Mount Angeles, Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center, Olympic National Park, Washington
Mount Angeles - 6.0 miles
Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center
| Round-Trip Length: | 6.0 miles |
| Start-End Elevation: | 5,245' - 6,454' (6,454' max elevation on the summit) |
| Elevation Change: | +1,209' net elevation gain (+2,435' total roundtrip elevation gain) |
| Skill Level: | Strenuous |
| Dogs Allowed: | No |
| Bikes Allowed: | No |
| Horses Allowed: | No |
| Related Trails: |
Mount Angeles - 6.0 Miles Round-Trip
Mount Angeles (6,454') is the highest peak between Hurricane Ridge and the Strait of Juan de Fuca in Olympic National Park. This craggy point offers unmatched views across the interior Olympic Mountains, Dungeness Spit, Puget Sound, Vancouver Island and central Cascades.
The following route leaves from the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center and runs NE across high alpine meadows and open, rugged ridge lines to the summit:
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 open ridge and undulates past Sunrise Ridge to a sharp descent on switchbacks (1.2 miles : 5,474'). The path narrows through flower-filled slopes of paintbrush, lupine, Jacob's ladder, avalanche lilies 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').
Here the trail becomes very steep and climbs 1200' in just .8 miles to the summit.
Travel eases into David's Meadow at the base of Mount Angeles (2.7 miles : 5,880'), an ideal place to stop if not aiming for the summit.
Those continuing on will find cairns leading off-trail to the summit spur, which requires a full-body scramble up a near-vertical wall of loose rock. The summit spur is only recommended for experienced scramblers and climbers.
The Mount Angeles summit (3.0 miles : 6,454') is comprised of jagged, craggy rocks with big views across the interior Olympics, Strait of Juan De Fuca and Puget Sound.
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 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: Turn left at trail split for summit spur - 5,225'
- N47 59.503 W123 28.132 — 2.5 miles: Very steep ascent towards summit - 5,635'
- N47 59.631 W123 28.194 — 2.7 miles: Turn off trail; follow cairns to summit spur
- N47 59.679 W123 28.065 — 3.0 miles: Mount Angeles Summit 6,454'
Worth Noting
- Those seeking a more moderate 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 per person - per night fee to backcountry camp in Olympic National Park (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 fishing on the way to Mount Angeles, 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 $20 fee to enter Olympic National Park ($50 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 season, the road is scheduled to be open from 9:00 a.m. until dusk, Friday through 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. Make sure to 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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