5 Overrated Glacier Park Trails And 5 Secluded Lakes That Take Your Breath Away

Glacier National Park is nicknamed the Crown of the Continent for good reason – with over 700 miles of trails and 131 named lakes, this Montana wonderland can overwhelm even seasoned hikers. After five summers exploring every corner of this magical place, I’ve discovered that some of the most famous trails aren’t worth the hype, while certain hidden lakes offer jaw-dropping solitude. Ready to skip the tourist traps and find genuine mountain magic? I’m spilling my hard-earned secrets about which popular paths to avoid and which secluded shores will leave you speechless.

1. Hidden Lake Overlook: Instagram’s Favorite Disappointment

Everyone and their hiking boots flock to this trail like moths to flame, creating a conga line of selfie-sticks that ruins any chance of wilderness connection. The parking situation at Logan Pass becomes a hunger games scenario by 8 AM, with cars circling like vultures for any available spot.

Though the wildflowers and mountain goats provide momentary joy, the constant dodging of fellow tourists makes this more of an outdoor social event than a nature experience. The lake itself remains distant from the overlook, teasing you with its beauty but keeping you at arm’s length.

If you absolutely must check this box, arrive before sunrise or wait until evening when the day-trippers have departed. Otherwise, trust me – there are far more rewarding views that don’t require playing human Tetris on a packed trail.

2. Avalanche Lake: The Shoulder-to-Shoulder Experience

Whoever called this a wilderness experience clearly hasn’t visited during summer months. The 2-mile journey to Avalanche Lake has become Glacier’s equivalent of a shopping mall on Black Friday – packed, noisy, and surprisingly stressful. Rangers have started calling it ‘Avalanche of People Lake’ behind closed doors.

Yes, the cedar-hemlock forest along Trail of the Cedars is lovely. And sure, those waterfalls cascading down the headwall make for a pretty backdrop. However, finding a peaceful spot along the lakeshore requires tactical planning worthy of a military operation.

What truly kills the magic is the constant chatter and splashing that drowns out nature’s soundtrack. For similar views with a fraction of the crowd, try Snyder Lake instead – it’s just a bit longer and filters out approximately 90% of the selfie crowd.

3. Highline Trail: The Highway of Hiking

While rangers tout this as Glacier’s premier trail, I’ve renamed it ‘The Highway’ after encountering literal traffic jams along its narrow passages. Starting at Logan Pass (already a parking nightmare), this path hugs the Garden Wall with drop-offs that terrify acrophobes while somehow still attracting unprepared tourists in flip-flops.

The infamous ledge section, though only about six feet wide with a hand cable, creates bottlenecks as frightened hikers freeze mid-step. Meanwhile, mountain goats watch the human drama unfold with what I swear is amusement in their eyes.

Don’t get me wrong – the views are spectacular. But sharing them with hundreds of others diminishes the wilderness feel. The trail’s popularity has created erosion issues, and wildlife sightings become communal events with dozens of cameras clicking simultaneously. Save yourself the hassle and try the Siyeh Pass trail for similar alpine glory.

4. Grinnell Glacier: Melting Ice and Patience

Ironic how we’re all rushing to see something that’s disappearing at record speed. This 10.6-mile round trip hike has become a victim of its own climate-change fame, with everyone desperate to see the glacier before it’s gone – creating a self-fulfilling prophecy of a diminished experience.

The boat option across Swiftcurrent and Josephine lakes saves walking miles but adds complexity, expense, and more people. If you miss the boat’s schedule, you’re stuck waiting or walking extra miles, neither option particularly appealing after a long day.

By the time you reach the actual glacier viewpoint, you’ll share it with dozens of exhausted hikers taking identical photos. What was once a pristine alpine environment now feels like an outdoor classroom during peak months. Consider Iceberg Lake instead – equally stunning alpine scenery with a fraction of the crowds and actual icebergs floating in turquoise waters.

5. Lake McDonald Shore Trail: Scenic But Swarming

Though barely qualifying as a hike, this flat lakeside stroll appears in every guidebook as “must-do,” resulting in a promenade atmosphere rather than wilderness immersion. Families with strollers, tourists in street shoes, and even the occasional person talking loudly on their cell phone create a suburban park vibe that clashes with Glacier’s wild reputation.

The famous colored pebbles along the shore have been picked over and disturbed so much that rangers now actively discourage rock collecting. Parking at Apgar Village requires patience of saintly proportions, and finding a quiet spot for that classic lake reflection photo involves waking at ungodly hours.

Instead of joining the masses here, drive to the less-visited north shore of Lake McDonald and enjoy similar views with minimal company. Better yet, rent a kayak early morning to experience the lake’s true serenity before the crowds descend like locusts on the shoreline.

6. Cracker Lake: Turquoise Jewel of Solitude

Stumbling upon Cracker Lake feels like discovering a secret too beautiful to be real. The 12.6-mile round trip journey through dense forest and open meadows keeps the crowds away, but oh my goodness – that first glimpse of the lake’s otherworldly turquoise color against the backdrop of Mt. Siyeh will freeze you in your tracks.

Unlike its famous cousins, Cracker Lake’s shoreline often hosts just a handful of hikers who’ve earned their solitude. The milky turquoise color comes from glacier silt, creating a natural phenomenon that no filter could enhance. Bring lunch and claim a shoreline boulder as your private dining room with million-dollar views.

Though horse traffic shares the first part of this trail (watch your step!), they don’t continue to the lake itself. The abandoned copper mine buildings near the shore add historical intrigue to this natural masterpiece. For photographers, the morning light turns the lake into liquid jewelry.

7. Cobalt Lake: The Sapphire Nobody Visits

While tourists cram themselves around Avalanche Lake, I’m typically alone at Cobalt, wondering why more people don’t make the effort to find this perfect alpine gem. The 11.2-mile round trip through Two Medicine’s stunning valley keeps casual hikers away, rewarding those willing to put in the miles.

Nestled in a cirque beneath Two Medicine Pass, Cobalt lives up to its name with water so intensely blue it appears artificially enhanced. Mountain goats often outnumber humans here, casually watching from rocky perches as if puzzled by our rarity in their domain. The surrounding peaks create a natural amphitheater that amplifies the silence.

Bring a fishing rod – native cutthroat trout dart through the crystalline waters, visible from shore. For the adventurous, continue past the lake up to Two Medicine Pass for panoramic views that extend into the Bob Marshall Wilderness. Just remember to pack layers – afternoon thunderstorms roll in quickly at this elevation.

8. Gunsight Lake: Where Solitude Meets Spectacle

My favorite moment at Gunsight Lake happens just after sunrise, when the first light hits Mount Jackson and reflects perfectly in waters undisturbed by even a whisper of wind. Despite being just 6.2 miles each way, this trail sees minimal traffic because it’s overshadowed by nearby St. Mary and Virginia Falls.

The approach follows Reynolds Creek through a valley recovering from wildfire, creating a fascinating study in forest regeneration. Wildlife thrives in this rebirth zone – I’ve spotted moose, black bears, and once even a wolverine near the trail. The lake itself sits in a dramatic cirque with Gunsight Mountain looming overhead.

For backcountry campers, the small campground here offers one of the park’s most dramatic overnight settings. Bring your fly rod – the lake holds surprising numbers of cutthroat trout. If you’re feeling ambitious, continue past the lake toward Gunsight Pass for views that will make your Instagram followers question whether you’ve discovered an undocumented part of Earth.

9. Snyder Lake: The Locals’ Secret Sanctuary

Rangers won’t direct you here, and that’s precisely why it remains perfect. Though just 8.8 miles round trip from the Going-to-the-Sun Road, Snyder Lake might as well be in another park compared to nearby Avalanche Lake’s crowds. The moderate climb through cedar-hemlock forest keeps casual hikers away, creating a sanctuary for those seeking authentic wilderness.

Upon arrival, you’ll likely have your choice of shoreline real estate – perhaps sharing the entire lake with just a couple of other hikers. The imposing wall of Edwards Mountain creates a dramatic backdrop, while subalpine firs frame the scene like nature’s perfect picture frame.

Brave souls can take a chilly dip in waters that rarely see human disturbance. I’ve spent entire afternoons here without hearing a human voice, watching eagles soar overhead and listening to the wind whisper through ancient trees. For bonus points, time your visit during huckleberry season (late July/early August) – the trail passes through some of the park’s most productive berry patches.

10. Oldman Lake: Wilderness Perfection in the Nyack

If true solitude is your goal, Oldman Lake delivers in spades. Hidden deep in the Nyack/Coal Creek wilderness, this alpine jewel requires serious commitment – either a multi-day backpacking adventure or a grueling 20+ mile day hike. Hence, you’ll likely have this spectacular cirque entirely to yourself.

The journey crosses Pitamakan Pass, offering sweeping vistas that rival anything on the more popular east side trails. Bighorn sheep often dot the surrounding slopes, watching your approach with casual interest. The lake itself nestles beneath the imposing wall of Flinsch Peak, creating dramatic reflections on calm mornings.

Though challenging to reach, Oldman rewards the determined with perhaps the most pristine wilderness experience remaining in Glacier. The backcountry campsite here ranks among the park’s most coveted, requiring reservation months in advance. For wildlife photographers, this remote region offers opportunities to capture images of creatures that rarely encounter humans – including the elusive lynx that sometimes hunts along the lakeshore at dawn.