Lake Angeles Hike in Olympic National Park, Washington
Lake Angeles Hike in Olympic National Park, Washington

Lake Angeles hike

Olympic National Park
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Deadwood in the lake on the Third Beach trail in Olympic National Park, WashingtonLooking across a meadow on the Third Beach trail in Olympic National Park, WashingtonEarly morning light on the Third Beach trail in Olympic National Park, Washington

Lake Angeles hike

Distance: 7.1mi
Elevation: 2,359ft
Time: 4-5.5h

Difficulty Rating:

User Ratings:
9.6 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty

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.

Lake Angeles Hike Map

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.

I’ve done this 30 people have done this
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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


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.

Comments

Abra Pepel 4 years ago

Fantastic hike for avid hikers. The mountain cliffs around the lake looks magnificent!

10.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
Papa smurph 4 years ago

It is a gorgeous turquoise lake sitting at the base of tall rugged mountains.

10.0 Overall Rating
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4h 00m Time Taken
Tara Green 4 years ago

The views at the top are definitely worth the effort. Highly recommend.

10.0 Overall Rating
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Physical Difficulty
4h 30m Time Taken
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.

10.0 Overall Rating
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4h 00m Time Taken
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.

10.0 Overall Rating
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Physical Difficulty
4h 00m Time Taken
Stewart Graham 4 years ago

Perfect trail condition. I was lucky to see the lake because of good weather. Highly recommend.

10.0 Overall Rating
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Physical Difficulty
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.

10.0 Overall Rating
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Physical Difficulty
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.

10.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
Pana Cotta 5 years ago

The floating logs and fallen trees in the lake looks like a beautiful disaster.

10.0 Overall Rating
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T Rob 5 years ago

A great hike! Pretty challenging, as it is a little bit steep uphill climb. The views at Lake very worth the trip

8.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
4h 00m Time Taken
16 Comments Show all

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