The Ultimate Guide to Backpacking to Lake Angeles in Olympic National Park
Tucked away in the heart of Olympic National Park, Lake Angeles offers a captivating hiking experience that combines tranquility with natural beauty. While it remains a popular destination, it typically retains a peaceful ambiance without feeling overcrowded. The lake's scenic allure is enhanced by the imposing rocky cliffs that line the mountainside, providing breathtaking panoramic views. With its crystal-clear blue-green waters, lush green surroundings, and abundant wildlife, Lake Angeles epitomizes the essence of a hiker's paradise. Join us on an immersive journey through the awe-inspiring wilderness of Olympic National Park as we provide a comprehensive guide on hiking and backpacking to this enchanting destination.
Quick Facts.
Miles: 7.4 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 2,400 feet
4,196 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Trail Type: Out-and-Back Trail
Seasons: Hikable usually June - October
Dogs: No dogs are allowed on this trail
Horses / Stock: Allowed, day use only.
Toilets: None. Bury human waste 6-8" deep and 200 feet from water sources and campsites.
Average Time to Hike: 5-6 hours
Hike Type: Day Hike or Backpacking Overnight Trek
Parkig Permit: Olympic National Park Day Pass or America the Beautiful Pass
Cell Phone Coverage: None
Maximum Party Size: 12 People
Trail Number: Lake Angeles (#80)
Trailhead: Lake Angeles Trailhead
Distance from Seattle: 2 hours 50 minutes
Hiking to Lake Angeles
The Lake Angeles Trail is a popular hiking route that takes you through the beautiful forests and mountains of Olympic National Park. This picturesque crystal clear blue-green lake is a 3.7-mile hike one-way. The trail is a well-maintained gentle slope upwards that climbs upwards to the lake. This 7.4-mile roundtrip hike with 2,400 feet of elevation gain makes for a great day hike or backpacking destination. There are plentiful wildlife, rocky jagged cliffs, and a stunning lake with an island in the middle.
The Lake Angeles trail starts at the Heart O’ the Hills parking lot. This trailhead is the turnoff to the right, directly before the Hurricane Ridge Roads Park Entrance Station. There are very clear signs marking the start of the Lake Angeles trail making it easy to know which trail to get started on.
This trail begins climbing going through this lush mountain forest with beautiful undergrowth. We saw lots of Trillium, Pacific Dogwood, moss, ferns, and fungi. This dense second-growth forest has the remains of several truly massive trees. Some were still standing upright while others have fallen and are supporting the life of new plants. We saw lots of Douglas Fir, Western Hemlock, and some large Western Red Cedars.
As you hike the Lake Angeles Trail you will come across several charming footbridges that span across Ennis Creek. Watch your step when crossing these footbridges and make sure you stop to snap a few pictures of the lush Olympic National Park landscape.
As you climb above Ennis Creek the forest becomes much drier. There is less and less undergrowth and instead of lush vegetation, the landscape turns to more rock, moss, and other sparse vegetation between the dense trees. There are some signs of past forest fires and lots of blown-down trees. But the trail maintenance crew does a great job of keeping the trail clear.
Partway up the trail off to the side there is a carved stone in memorial to Barry Edward Koehler. In 2004 there was a plane crash almost directly on the Lake Angeles Trail. Two of the passengers Tammi Hinkle, age 32, and Sara Gagnon, age 34, survived the crash with minor injuries but unfortunately, the pilot Barry Koehler, age 57, of Sequim was killed.
When hiking with my brother, we saw the carved stone and trinkets around the rock and were curious as to what happened. In incase you are interested in reading more you can click the links below to read the full story.
Newspaper Article: Olympic National Park: Removal of twisted, scattered wreckage from plane crash begins
Newspaper Article: After near death, a winemaker finds new life
After several miles of steady ascent, the trail reaches a point where the upward climb levels out, revealing a picturesque landscape adorned with breathtaking mountain peak views. Here, you'll be greeted by a lush alpine meadow, vibrant and teeming with life, accompanied by the serene presence of a small pond, creating a tranquil scene to savor along your journey. In the evening the sunlight hits the mountain side turning it into a vibrant red-orange color.
Shortly after passing the meadow, you will see a split in the trail with a sign. The pathway to the right will take you to Klahane Ridge, but continue straight and slightly to the left to reach Lake Angeles.
A few feet past the sign you will get your first views of Lake Angeles.
The trail splits around the lake here. You can go to the right of the lake where the trail will get more and more rugged but present different angles of the lake. Or you can follow the path to the left of the lake that takes you on a wider trail that will cross several logs floating and jammed up on the edge of the lake.
After crossing the log jam you will head to a large boulder that overlooks the lake. This large boulder is a great spot to eat a snack and sit with unobstructed views of the lake.
Campsites At Lake Angeles
Lake Angeles offers a variety of campsites for backpackers, catering to different preferences and group sizes. The more spacious and desirable sites are situated at the beginning of the trail split, a bit to the right and more to the left as you navigate around the lake. If you choose the right side of the split, you'll initially encounter some large campsites. However, as you venture further along this path, the trail becomes narrower and more challenging, resulting in smaller campsites that can only accommodate one or two tents each often on a bit of sloped rooty ground. For those seeking larger flat campsites capable of hosting sizable groups, there are numerous options within the initial radius of reaching the lake, as well as further to the left side of the split when circling around the lake.
Lake Angeles Weather Conditions
Monitoring the weather conditions is crucial for a safe and enjoyable backpacking trip to Lake Angeles. While your local area might be basking in sunshine and warm temperatures, the mountainous regions can present a completely different weather forecast with rain, snow, and freezing temperatures. It's important to stay prepared. Before embarking on your adventure, make sure to check the weather conditions for the Lake Angeles Trail by clicking here to view the 7-day weather forecast specifically for Lake Angeles.
Parking
As Lake Angeles attracts a fair amount of visitors, it's important to plan ahead for parking arrangements. While the trailhead offers a decent-sized parking lot, it can reach capacity quickly. To ensure a parking spot, especially during peak hiking seasons and weekends, we strongly recommend arriving at the Lake Angeles Trailhead early, preferably before 9 am. By doing so, you can secure a parking spot and make the most of your hiking experience without any parking-related concerns.
Passes Needed to Hike Lake Angeles
The Lake Angeles Trail is located within Olympic National Park which means to do this hike you will need either a Standard Entrance Pass, a Olympic National Park Annual Pass, or an America the Beautiful Interagency Pass.
The Standard Entrance Pass is basically the day pass for Olympic National Park but is valid for up to 7 consecutive days in the park. This is a great option if you are visiting Olympic National Park for one day or several days in a row. You can purchase the Standard Entrance Pass either at the park entrance or get it online from the National Park Service Website. Prices range from $15-$30.
Private Vehicle (includes all people in the vehicle)
$30.00
Motorcycle
$25.00
Per Person (walk-up, bicycle, horseback)
$15.00
by clicking here you can get the Standard Entrance pass for your trip to Lake Angeles.
Olympic National Park Annual Pass
If you intend to visit Olympic National Park multiple times within a year, purchasing the Olympic National Park Annual Pass can provide excellent value. Priced at $55, this pass grants entry into the park anytime they are open and is good for one year from the month of purchase. You can conveniently acquire these passes at the Olympic National Park visitor centers, entrance stations, or even online through the National Park Service Website. Opting for the annual pass is a wise choice, ensuring flexibility and savings as you explore the wonders of Olympic National Park on multiple occasions.
Click Here to get the Olympic National Park Annual Pass
America the Beautiful Interagency Pass
The America the Beautiful Interagency Pass for $80 opens doors to a wealth of outdoor adventures across the United States. If your travel plans include visits to multiple national parks, national forests, and lands managed by various agencies like the National Park Service, US Fish & Wildlife, US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and US Army Corps of Engineers, this pass is an excellent choice. Whether you're exploring Olympic National Park, Mount Rainier, Mount St. Helens, North Cascades National Park, or any hikes within Washington State's national forests, or if you plan on venturing to national parks throughout the country within a year, the America the Beautiful Interagency Pass is the ultimate pass for you. Embrace the boundless opportunities and embrace the beauty of America's diverse natural landscapes with this comprehensive pass.
Click Here to get the America the Beautiful Interagency Pass
Permits to Backpack and Camp at Lake Angeles
Backpacking and camping at Lake Angeles in Olympic National Park require a Wilderness Camping Permit. These permits are mandatory for all overnight trips in the park's backcountry. The cost is $8 per person per night, along with a $6 per permit fee. Most areas have a maximum group size of 12 people, including children 15 years and under. To reserve your Wilderness Camping Permit, visit Recreation.gov and access the Olympic National Park Wilderness Permit page. If you encounter any difficulties booking online, you can seek assistance from the Wilderness Information Center at (360) 565-3100, available from 9 AM to 4 PM PST. For the summer season (May 15th to October 15th), permit reservations will be released on April 15th at 7:00 AM PST.
Wildlife At Lake Angeles
There is a lot of wildlife at Lake Angeles. Deer and black bears are plentiful in this area. When I went backpacking at Lake Angeles I saw tons of huge rabbits that hopped right through our campsite, squirrels, several deer, and even a large buck swimming across the lake to the island in the middle. Other animals that may be around include mountain goats, chipmunks, mountain lions, marmots, grouse, and a large variety of birds.
Fishing At Lake Angeles
Fishing at Lake Angeles in Olympic National Park can be a fun relaxing activity where you can unwind and enjoy the serenity of the lake. While engaging in this recreational activity, it's essential to follow the guidelines outlined in the Olympic National Park Fish & Shellfish Regulations booklet. As a general rule, all wild fish species should be released unless specified otherwise. However, it's worth noting that Lake Angeles is home to brook trout, an invasive species. To preserve the ecosystem, park rangers actively encourage anglers to remove as many brook trout as possible. When fishing in freshwater areas of the park, be sure to comply with the specific regulations, including the use of artificial lures with single, barbless hooks. Please be aware that fishing for bull trout and Dolly Varden is strictly prohibited, and if accidentally caught, these species must be released promptly. It's important to remember that a Washington State Fishing License is not required within Olympic National Park, except for fishing from the Pacific Ocean shoreline. Enjoy your fishing experience while respecting the park's regulations and contributing to its conservation efforts.
Read More About Fishing in Olympic National Park: Click Here
Can I Have a Campfire at Lake Angeles?
Unfortunately, you cannot have a campfire at Lake Angeles. To protect sensitive vegetation within Olympic National Park, campfires are prohibited above 3,500 feet. With Lake Angeles sitting at an elevation of about 4,196 feet no campfires are allowed. To cook you may use a propane camp stove.
How Do I Store My Food at Lake Angeles?
Due to the many black bears residing in Olympic National Park Bear canisters are required for the storage of your food when backpacking to Lake Angeles. If you do not own a bear can you can rent a bear canister from the Lake Angeles Visitor Center for a small fee. There are no bear wires located at Lake Angeles.
Can Horses or Stock Go on the Lake Angeles Trail?
Can I Swim at Lake Angeles?
What are some of the facilities available for the Lake Angeles Trail?
Can I Bring My Dog With Me On The Lake Angeles Trail?
Favorite Before Hike Eats:
Longhouse Market & Deli is my favorite stop along the way to the Lake Angeles trailhead for breakfast. They have hot ready-to-go breakfast sandwiches and wraps out and ready to grab in the mornings or you could order a different sandwich other than their premade selection. My favorite is their bacon egg and cheese breakfast wrap. This is a great stop to grab breakfast, snacks, sandwiches, and coffee along the way without wasting too much time. A great quick in and out one-stop shop before heading to the trail.
Longhouse Market & Deli
Website: https://7cedars.com/longhouse-market.html
271020 HIGHWAY 101
SEQUIM, WA 98382
360.681.7777
Favorite After-Hike Eats:
The Rail. After a long hike in Olympic National Park, I often want a good burger, fries, and a nice cold beer and The Rail certainly doesn't disappoint. This restaurant has fast service which is critical when you are hiker-level hungry and want a good burger without waiting forever. Besides having an awesome burger and fries, their onion rings are absolutely amazing. If you are looking for somewhere to eat in Port Angeles, after hiking the Lake Angeles trail, I definitely recommend checking out The Rail.
Port Angeles
Washington
98362
United States
Co-ordinates: 48.0391, -123.4319
How to get to Lake Angeles Trail?
Driving Directions: Departing from Port Angeles, take the exit from US 101 near milepost 249, and head south on Race Street for approximately 1.2 miles until you reach Hurricane Ridge Road, also known as Heart o' the Hills Parkway. Along the way, you'll pass by notable landmarks such as the Olympic National Park Visitors Center and the Wilderness Information Center. Continue on Hurricane Ridge Road for about 5 miles until you approach the park entrance booth. Just before reaching the booth, take a right turn (heading west) that will lead you to a spacious trailhead parking area, providing convenient access to your hiking adventure.
Gearing up for an adventure in Olympic National Park? Check out this article BEST THINGS TO DO IN OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK on KÜHL’s Born In The Mountains® Blog for some awesome tips. From must-know essentials to insider hiking hacks, it's got you covered, whether you're a seasoned pro or a newbie to the trails.
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