12/7/2022 0 Comments Hidden lake hike![]() The trek up to the lookout is a challenging but immensely satisfying hike, with characteristic alpine foliage and wildflowers adding a dash of color to the rocky landscape. It’s easy to see why this incredibly picturesque lake has become such a prominent attraction in the North Cascades, surrounded by snow-capped spires reaching for the heavens, the rugged slopes reflected in the still waters. The Hidden lake Lookout offers a magnificent 360-degree panorama over the North Cascades, a mountain vista that you’ll struggle to beat anywhere in Washington State! Hidden Lake itself sits in a dramatic cirque with steep sloping sides that reach down to beautiful blue waters. You just knocked off one of the best hiking trails in the Pacific Northwest! Hiking Trail Highlights Hidden Lake and Lookout Again, know your limits – safety is more important than getting the perfect ‘gram shot. You can scramble a steep 0.8 km down boulders to the lake, or scramble a steep 0.8 km up a rocky, narrow path to the lookout. For those who can’t resist, the saddle presents two additional options. Many hikers will be content to turn around here for an 8-mile round trip hike. Reach a saddle and enter the National Park at 6.4 km, with commanding views over Hidden Lake, one of the most spectacular lookouts in the North Cascades National Park It’s easy to lose the trail here, so pay attention to the rock cairns leading the way. “As you near the saddle, the trail is easily lost in rocky slopes and lingering snowfields”, warns the National Park Service. Spires reach skyward like wicked witch fingers. Peer up at the Hidden Lake lookout as you hike steadily towards it. Know your limits, and don’t continue if the conditions are dangerous. ![]() Beyond this point, the trail can be tricky to navigate if there’s any snow left on the ground. At 5.0 km the grade picks up again as the route turns towards the lookout. Irresistible blueberries litter the path through this section, and are an iconic feature of the Hidden Lake trail, so take time to indulge. Climb in the shadow of tall peaks through the Sibley Creek valley, turning around for views to Mount Baker, the Twin Sisters, and Sauk Mountain.Īt around 3.9 km the grade tapers off and the views continue to improve. Views open up after the 1.6km mark, where you’re greeted by summer wildflowers or autumn foliage. The first 1.6 km of the Hidden Lake trail climbs steadily through silver fir forest, along a path crossed by several creeks. ![]() A weekday hike is most rewarding, especially during fall once the summer crowds have thinned. Don’t come to Hidden Lake seeking to escape the crowds. The photogenic beauty of its deep blue lake and ominously perched lookout have recently been the subject of many photo features, from social media to magazines. ![]() The Hidden Lake trail, arguably one of the best trails in North Cascades, has become an explosively popular hike in recent years.
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