Hidden Lake Lookout — Thursday, Jun. 19, 2025

The road is pretty rough with one particularly large rut at the end of the first long traverse. Would not drive this in a vehicle less capable than a Subaru Crosstrek. 

Trail is in good condition but gets a little thick in some sections after punching out of the forest. Once you pass the marmot families on after getting out of the brush is where the snow begins. We arrived at the snowfields around 12:45 and threw on microspikes and continued using our poles. Poles are a must otherwise you are going to slip and fall and slide. The traverse is not too difficult just be wary of areas that you could punch through. Once finishing the traverse you cut upwards and the grade increases to probably the most difficult section of the hike currently. Once reaching the lake the path to the lookout is mostly snow free and well defined a little narrow in some sections due to snow but never treacherously narrow. A little scrambling to reach the lookout of course but once you've made it that far its not problem. 

Would say poles, 4wd and route-finding skills are necessary. Microspikes I would highly recommend. A high clearance vehicle will make your life a hell of a lot less stressful.