The Lake Angeles Trail is one of the most popular hikes in Washington. Located in the Olympic National Forest, it offers stunning views of the lake, surrounding mountains, and lush forests. With its diverse terrain and easy access from Port Angeles, it’s no wonder why the Lake Angeles Trail is such a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
The Lake Angeles Trail is the perfect place to explore if you're looking for a challenging hike that provides some pretty great views along the way. In this ultimate guide to hiking the Lake Angeles Trail, we’ll provide all the information you need to make your hike a success.
Location and Getting There
Lake Angeles is located in the Olympic National Forest near Port Angeles, Washington. The Lake Angeles trailhead is located on Forest Road 3065, which can be reached by taking a left turn onto Kitchen-Dick Road just off Highway 101.
Lake Angeles Trailhead
Once you reach the Lake Angeles trailhead, there is a parking area located at the junction of the Lake Angeles trail and the Heather Park Trail.
The Lake Angeles Trail is roughly 8 miles long, with several switchbacks along the way. It is considered to be an easy to moderate hike, but it does have an elevation gain of over 2000 feet, so it may not be suitable for those who are not used to hiking or have difficulty with long uphill climbs. The trail offers stunning views of the Olympic Mountains, as well as nearby Mount Angeles.
What to Expect
Hiking Lake Angeles is a truly incredible experience that offers stunning views of the Olympic Mountains. Located within the boundaries of Olympic National Park, Lake Angeles Trail is an 8-mile out-and-back trail that can be hiked any time of year. It's a popular destination for locals and tourists alike and can get busy in the summer months and on weekdays. It’s best to get there early if you want to beat the crowds.
Winter can bring snow and icy conditions to Lake Angeles, so you should plan accordingly if you are hiking in the winter months. To access the trail, you will need to buy a day pass or an America the Beautiful pass at the Olympic National Park visitor center.
Once you’re out on the trail, you can expect to encounter breathtaking views, towering forests, and pristine mountain lakes. Lake Angeles hike is sure to leave you feeling refreshed and energized, so don’t miss out!
Tips for a Successful Hike
1. Make sure to bring the right gear for a successful hiking Lake Angeles Trail experience. This includes appropriate clothing, footwear, and extra layers depending on the season. A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are also necessary during sunny days.
2. Pack plenty of food and water, as there aren’t many places to get supplies while hiking the Lake Angeles Trail in Washington.
3. Bring a map of the area, as it is easy to get lost while hiking Lake Angeles. It is also important to plan the route beforehand, so you don’t end up going further than intended.
4. Start early! The best time to go on a hike at Lake Angeles is in the morning when the weather is cooler.
5. Be mindful of your surroundings and pay attention to any warning signs or barriers along the way. It’s also important to stay on the trails, as this helps to protect the environment and wildlife in the area.
6. Have fun! Hiking the Lake Angeles Trail in Washington is a great way to explore nature and escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Hiking Lake Angeles
Located in the Olympic National Park, Lake Angeles is an incredibly scenic trail that is sure to take your breath away. The hike to Lake Angeles starts at the Heart O' the Hills trailhead, which can be accessed via the turnoff from Hurricane Ridge Road.
Distance | Elevation Gain | Time Required | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
8 miles | 2,500 feet | 5-6 hours | 4/10 |
The first mile follows the Ennis Creek bed before crossing the creek and heading east over a knoll. The trail then cuts back southwest and begins a steady ascent of the ridge on the west side of a canyon through Douglas Fir, Western Hemlock, and Western Red Cedar.
After about 3.5 miles, a sign indicates the arrival at Lake Angeles, and the path levels out.
At Lake Angeles, hikers will find established backpacking sites and have the chance to explore both the western shore of the lake and the eastern side by crossing the logjam at the lake's outlet. Keep an eye out for mountain goats on the cliffs above the lake!
If you're looking for a beautiful hiking experience with views that you won't soon forget, consider taking on the Lake Angeles trail. With a manageable 8-mile and stunning natural beauty, this Lake Angeles hike is definitely worth it!
Camping Near Lake Angeles
There are also some pretty great camping options nearby. For instance:
Fairholme Campground: The Fairholme Campground next to Lake Crescent is on the north side of the Olympic Peninsula in the rain forest. It is one of the most popular sites in the park, and for a good reason!
Salt Creek Campground: Salt Creek Campground is an incredibly scenic, large campground around 20 minutes from Port Angeles and on the northern coast of Washington State. It includes RV and tent sites and expansive views of the Pacific Ocean and Canada.
The Best Long Beach RV Campgrounds: Visiting Long Beach and want to RV camp? Well, you're in luck, as there are many different campgrounds to choose from that vary in amenities and price.
Nearby Hikes
If you're looking for more hiking opportunities near Lake Angeles, the Olympic Peninsula of Washington is an ideal destination. The nearby forest provides plenty of trails and hikes for hikers of all levels. Here are some of the most popular hikes in the area:
1. Cirque Rim Nature Trail: This trail offers stunning views of the Olympic Mountains and a unique opportunity to explore the old-growth forests near Lake Angeles.
2. West Lake Mills Trail: This moderate trail near Lake Angeles is an excellent way to explore the area. It winds through thick forests for about 3.5 miles.
3. Staircase Rapids Loop: This easy-to-moderate loop trail takes hikers along the beautiful banks of the Skokomish River, offering great views of Staircase Rapids. You’ll also pass through wetlands, old-growth forests, and several lakes along the way.
4. Dungeness Spit Hike: This hike will take you out to Dungeness Spit, a 5-mile strip of sand (10 miles round trip) that juts out into the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Along the way, you’ll get to see some amazing wildlife and stunning views of the Strait and Lake Angeles in the distance.
These are just a few of the many wonderful hikes that can be found near Lake Angeles, Washington. Whether you’re looking for a challenging hike or an easy stroll, you’ll find something to suit your needs in this area. So come on out and explore the beauty of Lake Angeles and all that the Olympic Peninsula has to offer!
You Might Also Like
Lake Crescent in Winter - Located on the Olympic Peninsula, this stunning lake is a breathtaking sight during the winter months.
Washington's Salt Creek Recreation Area - Salt Creek Recreation Area is an outdoor paradise located in Washington State. This scenic spot offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy, including camping, fishing, boating, and hiking.
The Pittock Mansion Hike in Portland – Everything You Need to Know - If you're looking for a beautiful and scenic hike near Portland, Oregon, the Pittock Mansion hike is the perfect option. This hike offers gorgeous views of the Cascade Mountains (including some of the best mountains to climb in Oregon), the Willamette Valley, and the city of Portland.
Comments