Hike of the Week: Klahhane Ridge

A hiker enjoys the "great outdoors" from Klahhane Ridge

Klahhane Ridge

Exploring the “great outdoors”



by Craig Romano
photo by Craig Romano
produced by Michael Fagin

July 22, 2005

Quick Facts
Location: Hurricane Ridge Area- Olympic National Park
Land Agency: National Park Service
Roundtrip: 5.0 miles
Cumulative Elevation gain: 1,600 feet
Access: From Port Angeles, follow Race Street to the Heart O’ the Hills Parkway (Hurricane Ridge Road). Proceed approximately 15 miles on this road to the Switchback Trailhead located on your right.
Notes: Park fee collected: $10 for 7 day pass, $30 for annual pass, or $50 for National Park Pass, good in all national parks. Dogs prohibited on trail.
Green Trails Map: Mt Angeles, Wash- No. 135

Of the four ways to reach the rugged and open Klahhane Ridge, the Switchback Trail is the shortest. Ascending 1,500 feet in 1.5 miles, this direct approach wastes no time ruthlessly reaching the ridge crest. You however, may need to take your time, especially if you attempt this hike in midday with a bright sun beating down on you.
Get an early start. For not only will you avert over-heating, but you’ll get to witness a myriad of critters scurrying about. They too, prefer to avoid the midday warmth. But once you reach the barren basalt ledges of Klahhane Ridge, chances are good that you’ll be greeted with a breeze. You’ll be greeted too, with far-reaching views.
Follow the Switchback Trail .6 miles, coming to a junction with the Mount Angeles Trail. The trail left leads 2.75 miles to Sunrise Ridge, a delightful high-country romp through rolling alpine meadows. Proceed right and after a grueling climb come to Victor Pass and a second junction. The trail left, often snow-covered until mid-summer leads to Heather Park. Take the trail right, the Lake Angeles Trail to begin strolling over the exposed ledges and precipitous cliffs of Klahhane Ridge. In spots, the trail has been blasted right into the rock assuring a safe passage.
Venture east along the ridge for 1.25 miles to a 6,000-ft knoll, a logical turning around point for day hikers. Beyond this point the trail drops mercilessly 2,000 feet to tear-shaped Lake Angeles. If you continue a little ways from the knoll, you can see the lake, one of the largest in the Olympics, way, way down below!
Common sense tells you to save the lake for another day-enjoy the views instead. To the south, Elk Mountain dominates. Craggy glacier-covered Mount Cameron peeks out behind. Deep green, Cox Valley, lies directly below in the foreground. To the north enjoy sweeping views over the Strait of Juan de Fuca to Vancouver Island and BC’s Coast Ranges. Mount Baker rises abruptly in the east. Directly below are Port Angeles and the Ediz Hook jutting straight into the Strait.
Klahhane is a Chinook word meaning “outdoors.” You’ll probably add a “great” in front of it, upon hiking this prominent Olympic Mountain ridge.