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Hidden Lake Overlook Hike

Guided ·
4.8
(136)
Kid Friendly
Locally Owned
Wildlife
Small Group Sizes
Free Cancellation
Instant Book
Duration: 8 hours

Pricing

Person

All Ages!

$175

Description

Guided Hidden Lake Overlook Educational Day Hike in Glacier National Park

Experience one of Glacier National Park’s most stunning high-elevation hikes on the Hidden Lake Overlook Educational Day Hike. Starting at Logan Pass, atop the Continental Divide, this trail winds through subalpine meadows bursting with seasonal wildflowers and subalpine firs. The boardwalk section includes over 200 steps, leading hikers gradually upward to sweeping views of the surrounding peaks and Hidden Lake, a glacially carved alpine basin.
This guided program combines educational interpretation with awe-inspiring scenery, teaching participants how glaciers, geology, and alpine ecosystems interact to shape this remarkable landscape. Along the way, hikers will learn about specialized plant and animal life adapted to high elevations and have opportunities to spot local wildlife. The hike ends at the Hidden Lake Overlook, a perfect vantage point for photos, reflection, and enjoying the high mountain environment.
Designed for general visitors, families, and school groups, this hike is moderately strenuous but incredibly rewarding for anyone interested in nature, geology, and the ecology of Glacier National Park.

Duration

  1. Full Day: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (8 hours)
  2. Time on Trail: Approximately 3–4 hours
  3. Total Distance: ~3 miles round trip
  4. Elevation Gain: 600 feet (includes over 200 stairs)

Location / Where to Meet

Glacier Institute
Please arrive 15 minutes early for check-in. From the meeting location, the group will travel together to the trailhead within Glacier National Park. The drive time is approximately 1 hr 45 min each way(3.5 hours total) 

Ages & Requirements

  1. Recommended for ages 10 and up
  2. Moderate-to-strenuous difficulty due to stairs, elevation, and high exposure to elements
  3. Participants should be comfortable hiking several miles at a steady pace
  4. Group maximum: 13 hikers
  5. Group minimum: 3 hikers

What’s Included

  1. Professional hiking guide
  2. Educational interpretation on alpine ecosystems, geology, and glacial history
  3. Small group experience
  4. On-site parking at the meeting location
  5. Shuttle from the meeting location in Columbia Falls to the trailhead

Not Included

  1. Trail lunch, snacks, or water (lunch is available as an add-on)
  2. Glacier National Park vehicle entrance pass (required and must be purchased in advance)
  3. Transportation to and from the meeting location
  4. Gratuities (optional)

What to Bring / Wear

  1. Lightweight hiking boots or sturdy hiking shoes
  2. Day pack with liner or rain cover
  3. At least 1–2 liters of water
  4. Trail lunch and snacks
  5. Waterproof rain jacket and rain pants
  6. Warm layers (weather can change quickly)
  7. Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm
  8. Insect repellent
  9. Camera (optional)
  10. Trekking poles (optional)
  11. Binoculars and field guides (optional)
  12. Field notebook for notes or sketches (optional)

ADVENTURE PROVIDED BY Glacier Institute

FAQs

Can I order lunch in advance?

Yes. Guests have the option to add a trail lunch at checkout for themselves and/or their group. Lunch options include turkey pesto, deli beef, caprese, and vegan falafel selections, with gluten-free options available. Trail lunches are designed to be easy to carry and enjoy on the trail during your hike.

What does the difficulty rating mean?

We rate Hiking Difficulty from Easy to Strenuous, with the below types of hikes.

Easy. A leisurely walk totaling no more than 3 miles throughout the day. Minimal elevation change, less than 1000 feet.

Moderate. A hike on consistent trail conditions with no more than 8 miles throughout the day. Total elevation change, less than 2,000 feet.

Strenuous. A hike on variable trail conditions totaling more than 8 miles throughout the day. Total elevation change, greater than 2,000 feet.

What if there is an unexpected trail closure?

We will do our best to take you on the trail that you booked. However, Glacier National Park does occasionally close trails for a variety of reasons from weather, trail conditions, wildlife, or fires. In the case of trail closure, we will find another suitable location for your program to occur.

Is a park entrance pass required?

Yes. Each participant must have a Glacier National Park vehicle pass, which should be purchased in advance at recreation.gov.

Is this an interpretive educational hike?

Absolutely. Your guide provides interpretation on the geology and ecology of the landscape.

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.

What happens if the minimum number of participants isn’t met?

A minimum of 3 participants is required for the program. If the number isn’t met, guests are notified in advance and offered an alternative date or a full refund.

What makes the Hidden Lake Overlook hike unique?

The Hidden Lake Overlook hike offers a high-elevation alpine experience that few trails in Glacier National Park can match. Starting at Logan Pass on the Continental Divide, you ascend through subalpine meadows filled with wildflowers and subalpine firs, passing over 200 steps along a scenic boardwalk. The trail showcases glacially carved peaks, alpine geology, and specialized plant and animal life adapted to this fragile ecosystem. At the overlook, you’re rewarded with panoramic views of Hidden Lake, a pristine alpine basin, and the chance to spot wildlife that relies on this high mountain habitat. This combination of education, dramatic scenery, and accessibility makes the hike a memorable experience for both first-time visitors and experienced hikers alike.

Cancellation Policy

The Glacier Institute will give a full refund if the cancelation is 7 days prior to the program. Customers can cancel bookings online.

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Availability

July 2026

SuMoTuWeThFrSa

Reviews

4.8
(136)
4.8 (136)

Location

Address

7450 Highway 2 East

Columbia Falls, MT, 59912

US

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