One of my most memorable adventures last year was visiting Glacier National Park with my father. For avid hikers and adventurers, this trip is a must-do. However, I’d caution against following the trend set by Instagram influencers. The surge in visitors has unfortunately led to increased incidents with wildlife and unprepared tourists.
The Hidden Lake trail offers stunning views, a moderate climb, and the chance to spot wildlife. While I initially aimed for a more challenging trail, seasonal closures and the influx of visitors limited my options. Nevertheless, I set out for the Hidden Lake trail, with my dad trailing behind. The trailhead is conveniently located at the third station along the Going-to-the-Sun Road, the highest point on this iconic route. Even the parking lot offers breathtaking panoramas.
My dad, a proud New Hampshire resident who often boasts about his fitness, had initially planned to hike only a portion of the trail. The snow-covered path deterred him, which I understood. Snow hiking can be challenging. But his adventurous son (that’s me!) wasn’t going to be stopped so easily.
As I pressed on, I naively assumed the journey would be straightforward. However, having relocated to Florida, I’d grown accustomed to its sweltering heat, frequent rain, and swampy terrain, rather than the chilly embrace of mountains and snow. Thankfully, I was well-equipped for the hike, even if my attire screamed ‘New Hampshire native.’ I chose one of the many winding paths, trudging through the snow to approach the nearest peak. While I had hoped to find a trail leading to the summit, my lack of rock climbing gear limited my options. With no alternative routes available, I resumed my journey on the Hidden Lake trail.
As I ascended over the ridge, I stumbled upon a secluded, narrow trail—perhaps the only stretch where I felt truly alone. This brief segment was a serene escape, revealing nature’s untouched beauty. Initially, I mistook a nearby pond for the famed Hidden Lake. Thankfully, a trailside plaque corrected my assumption, sparing me any disappointment. My tranquility was interrupted by the sight of a mountain goat gracefully navigating the mountainside. I was captivated, spending a good ten minutes observing its descent. While the initial thrill of spotting the goat was exhilarating, its imposing size soon became a source of concern. The creature, with its impressive stature, later approached other hikers. Aware of the potential dangers, I kept a safe distance. The last thing I wanted was a lecture from my dad about recklessness during our trip.
Traversing the well-trodden path and sidestepping fellow tourists, I eventually reached a viewpoint that unveiled the hidden gem: a pristine lake nestled within the embrace of the mountains. While photos can capture moments, they often fall short of encapsulating the sheer magnificence of such sights. The panorama before me was simply breathtaking. However, due to the presence of bears in the vicinity, visitors were restricted from getting too close to the lake. A park ranger informed me that even when the path to the lake is accessible, few choose to descend to its shores. The crystalline blue of the glacial waters was clearly visible from my vantage point. Along with other onlookers, I scanned the lake’s surroundings, hoping to spot a bear, but they remained elusive during my visit.
As my journey continued, I encountered the same majestic goat I had observed earlier. With its massive frame and shedding coat, it seemed to be in search of a new grazing spot, away from the prying eyes of tourists. The goat gracefully navigated between the dense trees and the hiking path, charting its own course. What struck me as particularly amusing was how the trail seemed to transform into a ‘Goat’s Parkway’ just for him. Every step he took was deliberate, ensuring that no one would dare approach too closely lest they face the might of his imposing horns.
While I found myself echoing the actions of fellow tourists, snapping photos to share with my dad, the sheer beauty of the surroundings captivated me. The limited parking had an unexpected advantage—it kept the crowds at bay, making the area feel more secluded than anticipated. This gave me the freedom to fully immerse myself in the landscape, from the shimmering lake and the deep gorge to the majestic mountains, carved and shaped by ancient glaciers. Amidst this natural splendor, I took a moment to relax and enjoy a quick snack.
So, I’m there, halfway through my sandwich, just chatting with some folks who’d also hiked the trail, right? And out of nowhere, I hear my dad go, “You know, it’s actually pretty nice up here.” I was taken aback! He’d changed his mind and hiked up after all. Turns out, he overheard this super excited woman coming down, raving about the view. Guess he thought he’d kick himself if he missed out. And you know what? Once he got there, he started giving some tourists a piece of his mind about respecting the wildlife. Classic dad move, right? Telling them how dangerous it can be to get too close to the animals, especially the goats. I mean, I thought that was common sense, but apparently not for everyone!
After exploring the area and capturing its beauty through our lenses, the cold began to seep in, signaling that it was time to descend. I recalled the countless times my father took us sledding on snowy hills during our childhood. Spotting a path carved out by previous adventurers, we were inspired to relive those memories. Sliding down, the snow soaked through my clothes, leaving me damp for the entirety of our car journey back to the hotel. Yet, the experience was unparalleled. After all, not many can claim the thrill of sliding down a glacier. It was an adventure worth every shiver.
As our day was drawing to a close and I believed our adventures had concluded, an unexpected turn of events awaited us. Upon returning to our car, we were fortunate to engage in conversation with a few Park Rangers. Their depth of knowledge about the park was truly impressive. They generously shared invaluable advice for my next visit, ensuring I’d make the most of my time exploring. However, mid conversation, we were interrupted. To our astonishment, a herd of sheep made a bold entrance, charging through the parking lot as if it were their own personal playground. The scene was so unexpected and surreal, reminiscent of a cinematic moment. I found myself wishing I had captured it on video, as such moments are rare and truly unforgettable.
As the chapter of our Hidden Lake journey came to a close, the broader tale of our Glacier National Park adventure was still unfolding. We settled into one of the park’s cozy hotels, allowing ourselves to be captivated by the breathtaking vistas outside our window. Over the subsequent days, we ventured onto several more trails, immersing ourselves in the park’s splendor before setting our sights on eastern Montana. That leg of our journey was a whirlwind, filled with awe-inspiring sights and moments that have etched themselves into my memory. Admittedly, there were moments of unease, and my father occasionally found himself transported back to memories of his YMCA days — a story for another time. But those memories, both poignant and whimsical, are treasures I’ll hold close to my heart for a lifetime.
I think you forgot the cookie episode when you were driving on the Road to the Sun. I am thinking we are going to die since there in no guardrail, and you are looking around the car for a cookie you lost. Then you gave me the lecture that we were never in danger I was overreacting. When we got the hotel, the lady there said people do die on that road.!
I figured I leave out the parts where you felt like you were going to die.