Hidden Falls Trail

Hidden Falls is a 1.9-mile out-and-back from the south Lake Josephine boat landing, following the Grinnell Lake Trail before a short branch to a wooden platform above Cataract Creek. Most of the walk passes through forest with small streams and thimbleberry patches; the final tenth-mile climbs steeply, then eases at the viewpoint. Allow about 1.5 hours on foot. The falls drop about 25 feet into a rocky gorge.

From Many Glacier Hotel, take the two concession boat shuttles across Swiftcurrent and Lake Josephine, with a paved 0.2-mile connector between the boat landings. The often-published 2.5-mile round trip starts at the hotel dock and uses that access route; this trail’s 1.9-mile figure starts at the south Lake Josephine landing. Without the boats, the approach from the hotel adds about five miles of walking. At the south landing, take the path to the right and go straight at the Grinnell Glacier Trail junction. Two pit toilets are reported along the approach; food and drinking water were not found. Continuing to Grinnell Lake adds about half a mile to the boat-assisted outing.

The wooden platform looks down into the gorge where Cataract Creek drops over the rock. This is a small, enclosed waterfall rather than a broad open viewpoint; frame the cascade with the dark gorge walls to show its setting. The last climb is steep, and pets are not allowed on Glacier trails.