Mt Angeles Ridge

Mount Angeles Ridge rises to 6,400 feet above Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park, one of the few ski touring objectives on the Olympic Peninsula with real alpine character. The route climbs 3,100 feet over 5 miles from Hurricane Ridge Road, ascending the northwest slope through wind-scoured terrain before reaching the rocky summit ridge.

The lower slopes are open and gentle with well-spaced trees, holding the softest snow on the mountain where the northwest aspect shelters it from prevailing winds. Higher up, the terrain firms to wind-consolidated ice and the ridge narrows to rolling hills punctuated by rocky cliff bands. The summit ridge of Mount Angeles requires careful navigation; the traverse toward Klahane Ridge involves steep, icy terrain that may demand jump turns or ice axe-assisted downclimbing.

The descent from Klahane Ridge's north bowl offers roughly 1,700 feet of skiing, with the steepest section reaching 45 degrees. Below the bowl, the terrain mellows through trees back to the road. Couloir lines exist on the Klahane side for parties with the time and gear to explore them.

Access requires driving Hurricane Ridge Road from Port Angeles. The gate closes between 4 and 5 PM, so plan the return accordingly. Mount Olympus and the full Olympic interior are visible from the ridge on clear days, a panorama that justifies the icy slog to get there.