August 22, 2024 - Tried Highline Trail Again

We got up an hour earlier and arrived Logan Pass around 7AM, still could not find any parking spot.  We were told that the last parking spot was taken around 6:30AM.  However, we found a roadside parking spot and had to walk 0.7 mile to Logan Pass.  This was the best we could do, therefore we did.  

First thing was visiting the exact location of Continental Divide.  We took some photos there to indicate that we were here. 

Then we moved along to Highland Trail which is the most famous trail in Glacier NP.  It is 11.8 miles round trips with difficult level of 15.7.  Of course we could not do this hike.  However, we were told that just do the 1 mile in then 1 mile out will be good enough for the scenery and the excitement.  That was our plan.  In about 300 feet into the trail, the scenery has become so impressive and the excitement of having a chain for holding on was an extra factor of having fun.  We enjoyed it very much and we took it slow and enjoyed every moment on the trail by viewing the scenery and taking photos.  

As a matter of fact that we enjoyed so much which led us to do a 2 miles in and 2 miles out.  The trail is just magical and every turn we discovered different beautiful scenery.  Immediately, we can said Highline Trail is our most favorite trail in Glacier NP.

After that we visited the visit center and talked to Ranger for more info.  Then We found out the Hidden Lakes Overlook Trail started just in the back of the Visitor Center.  Therefore we decided to try it.  At the same time, the Ranger also recommend Avalanche Lake Trail and we decided to try it next day.

Hidden Lakes  Overlook Trail is 2.7 miles round trip and is rated with difficult level 3.78.  In the 1st part of the trail, there is boardwalk built by some voluntary group.  It makes walking on the trail easy by just walking on boardwalk stairway, however, each step of the stairway is too high for us to step up.  So the going up portion was not that easy and it did take a heavy toll on our knees.  On the way, 8760-foot Clements Mountain dominate the landscape directly in front of us.  At 1.35 miles into the trail we arrive at the Hidden Lake Overlook where we enjoyed outstanding panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

On the way up to the overlook point and on the returning trail, we spotted some Mountain Goats just eating the grass on the meadow.  There were some Kodak moments for us.

When we got back to Logan Pass Visitor Center, it was about 3PM, therefore we just hike another 0.7 miles to our parked car and head back to St Mary Village.