Trip Date: April 30 – May 1, 2019
Mt. Angeles Climbing Trip
Klahhane Saddle
Angeles Saddle
Mount Angeles (6454′)
Trip Report Summary
Region: Olympic Mountains (Washington)
Sub-Region: Gray Wolf – Hurricane Ridge Group
Area: Olympic National Park
Starting & Ending Point: Switchback Trailhead on Hurricane Ridge Road (Elev. 4400 feet)
Way Points: Morse/Switchback Creek & Klahhane Saddle & Angeles Saddle & West Angeles Bench (trail hike & snow hike)
Campsite: West Angeles Bench (Elev. 6000 feet)
Summit: Mt. Angeles (snow climb & rock scramble via Southwest Slope—West Face [Route 1] )
Approximate Stats: 4 miles traveled; 2900 feet gained & lost.
Related Post
Mount Angeles via Klahhane Saddle–Angeles Saddle–West Face – July 12, 2003
Full Trip Report
Given a pleasantly sunny forecast, Eileen and I headed to the Olympics for our first overnight trip of the season.
Day 1: Switchback Trailhead to West Angeles Bench
We pulled into the 4400-foot Switchback TH parking area in early afternoon (the Hurricane Ridge Road had been closed for maintenance all morning), shouldered packs, and headed up the Switchback Trail. Snow patches started right away, and solid snow began around 4700 feet on this south-facing hillslope. Snowshoes were not needed, but crampons were quite helpful on the steep, firm slopes.
- Hiking Up To Klahhane Saddle
After losing the trail under the snow, we cramponed straight uphill to 5850-foot Klahhane Saddle (1.9 hours + 1500 feet) for a view to the north.
- Klahhane Saddle Trail Sign
Mt. Angeles rises west of the saddle and presents a fascinating geomorphology, with vertically curved ribs and slots. There is also an appealing snow couloir that leads up to a col south of the summit. Unfortunately, I’d forgotten to throw our ice axes in the car (this being our season-opener shake-down trip), so it wasn’t an option for us today.
- Mt Angeles From Klahhane Saddle
Upon leaving Klahhane Saddle, we traversed steeply downward to the Switchback Trail at 5200 feet, then contoured westerly to Angeles Saddle. From there, mellow snow slopes led us upward and high across the western flank of Mt. Angeles (4.0 hours + 2300 feet from car).
- Approaching West Side Of Mt Angeles
- Eileen Approaching West Side Of Mt Angeles
We pitched our tent on a flat snow bench and ate dinner as the sun slowly sank below the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
- Camp On West Angeles Bench
- Sunset From Mt Angeles Camp
Day 2 (AM): Mt. Angeles Summit Climb
The night had been clear and cold, and morning sun highlighted Mt. Olympus to the south. Also, the snow was rock-hard when we headed up Mt. Angeles.
- Morning Sun On Mt Olympus
Rather than climbing the northwest snowfield, which was more like an icefield, we scrambled directly up the west face on dry basalt. The scrambling involved a combination of easy Class 2 ledges and fairly steep Class 3 slots and steps.
- Scrambling Up West Face Of Mt Angeles
- Eileen Below Mt Angeles Summit
We summited in mid-morning (1.0 hours + 600 feet from camp) and enjoyed the exceptional visibility across the Olympic Mountains.
- View Southwest From Mt Angeles Summit
Our descent was uneventful, and we were able to find some easier bypass routes around the steepest parts.
Day 2 (PM): West Angeles Bench to Switchback Trailhead
We packed up camp and descended to Angeles Saddle, then located the Switchback Trail and followed it down alternating patches of snow and bare ground to reach the trailhead by early afternoon (1.4 hours from camp).
Route Map
Photo Gallery
Click to enlarge…
