Hidden Lake Trail 745
Begin hiking in the forest and climb quickly the first mile. You will find camping sites on a few small sections of level ground under the trees. Leave the forest and enter open meadows offering grand views of the Cascade River. After switch backing through meadows for 1.5 miles, the trail levels out and wanders in and around angular slabs of granite and small groups of sub-alpine fir. Experience spectacular views of jagged Cascade peaks from these high meadows. You will find sites suitable for fair-weather camping along this portion of the trail. The next mile can be difficult to locate and route-finding skills may be required.
At 6,500-foot elevation, enter a small pass with a vista of Hidden Lake and the Hidden Lake Lookout. The final quarter mile to Hidden Lake Lookout traverses a talus slope.
The lookout was built in 1931 and stands at 6,850-foot elevation. A volunteer group maintains the lookout, which is open to the public on a first-come-first-serve basis for overnight use.
The lookout ridge marks the boundary of North Cascades National Park and Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. The approach to Hidden Lake travels down from the pass for a quarter mile through boulders and talus.
Please use a backcountry stove instead of building a campfire in keeping with Leave No Trace Principles.
Specific Trail Information
Trail Number
Trail Type
General Information
Maps:
- Green Trails: Diablo Dam #48, Cascade Pass #80
- Mt Baker Ranger District
- USGS: Sonny Boy Lakes, Eldorado Peak
Hidden Lake is in the North Cascades National Park and a National Park Service Backcountry Permit is required for overnight stays. Obtain a permit in person at the National Park Service Wilderness Information Center in Marblemount.
Carry drinking water, as it is not readily available.
Hiker only. North Cascades National Park regulations limit party size to 12 and prohibit pets and campfires.
Address: 810 State Route 20 Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284
Phone: (360) 854-2553
Hours: OPEN: Mon & Tues 8am-4pm, full service (All Interagency Passes, Forest Permits, Maps, NW Forest Passes); Wed-Fri 8am-11:45 pm & 12:30 pm-4pm, limited service (Maps, NW Forest Passes, Interagency Annual Pass Only); CLOSED: Sat & Sun
Getting There
Directions
From the Mt. Baker Ranger District office in Sedro-Woolley, follow State Route 20 east for 39 miles to Marblemount. At the east end of town, turn right on Cascade River Road, immediately cross the Skagit River and continue for 9.5 miles to FS Road 1540, also known as Sibley Creek Road. Turn left on FS Road 1540 and follow approximately five miles to the road's end. The trailead is at the far end of the parking area.
