Our next hike was a delightful surprise in many ways. Logan Pass is one of the most popular trails in Glacier National Park. While the steep steps leading to the overlook might make you reconsider your feelings about the stair climber, this hike offers ample opportunities to spot and photograph wildlife. Despite being the busiest trail we tackled, the chance to see everything from marmots to mountain goats made this short hike truly rewarding.
The trail begins at the same parking area as the Highline Trail, so I recommend arriving early to secure a spot. Keep in mind that parking passes are required from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. during peak season. If you arrive late and haven’t managed to snag a pass, you’ll need to either wait at the bottom west side or head to the east side where no pass is necessary. Planning ahead is essential for a smooth experience on this hike.
Starting right next to the visitor center, the trail features steps winding through vibrant fields of wildflowers. You'll spend just under a mile enjoying the flora and spotting wildlife before reaching the lookout over Hidden Lake. From here, you have two options: head back to your car or continue down to Hidden Lake, which adds another mile and a half to your trek. We opted to descend to the lake, savoring our coffee and snacks by the water. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can take a dip, but be warned—the water is quite cold, hovering around 40 degrees, so proceed at your own risk!
Please remember to pack out whatever you bring in, as there are no trash cans down by the lake, and it’s home to fish as well.
The return journey can be a bit challenging due to some switchbacks leading out of Hidden Lake, but once you clear those, it’s a gradual incline back to the lookout, followed by a descent down the steps to the parking lot.
Lastly, please do not feed the animals. While they’re stunning to see up close, like the mountain goats, they are wild creatures. They may tolerate your presence, but they can be dangerous if provoked, so always respect their space.
