Lengthy snowfields between Heather Park and Klahhane Ridge are known to linger well into July, and may require an ice ax and crampons to safely cross
Mountain goats have two layers of hair; the bottom wool layer provides an insulating layer for warmth, and the top layer is comprised of long, thick guard hairs
The Heather Park Trail climbs over 3700' in just 4 miles before leveling off in the meadows of Heather Park
Instead of backtracking to Heather Park or completing a loop via Lake Angeles, hikers can arrange a two-car shuttle and continue on to Hurricane Ridge
The Klahhane Ridge Loop continues down to Lake Angeles (4,282') and back to Heart O The Hills Trailhead
Carl Linnaeus, pioneer of the binary naming system for plants, also started the practice of naming members of the heath family after nymphs and goddesses
Mountain goats have a gestation period of about 186 days, and typically give birth from mid-May through June
The orographic effect occurs as moist air passes over the Olympic Crest and is forced to rise; in doing so it cools, expands and forms thick cloud banks
A well-maintained path on packed dirt and soft duff facilitates travel up challenging grades between Heart O The Hills and Heather Park
Portions of the trail follow little more than vague goat tracks across steep scree slopes and slides
Males typically live apart from females, which form small nursing groups with kids, yearlings and two-year olds
Timber quickly thins past 3 miles with good views down the Ennis Creek drainage out to the Strait of Juan de Fuca
A few campsites just below Heather Park along this stream offer a bit more protection from strong winds
Steep, snow covered slopes between Heather Park and Klahhane Ridge are not for the faint of heart - or the ill-equipped!
The trail runs directly under Mount Angeles, whose distinct summit is comprised of north-leaning sedimentary beds infused with lava fragments and volcanic breccia
A line of accessible crags frames the west side of Heather Park
Follow ProTrails®