my two oldest kids (ages 8 and 10) during a summer visit to Glacier, I’m here to help you learn all you need to know to determine if it’s the right hike for you.

It is a family-friendly hike that offers stunning views without the intense commitment of longer trails, but with unpredictable weather, crowds, and elevation, there are a few things you need to know to make it a safe and fun adventure. From trail conditions to the gear you will need and everything in between, I’ve got you covered.

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Hidden Lake Overlook Basics

The Hidden Lake Overlook Trailhead starts just behind the Logan Pass Visitor Center, and you can only access the visitor center from the very popular Going-to-the-Sun Road. If traveling from the west (West Glacier and Apgar) between 6 am and 3 pm, you will need a vehicle reservation. You do not need a vehicle reservation if entering from the east (St. Mary).

The hike is 2.7 miles round trip and is a steady climb for a good portion. I would rate this as moderate to hard for families with younger children or those who do not often hike simply because the climbing, length, and elevation are a lot for beginning hikers.

Those who hike frequently or have a lot of stamina will most likely consider this an easy or moderate hike.

I would plan for 1.5 – 2 hours if you are steady, but not speedy.

Parking and Getting to the Trailhead

To access the trail, you will need to park at the Logan Pass Visitor Center or take the free park shuttle. We arrived on a Friday in July around 1:45 pm and had to circle the lot for several minutes, but finally snagged a spot. Because it is the starting point for Hidden Lake Overlook and the (lengthy) Highline Trail, it is a very busy location. When you have limited time or a tight itinerary, wasting time looking for parking can be frustrating. Add a time buffer and don’t overfill your itinerary.

The trail will start behind the visitor center. Use your time at the visitor center to fill up your water, use the restroom, and ask the ranger(s) on duty any questions. Consider asking what the trail conditions are like, if there are any recent bear sightings, and any advice they may have to make the hike more enjoyable. Having a good idea of what to expect that day will help limit unwanted surprises and help set realistic expectations. Make sure they are aware that you have children hiking with you, but remember that you know your kids best and what they can and cannot do.

When to Hike

Best time of day to hike Hidden Lake Overlook

Unless you are set on seeing a sunrise or sunset I wouldn’t worry too much about the time of day. Parking will be difficult for most of the day, so consider getting there early for a beautiful sunrise (before 5:30 am)…which is unlikely with kids in tow.

Another, more sleep-friendly, option is to get there around 6:00 or 7:00 pm and enjoy a less crowded hike during dusk and the golden hour. Make sure to be aware of sunset and plan carefully to avoid being out on the trail at night. Bring flashlights and headlamps just in case.

Best time of year to hike Hidden Lake Overlook

Access to Logan Pass usually doesn’t open until late June or early July and closes by late September or mid-October. We were there in mid-July and faced quite a bit of snow. It was manageable, but I would have liked to have hiking poles or crampons for my shoes. We saw so many other hikers slip and slide along with us.

Unfortunately, the window to hike with decent weather and little to no snow is pretty narrow. August will be your best bet, but just know this will not be a quiet, calm hike. But what hike with kids is ever quiet and calm?

If you’re exploring more of the park outside of hiking, don’t miss my guide to Kayaking Lake McDonald with Kids for another great family-friendly activity.

How hard is the Hidden Lake Trail in Glacier?

The first section is technically called The Hidden Lake Nature Trail, but it eventually transitions to a rocky path along the mountainside. Kids can manage the many stairs fine, and this part of the hike has little danger – just encourage kids to stay on the path to preserve the area.

Be prepared to encounter snow—sometimes even in July—and be ready for slippery sections where you may need to go slower. After the first section, my husband stayed back with our five-year-old while my 8 and 10-year-old continued with me.

The second section of the hike up provided us with several wildlife sightings, including the well-known mountain goats, and a grizzly bear from very far away (we needed binoculars).

With the snowy conditions, the trail wasn’t as easy to navigate, and I considered turning back several times. But with some determined kids, we eventually made it through the tricky sections and were rewarded with some incredible views and a sense of accomplishment.

We hiked this in mid-July and due to the snow and crowds, I would rate this as a moderate to difficult hike for our family. We made the right choice leaving our 5-year-old with Dad because of how slippery and technical some of the hiking was. In drier conditions, it would probably be fine for a younger kid. There were certainly younger kids on the trail, but not many went all the way to the overlook.

If you are seasoned hikers, or this is your longest hike of the day, consider adding about 2.5 miles (total) and hiking down to the lake and back. This wasn’t an option for us due to bear activity in the area, and we were also too tired to go much further. But if you have fresh legs or more stamina than us, you can have an up-close experience at the lake. Just remember what hikes down, must hike up!

Looking for more family-friendly hikes? Check out these Things for Kids to Do in Glacier for some extra ideas.

What to Bring and Hiking Safety

Prep your kids that you might have to turn around before completing it if the conditions don’t feel safe (particularly if there is still snow). I always like to check AllTrails and read the most recent reviews to feel a little more prepared for current trail conditions.

You also want to be educated on bear safety and always carry bear spray with you, even on popular hikes. Making noise and being aware of your surroundings is crucial as well.

My Recommended Gear for Hiking Hidden Lake Overlook

• Bear Spray – You hope you never need this, but feel so much better knowing you have it. Make sure to learn how to use it properly and confidently.
  
• Hiking poles – I don’t usually use poles, but this is a hike where it would have been very helpful. If getting them for your kids as well, make sure they understand the best way to use them and practice before, or they might end up being a hindrance instead of a help. These poles are highly rated and adjustable.
  
• Daypack – We got this backpack for our 5th grader to take to school, but can’t wait to bring it on the trail as well. If you’re tight in space, this pack folds up for easy storage but doesn’t have the build for carrying heavy items. Check out my top backpacks for travel for more options.
  
• Water – It may be mild temperatures and weather, but you will need water – especially because of the high altitude. This isn’t a quick jaunt. Even if you are only going up part of the way you will want, and need, water. To drink hands-free, consider a hydration backpack. I’ve had one like this for years and not only makes staying hydrated easy, I feel legit when wearing it. And we all know how important that is. 😆
  
• Snacks – Life is better with snacks. They eliminate HANGER (hungry and angry), keep you fueled, and work as a distraction or motivator for kids.
  
• Hat – Protect yourself from the sun with a brimmed hat, and if hiking in the morning or in questionable weather, wear a warmer hat – bonus if it’s also brimmed!
  
• Sunglasses – Even on cloudy days, they can make a big difference in your comfort and ability to navigate.
  
• Binoculars – Not only are they fun for kids to use to pass time on the trail, but we used ours to spot the only Grizzlies on our trip!
  
• Jacket – I don’t care if it’s 80 degrees outside, pack a light jacket in case of wind or quick-moving weather. Obviously, a warmer jacket or rain jacket would be needed in cooler temperatures.
  
• Riddles, Jokes, or Would You Rather Books – It won’t be safe to read from a book if there is snow on the ground, but if you are hiking in late summer this can be a good way to keep kids occupied while they are hiking. We loved reading from this book when hiking Avalanche Lake, also in Glacier.

Planning to visit other parks? Don’t forget to check out the Free 4th Grade National Parks Pass that your kids can use to explore other national treasures.

Final Thoughts

Hidden Lake Overlook is a fantastic family adventure in Glacier National Park that offers stunning views, possible wildlife encounters, and a moderate challenge for young hikers. Whether you’re navigating snowy trails or trying to catch a (far away) glimpse of a grizzly, this hike is sure to leave lasting memories for your family. With the right preparation and gear, you can have a safe and enjoyable hike for all ages.

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Happy travels!

Find all my posts to help you plan your perfect Glacier vacation HERE.