Lake Angeles
Last modified
Feb 12, 2010 01:00 PM
Known for its craggy peaks, wilderness coast, and deep lush forests, Olympic National Park contains quite an array of spectacular natural features. But when it comes to alpine lakes, the park seems lacking. Sure, scores of aquatic gems sparkle in the backcountry, but compared to the Cascades, the Olympics come up short. Lake-loving day hikers need not shy away, however, for there are a handful of attainable alpine gems. Lake Angeles is one of them. It's also one of the largest lakes in the Olympics, and the most popular.
From high above on Klahhane Ridge, 20-acre Lake Angeles looks like a teardrop. Occupying a glacial cirque, the lake is ringed on three sides by steep rocky walls. Through most of the summer, tumbling creeks of snowmelt feed the isolated body of water. A small island formed by rockfall and adorned with subalpine firs sits in the middle of the emerald lake. Beautifully set, Lake Angeles is well-loved by hikers from near and far. The boot-beaten path to its shores attests to this. But this is not an easy hike-the trail gains over 2300 feet in 3.5 miles. Well-shaded, however, you shouldn't have any trouble overheating while grunting to your objective. The well-worn path immediately sets out climbing, paralleling Ennis Creek, before making a sharp turn east and heading over to another creek drainage. The trail then makes a sharp turn back west, crosses the creek, and begins to climb straight up a rib, the divide between Ennis and Lake Creeks. Never easing up, the trail works its way into the deep cirque housing the lake. At 3.7 miles a sign indicates the lake is near. Turn left down a short spur and behold, Lake Angeles. Cool air rushes down the bare slopes above, rippling the lake surface. Sunlight twinkles off of the small waves. It's a soothing scene, but you won't be alone here. You've earned the right to find a nice spot, however, to enjoy this Olympic aquatic gem. Recent Trip Reports
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Day hike
Features:
Wildflowers blooming
Issues:
Mud/Rockslide | Snow on trail
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Started at Heart o Hills parking lot. Headed out on Lake angeles Trail which was clear sailing with only a...
Started at Heart o Hills parking lot. Headed out on Lake angeles Trail which was clear sailing with only a few lil muddy spots. Bugs left us alone..
Didnt hit melting snow till actually reaching the lake where it was still lightly covered by Ice. From there we wanted to get a better view so we headed up the Klahhane Ridge trail. after a short scramble we reached a look out rock where it was a breathless view. We enjoyed our lunch and took plenty of photos.....
Lake Angeles #80
— Nov 17, 2007
— Hoosierdaddy
Day hike
Issues:
Blowdowns
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We went up the Lake Angeles trail because the gate was closed to Hurricane Ridge.
About a mile up the...
We went up the Lake Angeles trail because the gate was closed to Hurricane Ridge.
Lake Angeles #80
— Apr 02, 2007
— Party of 2
Day hike
Issues:
Blowdowns | Snow on trail
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A dusting of snow on the trail from Sunday night and a few more flurries during the hike. Didn't feel...
A dusting of snow on the trail from Sunday night and a few more flurries during the hike. Didn't feel much like spring. A lot of blowdown has been cleared away in the first mile, then at a little over a mile there is a large tree accross the trail and another tangle of blowdown a little further on, past the creek crossing. The second mess has obscured the trail, but both places are passable. Some packed snow and ice begins to show up on the trail at about 3900 feet, and the depth of snow at the lake varies between about one and three feet. None of it is a problem to walk on.
Lake Angeles #80,Klahhane Ridge
— Jul 28, 2006
— pest
Day hike
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Hiked to the vistor center from Heart-o-the Hills campground via the Lake Angeles and Klahhane Ridge trail. Trail is clear...
Hiked to the vistor center from Heart-o-the Hills campground via the Lake Angeles and Klahhane Ridge trail. Trail is clear with no blow-downs, snow or mud. Nice hike with beautiful meadows full of flowers before you reach the 6000 foot high point and drop over the ridge.
Lake Angeles #80,Heather Park #79,Klahhane Ridge
— Jul 26, 2006
— tenderfeet
Day hike
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The Lake Angeles trail is clear all the way to the junction with the Heahter Park trail, which is clear...
The Lake Angeles trail is clear all the way to the junction with the Heahter Park trail, which is clear all the way back to the trailhead. The route from the junction to Hurricane Ridge visitor center is clear and full of beautiful flowers, deer, snowshoe hare, mountain goats, views, etc. |
Driving Directions
From Port Angeles leave US 101 near milepost 249, following Race Street south 1.2 miles to Hurricane Ridge Road (Heart o' the Hills Parkway) and passing the Olympic National Park Visitors Center and Wilderness Information Center. Proceed on Hurricane Ridge Road for 5 miles. Just before the park entrance booth, turn right (west) to reach a large trailhead parking area.
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