"Hike to panoramic views of the Pacific Northwest."
Mount Angeles is a stunning and accessible mountain located in Olympic National Park near Port Angeles, Washington. Standing at an elevation of 6,454 feet (1,967 meters), it is the highest peak in the Hurricane Ridge area. Mount Angeles offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and even Canada’s Vancouver Island on clear days. It is a favorite destination for hikers, photographers, and outdoor enthusiasts due to its scenic beauty, relative accessibility, and the rewarding views from the summit.
Reaching Mount Angeles is relatively straightforward compared to many other Washington peaks. The closest city is Port Angeles, which is about a 2.5 to 3-hour drive from Seattle. To get there:
1. From Seattle, drive north to Edmonds and take the ferry to Kingston.
2. From Kingston, follow WA-104 and then US-101 west toward Port Angeles.
3. In Port Angeles, head south on Hurricane Ridge Road to the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center, located inside Olympic National Park.
The Mount Angeles trailhead is located just past the visitor center. Most hikers begin at the Klahhane Ridge Trail, which intersects with a spur trail that leads up to the summit of Mount Angeles. Ample parking is available at Hurricane Ridge, though it can fill up during summer weekends and holidays.
The weather at Mount Angeles can vary greatly depending on the time of year. Summers (June to September) are generally mild and the best time to visit. During this time, daytime temperatures range from 50°F to 70°F (10°C to 21°C), with cooler temperatures at higher elevations.
Winter brings snow and colder temperatures, often dropping below freezing. Hurricane Ridge is a popular winter sports destination, and Mount Angeles is typically snow-covered from late fall through early spring. Always check weather and avalanche conditions before visiting in the colder months.
Fog and clouds can roll in quickly, especially in the spring and fall, so hikers should be prepared for limited visibility even on seemingly clear days.
The best time to visit Mount Angeles is between late June and mid-September when the trails are clear of snow and the weather is most stable. During this time, wildflowers bloom across the meadows around Hurricane Ridge, and wildlife is active. Visibility is often excellent, making it a perfect time for hiking and photography.
Early morning and late afternoon visits are particularly rewarding for avoiding crowds and capturing the golden light on the mountains.
Mount Angeles is famous for its stunning vistas and location within Olympic National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its proximity to Hurricane Ridge makes it one of the most accessible summits in the park. The views from the summit include the Olympic Mountain Range, Mount Olympus, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and sometimes Mount Baker on a clear day.
It is also known as a training ground for climbers due to its manageable scramble and elevation, making it an ideal introduction to mountain hiking in the Pacific Northwest.
Since Mount Angeles is within Olympic National Park, a park entrance fee is required. As of 2025, the fee is $30 per private vehicle for a 7-day pass. Annual and interagency passes are also accepted.
The park is open year-round, but Hurricane Ridge Road is only open during specific hours and is subject to closures due to weather. In summer, the road is usually open daily. In winter, it may only be open Friday through Sunday, and all vehicles must carry tire chains.
There are restrooms, visitor information, and basic amenities at the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center. However, food, fuel, and lodging are only available in Port Angeles.
Mount Angeles, like much of the Olympic Peninsula, is composed of uplifted marine sedimentary rocks and basalt, formed millions of years ago under the ocean. The forces of plate tectonics pushed these rocks upward to create the rugged peaks of the Olympic Mountains.
The area has long been inhabited by Indigenous peoples, including the Klallam and other Coast Salish tribes, who have cultural ties to the land and the mountains. The area became part of Olympic National Park when it was established in 1938 to protect the region’s unique ecosystem and scenic beauty.
