Klahhane Ridge Loop - 11.7 Miles Round-Trip

The Lake Angeles and Heather Park trails form an 11.7 mile loop up and across Klahhane Ridge in Olympic National Park. This challenging route climbs over 4100' in just 4.9 miles to the ridge, where it undulates along the spine with spectacular views that stretch across the Strait of Juan de Fuca, northern Cascades and Olympic Mountains.

Trail Map | Photo Gallery

It continues down Victor Pass across steep, exposed slopes to Heather Park. Few trails on the peninsula offer such visual range and perspective. Visitors will also enjoy access to Lake Angeles, airy meadows and a good chance to see mountain goats up close. 

Note that short sections through avalanche chutes and scree slides can be difficult to follow, and snowfields may linger well into July. An ice ax and crampons may be necessary until these melt out.

Klahhane Ridge can also be reached from the Switchback Trail off Hurricane Ridge Road, and the Klahhane Ridge Trail starting at Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center. These trailheads allow for shorter out-and-back hikes that maximize time on the most scenic parts of the loop. Another option is to arrange a two-car shuttle and head down to Heart O' The Hills for a one-way thru-hike. 

The following description begins on the Lake Angeles Trail and travels clockwise:

The trail rises quickly to a foot bridge over Ennis Creek (.95 miles : 2,585') and steepens on switchbacks in a drier forest. Travel moderates by a glade to the split for Lake Angeles and Klahhane Ridge (3.2 miles : 4,285').

Anticipate this important point, which is surprisingly unmarked and easy to miss. Veer right onto the unmarked trail for a steep climb up a knobby ridge separating the lake basin from an adjacent basin under Mount Angeles.

The trail crests with views over each (3.7 miles : 4,795'), then dips onto the Mount Angeles side. Rugged switchbacks twist back to an outcrop on the divisive ridge (4.2 miles : 5,210'), where it continues across high, thinly-treed slopes over the headwall of Lake Angeles (4.7 miles : 5,880'). Enjoy stunning aerial views on this section. 

The trail clears treeline and winds through alpine meadows to Klahhane Ridge, from which you can now see down the far side into Morse Creek (4.9 miles : 6,010').

It turns west on the ridge and negotiates several steep undulations that toggle between north and south slopes. Watch for goats and give them plenty of room to pass. Travel gradually moderates with great views of Mount Olympus and Mount Angeles to Victor Pass and the Klahhane Ridge - Heather Park Trail junction (6.0 miles : 5,912').

The Heather Park Trail veers right and dives down a bowl at the foot of Mount Angeles. Once across the bowl (which may hold snow well into summer) it cuts across a high slope, then turns left up a steep chute (6.6 miles).

A tightly-wound path scales the loose-earth chute to a saddle between Mount Angeles and Second Top (6.7 miles : 5,838'). Here you'll have great views (west) across the South Fork Little River drainage. It drops on switchbacks and crosses a wide slide (6.9 miles : 5,540'). Tread carefully on this loose and unstable section.

It resumes on a narrow, exposed path etched under Second Top with views that extend out to the mouth of the strait. The trail comes to another chute of loose scree (7.55 miles); turn right and improvise 115' vertical feet up to a crest that drops into Heather Park (7.6 miles : 5,610').

Travel eases through the meadows down to campsites by a stream (8.0 miles :  5,260'). Manicured switchbacks drop quickly on a long, uninterrupted descent back to Heart O The Hills Trailhead to complete the loop (11.7 miles : 1,856').