Most amazing was the range of colors: red, blue, green, yellow, grey, black. Over the centuries, chunks of the mountain had eroded away, rolling down the hill and coming to rest here–everything from tiny pebbles to huge boulders. (Remember earlier, when I told you that Clements Mountain didn’t stand alone, as it appeared from the visitor center? Well here’s the proof: this long ridge is essentially the “tail end” of the mountain, and stretches on for miles.) It was perhaps a quarter-mile past the viewpoint that I entered an area so enchanting, I made up my own name for it.
At least, until they read this.Īfter passing the viewpoint, the trail stays level for a while, running parallel to the eroding mountainside. Sadly, they’ll never know what they missed. Apparently everyone else who reached the viewpoint had made the somewhat lazy, yet very sane decision to head back to their cars, and continue sightseeing in a seated position. While I was anticipating the solitude of the lake, I was already experiencing it here. I’m still not sure, though, how I convinced myself that the hike down and back up would be “not so bad”.Īt any rate, I continued past the viewpoint, onto the second half of the trail. Surely, there could be no more perfect place on earth. It didn’t just seem worth it, it seemed essential. The deep-blue surface of this calm, peaceful sanctuary lies about 750 feet below you.Īs I gazed out on the lake and the surrounding mountains, I thought about the mile and a half I had just walked, and the prospect of hiking an equal distance further, to reach the water’s edge. OK, take your attention off the animals for a moment, look the other direction, and check out this view! Hidden Lake is no longer hidden. When I took these pictures, I was no more than about 3 feet away from the group, and they didn’t seem to mind. This time, they were mountain goats, and these guys appeared even more relaxed and laid-back than their bighorn neighbors.Īn entire family was lying in the shade of some trees near the overlook, and drawing an even bigger crowd than Hidden Lake itself. Just moments later, I came across several more creatures along the path. They went about their business, walking alongside the path (and even across it, in front of a big crowd of tourists) as if this was their daily routine. While any creatures you encounter in the wild could be dangerous, these sheep seemed to be well-adjusted to having humans around. I came across several bighorn sheep near the viewpoint.Īny wildlife appearance always draws a crowd, with cameras snapping. The chances of running into some bighorn sheep, mountain goats, or other creatures along Hidden Lake Trail are pretty good. Standing right below Clements Mountain, you can see the layers of glimmering, colorful rock which make up the mountain. Even in September, there are still some patches of snow hiding in the mountain’s shady areas, and as that snow melts, it trickles down here. Your friends at home won’t know the difference.Īs you approach the foot of Clements Mountain, about halfway to the Hidden Lake Overlook, you’ll pass this small waterfall. If you’re already exhausted at this point, just convince yourself that this is Hidden Lake, and turn around. You’ll also pass a small swampy area, where water still collects. These were formed by an ancient inland sea, that once covered the area. In the foreground, check out the protruding rock. GTTS Road travels along the side of the Garden Wall for miles. From this angle, Clements Mountain appears to stand alone atop the Continental Divide, but actually, it’s just the tail end of a long range, that towers above Hidden Lake.Īs you climb up the gradual slope above the visitor’s center, you can look north to see the Garden Wall, a long, knife-like ridge (it’s called an arête).
Hidden lake logan pass trial#
The trial is roughly at tree line, so there are only a few struggling firs along the way.Īs you can see from the picture above, you’ll be making a slow climb as you hike up to the base of Clements Mountain.
You have to stay on the walkway to avoid damaging the delicate arctic plant life that grows here. Most of the first half of the trail is a boardwalk. I’ll refer to the viewpoint trail as the “first half” and the lake trail as the “second half”. If you decide to hike on to the lake itself, that’ll take another 3 miles roundtrip. The trail to the Hidden Lake Viewpoint is about 3 miles roundtrip. The parking lot is small, and visitors are many, so be prepared to circle the lot numerous times before a space opens. Also, you may have a hard time finding a parking space here, especially if you arrive at the middle of the day. The facility is small, offering bathrooms and a small gift shop/bookstore/information desk, but nothing more. You won’t find food or drinks at the Logan Pass Visitor’s Center.
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