Lake Angeles hike
View PhotosLake Angeles hike
Difficulty Rating:
The sustained incline as you hike up to Lake Angeles is admittedly dull at times. However, the incredible, fortress-like views of the mountain’s cliffs surrounding the lake make the ache in your thighs feel justified.
Getting there
From Port Angeles go south on S Race Street past the Visitor Centre. Veer right onto Hurricane Ridge Rd. Follow for 5.1mi until just before the entrance station where you will turn right, following signs for the Lake Angeles Trailhead.
About
When to do | June through September |
Backcountry Campsites | Yes at Lake Angeles, permits required |
Toilets | No |
Family friendly | No |
Route Signage | Average |
Crowd Levels | Low |
Route Type | Out and back |
Lake Angeles
Elevation Graph
Weather
Route Description for Lake Angeles
This is a pretty straightforward hike. There are two trails which start from the parking lot, make sure you are on the Lake Angeles Trail, to the left. You’ll begin and almost immediately start ascending. The trail is extremely well graded and maintained.
Up and up and up you will go. You’ll face some heavy climbing, and – frustratingly – you will gain many false ridges.
Finally, however the trail will even out, and you will arrive at a totally unmarked junction. Go straight here, and very quickly you’ll find yourself arriving at the campground surrounding the lake.
Head down to the water to enjoy the pristine view. Surrounding the south side of the lake you will see the ridge of the aptly named “Rocky Peak”, as well as the mesmerizing island in the middle of the lake. Enjoy the ambiance of the still water and the logs floating on its north end before returning the way you came.
Check out more amazing hikes in the Olympic National Park, like the Hoh River Trail, Ozette Triangle or the Obstruction Point hike.
Insider Hints
You can continue along the trail around the west side of the path. This allows you to connect this trail with the Klahhane Ridge Trail; however, there is a lot of climbing involved!
This is also a fantastic and easy backpacking trip.
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Abra Pepel 4 years ago
Fantastic hike for avid hikers. The mountain cliffs around the lake looks magnificent!
Papa smurph 4 years ago
It is a gorgeous turquoise lake sitting at the base of tall rugged mountains.
Tara Green 4 years ago
The views at the top are definitely worth the effort. Highly recommend.
Lambert O 4 years ago
Trail is well maintained, you will have challenge going up but doesn't matter when you see the spectacular views.
Jellybean 4 years ago
Payoff is solid - Great Lake view. A test of your endurance as it is uphill the whole way, but nothing too steep.
Stewart Graham 4 years ago
Perfect trail condition. I was lucky to see the lake because of good weather. Highly recommend.
footfall 4 years ago
Perfect trail condition to Lake Angeles. The lake is beautiful and the views just continue to get better as you climb.
John Savage 4 years ago
Nice trail up through to Lake Angeles. Hike through woods takes most of the time but is worth it when you reach the lake. Steady incline all the way. It was foggy but within 30minutes the fog cleared up and it was stunning.
Pana Cotta 4 years ago
The floating logs and fallen trees in the lake looks like a beautiful disaster.
T Rob 4 years ago
A great hike! Pretty challenging, as it is a little bit steep uphill climb. The views at Lake very worth the trip