Hike of the Week: Lake Angeles

Lake Angeles is a favorite destination among Olympic Mountains hikers

Lake Angeles

A teardrop in the Heart O the Hills



by Craig Romano
photo by Craig Romano
produced by Michael Fagin

August 26, 2005

Quick Facts
Location: Heart O the Hills- Olympic National Park
Land Agency: National Park Service
Roundtrip: 7.4 miles
Cumulative Elevation gain: 2,300 feet
Access: From Port Angeles, follow Race Street to the Heart O’ the Hills Parkway (Hurricane Ridge Road). Proceed approximately 5.2 miles to the Heart O the Hills Ranger Station. Trail begins just to the right (short spur road) of the ranger station.
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

In a park 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 is lacking. Sure, there are a few aquatic gems sparkling in the Olympic backcountry, but compared to the Cascades, the Olympics come up short. Lovers of lakes need not shy away however, for the handful of lakes that do dot the Olympics all make fine hiking destinations. Lake Angeles is one of the largest lakes in the Olympic Mountains, and one of the most popular.
From high above on Klahhane Ridge, the 20-acre lake looks like a teardrop. Occupying a glacial cirque, the lake is ringed on three sides by steep rocky walls. In early summer, water from snow-melt tumbles down to feed the lake. A small island adorned with sub-alpine firs sits in the middle of the emerald lake.
Lake Angeles is well-loved by local hikers and the boot-beaten path to its shores attest to this. But, this is not an easy hike-the trail gains 2,300 feet in 3.5 miles. A primarily shaded forest will however, keep you from overheating. Campsites can be found near the lake’s shore if the teardrop from Mount Angeles inclines you to spend the evening.
If Lake Angeles’ rugged surroundings intrigue you, you can continue hiking past it, climbing 2,000 more feet in two more miles to emerge on the open slopes of Klahhane Ridge. From this vantage you can peer right down on the twinkling lake, and out beyond it to the “big lake”-the ocean waters that make up the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
A grueling 12.5 mile loop can be made by continuing on the ridge and taking the Heather Park Trail back to your vehicle. But if the desire isn’t there to tear up the tread-and the late summer sun is encouraging you to lounge around-then there’s no better place to kick back and soak your feet than at Lake Angeles.