Of the four ways to reach the rugged, rocky, and wide-open Klahhane Ridge, the Switchback Trail is the shortest. Ascending 1500 feet in 1.5 miles, this direct approach wastes no time ruthlessly reaching the high ridge crest. You, however, may need to take your time. The south-facing ascent guarantees an early-season entry into the high country, but also exposes you to plenty of direct sunlight. Pack extra water, sunscreen, and your camera for this memorable hike.

Get an early start, not only to avert overheating, but also to witness a myriad of critters scurrying about. They, too, prefer to avoid the midday heat. Once you reach the barren basalt ledges of Klahhane Ridge, however, chances are good that you'll be greeted with a refreshing breeze. Far-reaching views from Vancouver Island's endless summits to the jumbled wall of peaks in the Olympic interior also await you.

Immediately begin climbing. After 700 feet of vertical ascent in just 0.6 mile, come to the junction with the Mount Angeles Trail. To the left this trail leads 3.1 miles to Hurricane Ridge via Sunrise Ridge, a delightful high-country romp through rolling alpine meadows.

Your eyes are set on Klahhane Ridge, so proceed right for some more grueling climbing. At 1.4 miles and 1400 feet of elevation gain, come to Victor Pass and a second junction. The trail left, often snow-covered until midsummer, leads to Heather Park. Take the trail right, the Lake Angeles Trail, to begin a cloud-probing stroll over the exposed ledges and precipitous cliffs of Klahhane Ridge. In a few spots, the trail has been blasted right into the rock, assuring safe passage, though hikers prone to vertigo may want to opt for Sunrise Ridge.

Venture east along Klahhane, dipping a little and climbing a little for 1.25 miles to a 6046-foot knoll, a logical turnaround point for day hikers. Beyond, the trail drops mercilessly 2000 feet to tear-shaped Lake Angeles. If you continue a little ways from the knoll, you'll be able to see it, one of the largest lakes in the Olympics, way, way down below.

Common sense tells you to save Lake Angeles for another day and enjoy the views instead. To the south, Elk Mountain and the Grand Ridge dominate the skyline. Craggy, glacier-covered Mount Cameron peeks out behind. The deep green Cox Valley lies directly below in the foreground. To the north are the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Vancouver Island, and British Columbia's Coast Ranges. Mount Baker rises abruptly in the east. Directly below are Port Angeles and Ediz Hook jutting into the strait.

Klahhane is a Chinook word meaning "outdoors."Upon completing this hike, you'll probably add "great"when describing this prominent ridge.