Hidden Lake Overlook Educational Day Hike

Hidden Lake Overlook Educational Day Hike

Hike Overview Continued

Educational Interpretation Tour

Multiple, July – September:

The Hidden Lake Overlook Educational Hiking tour is an absolutely stunning experience. This hike begins at Logan Pass, atop the Continental Divide, often called the “Backbone of the World.” Starting on a stair-stepped boardwalk with over 200 steps, the trail winds through subalpine meadows filled with seasonal wildflowers and subalpine fir trees as you ascend toward Hidden Lake. Along the way, you’ll learn how alpine and subalpine environments form, how glaciers carved the surrounding peaks, and why this high-elevation landscape supports such specialized plant and animal life. The hike ends at the Hidden Lake Overlook, where you’ll view a glacially carved alpine lake and watch for wildlife that relies on this fragile water source to survive.

Program Overview:

Primary Educational Theme: Wildflowers and geology of the Hidden Lake Trail, highlighting alpine plant life, ancient rock formations, and the Continental Divide that separates two major watersheds.

Turnaround point: Hidden Lake Overlook

Drive Time: ~1 hr 45 min (3.5 hours total)

Difficulty: Moderate-to-Strenuous (over 200 stairs, high exposure to elements, starting elevation is 6,646)

Duration on Trail: Approximately 3-4 hours 

Trail Distance: ~3 miles round trip

Trail Elevation Gain: ~600 ft (200+ stairs)

Trail Popularity: High Traffic

Target Audience: General visitors, families, school groups (ages 10+)

Theme: Wildflowers and geology of the Hidden Lake Trail, highlighting alpine plant life, ancient rock formations, and the Continental Divide that separates two major watersheds.

Meeting Place: Glacier Institute, 7450 HWY 2 East, Columbia Falls, MT 59912

Food: Please bring a trail lunch, plenty of water, and snacks for the day.

Park Entrance Fees: Participants are responsible for purchasing their park entry passes prior to the course. These can be purchased online at: https://www.recreation.gov/sitepass/74280

Equipment: Most importantly, bring comfortable hiking shoes, at least a 1-2 liter water bottle, a backpack, rain gear, a hat, and sunscreen. The weather can be varied, especially at the varying elevations of Logan Pass, so please be prepared with appropriate clothing, especially warm layers for potential snow and high winds. Binoculars are very useful, but optional, as well as field guides that interest you.