Klahhane Ridge via Hurricane Ridge, Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center, Olympic National Park, Washington
Klahhane Ridge via Hurricane Ridge - 7.2 miles
Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center
| Round-Trip Length: | 7.2 miles |
| Start-End Elevation: | 5,245' - 5,875' (5,875' max elevation at Klahhane Ridge) |
| Elevation Change: | +630' net elevation gain (+2,155' total roundtrip elevation gain) |
| Skill Level: | Moderate-Strenuous |
| Dogs Allowed: | No |
| Bikes Allowed: | No |
| Horses Allowed: | No |
| Related Trails: |
Klahhane Ridge via Hurricane Ridge - 7.2 Miles Round-Trip
Klahhane Ridge runs west - east between the east face of Mount Angeles (6,454') and jagged spires of Rocky Peak (6,218'). The Klahhane Ridge Trail traverses high, exposed ridges and slopes that extend from Hurricane Ridge to the top of Klahhane Ridge, which forms the headwall over Lake Angeles. You can access Mount Angeles or continue down to Lake Angeles from this route.
Klahhane Ridge offers stunning views that reach north across the Strait of Juan De Fuca to Vancouver Island, south across the interior Olympics and east to the Cascades. These high alpine slopes, which may receive 30'+ of snow per year, support an amazing array of summer wildflowers and attract a good deal of wildlife, especially mountain goats:
The trail begins at the Cirque Rim - High Ridge Trailhead on Hurricane Ridge (5,245'). It heads NE through a meadow and climbs swiftly to the Sunrise Point - Mount Angeles Trail split (.35 miles : 5,426'). Bear right (downhill) on the Mount Angeles Trail.
The Mount Angeles Trail bends east along an exposed ridge and undulates past Sunrise Ridge to a steep descent on switchbacks (1.2 miles : 5,474'). The path narrows through flower-filled slopes of paintbrush, lupine, Jacob's ladder and bistort.
The trail bottoms out and turns north up a steep, narrow ridge with views of Hurricane Hill (1.8 miles : 5,155'). Bear right at an unmarked split for what's informally referred to as the Climbers Trail (2.2 miles : 5,225'), an arduous route to the Mount Angeles summit.
The Klahhane Ridge Trail stays right and dips across the south face of Mount Angeles to the Switchback Trail (2.4 miles : 5,045'). Bear left (uphill) onto the Switchback Trail, which (predictably) scales steep switchbacks up the south face of Mount Angeles (3.0 miles : 5,400').
The trail passes beneath basalt spires on the 830' climb from the Switchback Trail junction to Klahhane Ridge (3.6 : 5,875'). From this point you can peer down at an unnamed rock basin, and examine beds of volcanic breccia and colorful bands of sedimentary rock on Mount Angeles.
Interactive GPS Topo Map
Key GPS Coordinates - DATUM WGS84
- N47 58.204 W123 29.700 — 0.0 miles: High Ridge - Cirque Rim Trailhead - 5,245'
- N47 58.350 W123 29.513 — 0.35 miles: Bear right (downhill) on Mount Angeles Trail - 5,426'
- N47 58.455 W123 29.375 — 0.5 miles: Begin walking exposed ridgeline - 5,315'
- N47 58.695 W123 28.912 — 1.0 miles: Trail fully exposed with excellent views - 5,427'
- N47 58.851 W123 28.716 — 1.2 miles: Begin steep descent - 5,475'
- N47 58.962 W123 28.496 — 1.8 miles: Begin long ascent - 5,155'
- N47 59.338 W123 28.232 — 2.2 miles: Bear right at unmarked trail split - 5,225'
- N47 59.422 W123 27.684 — 2.4 miles: Bear left at Switchback Trail split - 5,045'
- N47 59.490 W123 27.655 — 3.0 miles: Ascending rapidly on Switchback Trail - 5,400'
- N47 59.598 W123 27.573 — 3.6 miles: Reach Klahhane Ridge - 5,875'
Worth Noting
- Hurricane Ridge is one of the most visited destinations in Olympic National Park. Expect congestion, especially on summer weekends. Arrive early to secure parking and avoid crowds.
- Those seeking a shorter but comparable alpine hike in the Hurricane Ridge Area may consider the Hurricane Hill Trail.
- Look for mountain goat, marmot, black tailed deer and bears along the trail and adjacent ridges, slopes and meadows.
- Hurricane Ridge receives 30-35' of snow per year. This snowpack may linger well into summer, especially on north-facing slopes.
Camping and Backpacking Information
The nearest campground is the Heart O The Hills Campground, located 12 miles north of Hurricane Ridge. There are 105 campsites at Heart O The Hills Campground and it's open year-round.
Backcountry Camping
- Permits are required for all overnight stays in Olympic National Park. Contact the Wilderness Information Center (360.565.3100) for backcountry camping reservations, permits, and trail conditions. Visit the WIC: 600 East Park Avenue, Port Angeles, WA 98362.
- There's a $5 registration fee per group, + $2 per person per night (children under 15 excluded). If you don't have access to a WIC, or plan to arrive early or late, call the WIC to arrange your permit ahead of time.
- Quotas and Reservations are in effect May 1 - September 30 for all Grand Valley destinations. 50% of sites can be reserved in advance; the other 50% is available first come, first served from the WIC during business hours up to 24 hours in advance. Self registration is not permitted during this time.
- Camp only in established sites.
- Food Storage: Bear canisters are required in specified locations. Where not required they're strongly recommended.
- Fires are not permitted above 3,500'.
Fishing Information
There is no suitable fishing on Klahhane Ridge, however there is fishing available at Lake Angeles.
- A Washington State Fishing License is not required to fish in Olympic National Park except when fishing in the Pacific Ocean from shore. No license is required to harvest surf smelt.
- A Washington State catch record card is required to fish for salmon or steelhead and they must be accounted for as if caught in state waters. Fishing regulations are specific to site, species, and season. Contact the Park before setting out.
- Recreational fishing in freshwater areas of Olympic National Park is restricted to artificial lures with single, barbless hooks (exceptions may apply).
- The use of seines, traps, drugs, explosives, and nets (except to land a legally hooked fish or dip-net smelt) are prohibited.
Rules and Regulations
- There's a $15 fee to enter Olympic National Park ($30 annual pass).
- Pets are not permitted on trails in Olympic National Park. Pets are permitted in campgrounds and must be leashed at all times.
- Obey speed limits on Hurricane Ridge Road - the road is windy with many blind curves and drop-offs. Drive safely.
Directions to Trailhead
From Port Angeles: Take Race Street south from the Olympic National Park Wilderness Information Center (WIC) in Port Angeles and bear right onto Hurricane Ridge Road. Take Hurrican Ridge Road 17.5 miles to the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center and parking area. The trailhead is located on the right hand side of the lot near its entry point and before you reach the Visitor Center complex.
Hurricane Ridge Road is road is open throughout summer. During the winter, the road is scheduled to be open from 9:00 a.m. until dusk, Friday - Sunday, holiday Mondays, and additional days during the Christmas holiday, weather and road conditions permitting. All vehicles must carry tire chains during the winter season. Always check the status of the road before coming.
Contact Information
Olympic National Park
600 East Park Avenue
Port Angeles, WA 98362-6798
Visitor Information: 360.565.3130
Road & Weather Hotline: 360.565.3131
Wilderness Information Center and Backcountry Permit Office (WIC)
360.565.3100
Hoh Rainforest Visitor Center
360.374.6925
Forks Information Station
360.374.7566 or 360.374.5877
Quinault Wilderness Information Office
360.288.0232
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