Water and Mountains
On a warm and slightly smoky summer weekend, Kelly and I invited Jack and Haley over to the Olympic Peninsula to hike and spend some time at my grandma’s. We chose to do the Klahhane Ridge – Lake Angeles Loop, a loop near Port Angeles. This was actually one of the few hikes in the area that I had not done!
After a nice breakfast in Port Angeles, we got started, doing the loop counter clockwise. We started at the same exact time as a giant group of about 25 neurosurgeons from University of Washington. Many of them went the same pace as us, so we had conversations with them for a while.
Lower down, the trail is immaculately graded, climbing steadily. But once it reaches the alpine, it becomes a bit loose and exposed, so not everyone would enjoy it.
Mt. Angeles is the northernmost peak in the Olympics – just a few miles from the Strait of Juan de Fuca. It really towers over Port Angeles, with great views of the water, the city, and Dungeness Spit.
The section of trail on Klahhane Ridge is absolutely wonderful. While relatively short compared to the forested sections of this loop, it has great views of Olympus, the Bailey Range, and the Elwha River Valley.
With blooming flowers and lush hillsides, it felt like a classic summer day in the Olympics.
The descent to Lake Angeles was a little steep and loose, but the trail got much better below the lake.
This was a fun little loop with great views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Port Angeles! If you are looking for a rugged trail loop without having to enter the national park, this is one of quite a few good options on the north side of the Olympics!