Hidden Lake
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Hidden Lake is one of the most visited places away from the road in
Glacier National Park. Lying nearly at the top of the continental divide,
the overlook of the lake is easily reached by a relatively flat hike
of 1.5 miles. To reach the lake itself requires a bit more effort, as
to reach the lakeshore requires an additional hike of 1.5 miles down
a relatively moderate grade. The parking area to reach Hidden Lake is
at the Logan Pass Visitor Center that is located right at the top of
the Going to the Sun Road.
Hidden Lake, due to its excellent fishing for Yellowstone cutthroat
trout and its easy access, receives heavy fishing pressure. As a result,
all fishing on Hidden Lake is catch-and-release.
Most of the fishing pressure on Hidden Lake occurs at the end of the
Hidden Lake Trail, near the lakes outlet. The lake receives substantially
less fishing pressure further down the lake. While Hidden Lake is very
popular for fishing, anglers who don't mind walking down the lakeshore
for a mile or two can find a measure of solitude in an absolutely stunning
setting.
Since Hidden Lake receives a lot of fishing pressure, the fish are not
as gullible as is found in most other backcountry lakes. As a result,
fishing for the Yellowstone cutthroat trout in Hidden Lake can require
some patience. During calm weather, light tippets and small dry flies
work well. During windier weather, which occurs frequently due to the
lakes high elevation and location near the top of the continental divide,
fishing using streamers and wet flies on a sinking tip line is usually
required. Good, careful presentation is also important when fishing Hidden
Lake.
Hidden Lake is not a huge lake and is relatively protected from the
high winds by its location deep down in a bowl. As such, a fisherman
can successfully fish Hidden Lake using either a portable pontoon boat
or a float tube. The trail to Hidden Lake is well maintained and a fairly
easy hike, allowing anglers to bring in portable boats with relative
ease. No motors are allowed on Hidden Lake.
To reach Hidden Lake, simply park at the Logan Pass Visitor Center.
During the summer, make sure you arrive early. The parking lot at Logan
Pass frequently fills up early and will remain full into early evening.
From the parking lot, just take the nice, partially board walked trail
to the Hidden Lake Overlook. Then just follow the trail down to the lake
itself. The trail and Hidden Lake itself all are located in excellent
Grizzly Bear habitat. As a result, from time to time the trail and lake
itself are closed due to Grizzly Bear activity. Be sure to get the latest
trail status report from a park ranger or from the Glacier Park website
before heading out.
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