On our final full day at Olympic National Park, we decided to challenge ourselves and hike Mt. Angeles (6,454 ft). We had read that this was a very taxing climb (2,100 ft elevation gain achieved in less than two-miles) that finished with a scramble through scree and boulders to reach the top. We have to say the description was pretty accurate! After a struggle, on the final push, we were rewarded with breathtaking views as we relaxed on the summit rock. We could see the ocean to the north and the majestic Olympic Range to our south. It was truly an unforgettable experience!
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| Just a reminder as to where we are! |
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| Milk Thistles |
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There are a couple of different options to reach the unmarked trail to Mt. Angeles . . .
Most people start from Hurricane Ridge, and hike 6.25 miles (r/t), with 2,550 ft elevation gain . . .
We opted for the Switchback Trail, and hiked about 4 miles (r/t), with 2,100 ft elevation gain |
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| Olympic Marmot |
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Almost at the junction with the Klahhane Ridge Trail . . .
We're not certain, but we believe the knob in the center of the picture is Mt. Angeles
(We won't be hiking it from this side . . . instead we'll head around to the west side before starting up)
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We are now on the Klahhane Ridge Trail . . .
This trail stays at the same contour line for .3 mile and provides great views . . .
It also allows you to catch your breath, before tackling the final push to the base of Mt. Angeles
(This is looking towards Mt. Olympus [7,980 ft] and it's eight glaciers) |
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| This female Sooty grouse nervously waited for us to pass by so she could finish gathering up her chicks |
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Working our way up the unmarked trail and hoping for a defined route to the top . . .
(Although the trail was unmarked, it wasn't too hard to find . . . it's obviously well used!) |
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The trail (for the most part) ends at the rock base of Mt. Angeles . . .
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| Bumble bees feeding on thistle flowers |
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The last five hundred feet requires several sections of scrambling . . .
It was primarily class 2/3 . . . we had to use our hands on several of the rock sections |
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If we weren't scrambling, we were sliding through scree . . . which was very annoying!
(That's Klahhane Ridge in the center of the picture . . . it's suppose to be another nice hike) |
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The final push involved going up a chute that had a chokestone that needed to be negotiated . . .
At first look, it appeared intimidating, but actually had nice hand and foot holds
(Sorry we didn't take a picture) . . .
Once past this blockage all you have to do is scramble to where Kent is resting
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Here's the reward you will receive for scaling Mt. Angeles heights (6.454 ft)
(Looking south towards Hurricane Ridge) |
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Kent struggled with his fear of heights and waited for Allison to explore the tippy top . . .
Notice the cloud layer behind Kent . . . that blue is the Pacific Ocean! |
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Allison came back to rescue and encourage Kent . . .
Really she just wanted a selfie of us! |
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Click on the picture for an expanded view from the top
(Looking north and slightly east) |
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Off the rock and scree . . .
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| and congratulated on our accomplishment by a deer! |
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| Harebell . . . Bluebells of Scotland |
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Allison taking a well deserved break!
(That rock was perfectly formed for a sitting stool . . . make sure to give it a try!) |
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We just couldn't get over the views!
(Hurricane Ridge in the middle; Mt. Olympus in the clouds) |
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Heading back down the Switchback Trail . . .
This angle shows how steep the terrain was . . . we were so thankful for a trail . . . even if it was steep! |
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| Burl . . . an abnormal growth from stress, injury or fungal infection |
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| A couple of lazy bucks sunning themselves on the south side of Hurricane Ridge |
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After getting back to the trailhead, we drove up to Hurricane Ridge . . .
From this angle, it looks as if you could walk the top of Mt. Angeles from one end to the other . .
But that is not the case, unless you're going to use ropes and helmets! |
What a great hike to conclude our final full day in Olympic National Park! We are still in awe of the views from the top. Where else are you going to be able to look down on the Pacific Ocean, then turn around and view the Olympic Range with it's many glaciers? We're not going to lie . . . it was a very steep hike, but the sense of accomplishment from reaching the top was amazing! Get out there and give this one a try!
