Mount Angeles

Overview

Mount Angeles is the highest point between Hurricane Ridge and the Strait of Juan De Fuca in Olympic National Park. It offers incredible views from Canada to Mount Olympus. It is only about 15 miles from the town of Port Angeles and is a very popular climb, both in winter and summer. Summer offers a hike and a scramble to the top while winter offers a nice fairly easy snow climb with a short easy chute at the end to the summit. Because this is so close to the ocean, the mountains tend to dump a lot of moisture with nasty weather. It is after all how Hurricane Ridge got its name. The road to the trailhead is usually plowed through the winter though.

The main trail is the Mount Angeles Climbers' Trail which switchbacks up the south side before switching over to the west side and then up a chute to the summit. There is an option on the East Ridge that offers some scrambling up the ridge to the summit. The summit ridge can also offer from 3rd to 5th class climbing. All in all though, with Olympic Mountains generally having monstrously long approaches, this one at 4 miles from trailhead to summit with only about 1200 feet of elevation gain, is a nice way to keep your feet blisterless while gaining some awesome views.

Getting There

From Seattle, you can either take one of the ferry rides over the Sound to the Penninsula and catch Highway 16 up to Highway 3, to Highway 104 west to Highway 101.

From all points south, take I-5 to Highway 101 in Olympia, WA.

Take Highway 101 to Port Angeles and then take a left on Hurricane Ridge Road to the Park entrance. (There are signs in Port Angeles that direct you there). At 10.1 miles from the park entrance, the road curves to the left and there is a parking pullout on the right side of the road. Park here, the trailhead starts from this lot.

Red Tape

This is a national park so the usual fees apply. Please click here for more detailed information and the rates.

Hurricane Ridge Road is usually plowed in the winter providing access year-round.

When To Climb

Year-round. Usually Spring and Summer are most popular though.

Camping

Click here for the park's official camping page with info.

Click Olympic Wilderness for the National Park Service website with great links about camping and planning your trip.

Note that some but not all areas in Olympic National Park are subject to camping quotas. The rangers readily accept reservations.

Mountain Conditions

Click here for current info.

Click here for typical weather history and facts.

Olympic National Park Wilderness Information Center
Port Angeles, WA
360-565-3100