Hidden Lake - Hanging Garden Trail, MT

From the parking lot at Logan Pass, head up and west on the sidewalk past the Visitors Center toward the boardwalk and Mt Clements (the first 1/4 mile of the trail is paved). The parking lot can fill early and stay full all day. Consider using the shuttle.

The Hanging Garden trail/boardwalk can be covered by a little snow or a lot so be mindful of that. Most of the time, if the trail is snow-covered, a path will have been made for you to follow. This hike does have some elevation so be prepared for it boardwalk or no. However, who wants to rush anyway when you can turn in any direction to observe many incredible scenes including the mountains, St Mary's Lake, little waterfalls, the wildflowers and of course, the critters like squirrels, hoary marmots, Big Horn Sheep and Mountain Goats.

It is important to stay on the trail or boardwalk as much as possible to protect the arctic plant life in the area. Initially you will be walking thru alpine meadows filled with Glacier Lilys and other flora along with sub alpine evergreens. You will also notice the red rocks called Argillite (many years ago they were a mixture of iron and mud and were under water). As you climb the gradual slope you will get a great view of the Garden Wall and the Going-to-the-Sun-Road (GTTSR) below it.

As you get to the top of the hill by the evergreens, there is a little pond off to the south. You still have a little ways to go up and around a couple corners before you reach the overlook. This area has a little more dense vegetation and is more than likely where you may start to see the bigger wildlife. At the Overlook you get great views of Hidden Lake nestled in a cirque about 750 feet below you (it extends quite a ways south) and the surrounding mountains including Bearhat Mtn to the West, Sperry Glacier can be seen to the southwest and of course, Mt Clements is behind you.

From the Overlook you can descend nearly 800 feet for another mile and 1/2 to the lake itself. There are four switchbacks and some of the terrain is steep. Once down at the lake you can walk around it and get some great photos, especially of Bearhat and Reynolds Mountains. Do remember you have to come back out. However, the sun stays up until around 9:30 so you have plenty of time. The weather can change abruptly so it would behoove you to bring appropriate attire, even for this short hike.

Check out the Official Route and Triplogs.

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2010-08-10 tibber