Glacier National Park is known for its stunning mountain vistas, roaring rivers, and pristine lakes. Carving their way through these magnificent wonders are incredible waterfalls that help to shape the terrain.
One such waterfall in Glacier is Hidden Falls, a beautiful waterfall accessible on foot near Lake Josephine, one of the most accessible and most popular locales within the park.
Details About Hidden Falls
One of the most accessible waterfalls in the park, Hidden Falls is a beautiful choice for families and people looking for just a short nature trail to enjoy while in the park.
- Location: Glacier National Park, Glacier County, Montana
- Website: https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/hiddenfalls.htm
- Longitude: W113.69569°
- Latitude: N48.76595°
- Elevation: 4967 feet
- Nearby Features: Lake Josephine, Grinnell Glacier Trail, Swiftcurrent Lake, Cataract Creek, Many Glacier Hotel
- Pets: Not allowed on trail
Can I Drive to Hidden Falls?
Hidden Falls is not accessible directly via vehicle. Instead, you may drive to Many Glacier Hotel and join either the lake shuttle or take the hiking trail from the trailhead located there.
Are There Trails to Hidden Falls?
According to the folks at Hiking Glacier, the Hidden Falls trail is an easy, moderately short trail that most folks can enjoy comfortably while visiting Glacier National Park. The trail begins near Swiftcurrent Lake at the south end of Many Glacier Hotel.
The hike itself is about 7.5 miles if you strictly go on foot. However, if you’d rather save yourself some energy, grab one of the shuttle boats at Swiftcurrent Lake and shave off 5 miles of the hike. Continue on at the Lake Josephine shuttle boat and then begin the hike on the other side.
From the south end of Lake Josephine, take the trail that heads off to the right. Follow the trail until you hit the Grinnell Glacier Trail a short distance away. Follow that trail straight on until you come to Hidden Falls.
Most of the trail meanders through a quiet forest with a few small streams and thimbleberry patches. For your pit stops, be sure to look out for the pit toilets about 2/3 mile from the boat dock.
Continue straight at this juncture to continue to Hidden Falls. Then, you’ll come to the suspension bridge that crosses Cataract Creek. Shortly after the bright, there’s a side trail. Take that side trail to Hidden Falls.
Beware of the short, steep ascent just before the falls after this trail junction.
- Distance taking shuttle boats: 2.5 miles roundtrip
- Distance without taking shuttle boats: 7.5+ miles roundtrip
- Elevation gain: 250 feet
- Challenge rating: Easy
- Fees: There are fees for both entering Glacier National Park and for the shuttle boats
Are There Lakes Near Hidden Falls?
As mentioned, there are two large lakes on the way to Hidden Falls, including