For a first hike in Glacier Park, this is an especially satisfying one to take with a ranger-naturalist and these interpretive walks are scheduled regularly throughout the season. See the park newspaper for times and just show up at the scheduled time at the Avalanche parking lot. It climbs to Hidden Lake Pass where Mt. Reynolds and Bearhat Mountain dominate the skyline and Hidden Lake lies below. The 0.3-mile trail to the overlook drops nearly 700 feet to the north shore of the lake. Whatever you choose, this is a rare opportunity to experience an alpine ecosystem's plants and animals while savoring views of other Glacier high country.
Interpretive information is available at the visitor center.
Highline Trail West Side Little climbing and dazzling scenery await you here because you start at the top. The Highline Trail runs nearly 20 miles along the continental divide from Logan Pass into the Waterton Valley in Canada. It connects to several other trails going deep into the backcountry. It's a nice all-day hike if you can shuttle with another car or have someone pick you up at the bottom. St. Mary Lake, its impressive surrounding mountains, and the creeks, gorges and waterfalls there.