Part 2 of 3
August
Hidden Lake Trail: No Wonder Grizzlies Live Here
Mileage: 5.4 miles round trip – Elevation Gain: 1,300 ft – Access: Trailhead at Logan Pass Visitor Center – Rating: Moderate – Estimated Time: 2–3 hours
The trail features a stunning alpine lake, with wildlife including grizzlies in the surrounding area. The combination of lake views, rugged terrain, and wildlife makes it one of the most memorable hikes in Glacier. If I was a grizzly, I’d live here too!
Just before reaching the lake, I could hear someone yelling “bear!”. They had just run into a mother grizzly and cubs. As I got closer I got a brief glimpse of one of the cubs scampering off. Start of a great day!
Mount Oberlin: Got My Goat, Scrambled Legs, Summit Meetup
Mileage: 3.6 miles round trip – Elevation Gain: 1502 ft – Access: Trailhead at Logan Pass – Rating: Strenuous – Estimated Time: 4–5 hours
This hike included a memorable encounter with a goat, a tricky route-finding scramble that felt like a puzzle, and meeting a group of friendly hikers at the summit. The combination of challenge, wildlife, and camaraderie made it unforgettable.
I had done this before and try not to repeat hikes, but this is relatively short and a fun challenge with a scramble that wanders. The professors I met on the summit came up another way, and I joined them on the descent. As fun as the scamble was, I would be a little more difficult on the way down.
Apgar Lookout: A Smoky Panorama
Mileage: 7.1 miles round trip – Elevation Gain: 1,906 ft – Access: Trailhead near Apgar Village, west side of Glacier National Park – Rating: Moderate – Estimated Time: 2–3 hours
Getting a rest day in, I headed back over to the east side. Next up: Apgar Lookout. It provided sweeping views of the park, though haze and smoke added a unique atmosphere. The combination of elevation, perspective, and light made it feel like a fleeting panorama—almost otherworldly.
Even with smoke in the air, the lookout offered insight into Glacier’s vast landscapes and the dynamic conditions affecting visibility.
