Klahhane Ridge Trail
About
Klahhane Ridge is the rocky spine that rises behind Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park, high above Port Angeles. From the top you look north across the Strait of Juan de Fuca and south into the interior of the Olympic Mountains — one of the best views in the park for the effort it takes.
That effort is real, though short. The usual way up, the Switchback Trail, gains about 1,500 feet in a mile and a half, most of it in tight zigzags through subalpine forest before breaking out onto open meadow and ridge. Google reviewers give it 4.9 out of 5, and plenty of them mention their legs.
The routes
The Switchback Trail is the shortest and most direct approach. Its small parking area is on the right side of Hurricane Ridge Road about 14.8 miles from the Race Street junction in Port Angeles, a couple of miles below the Hurricane Ridge visitor area. It is about 1.5 miles and 1,500 feet of climbing to the ridge; continuing to the knoll at roughly 6,050 feet makes it around 5 miles round trip with 1,700 feet of gain. Allow two and a half to three hours.
Longer approaches reach the same ridge from other directions, including a much bigger day from the Heart O’ the Hills area past Lake Angeles. For a first visit, the Switchback Trail is the one to pick.
What to expect up top
Above the trees the trail is fully exposed, so bring sun protection and more water than the distance suggests. Beyond the first viewpoint a narrow section of trail is cut into rock across steep slopes and ledges — sure-footed hikers find it fine, but it is no place for anyone uneasy with drop-offs.
Mountain goats frequent the ridge, along with marmots, deer and the occasional black bear. Give the goats plenty of room and never feed them or let them approach you.
Midsummer brings wildflowers — paintbrush, lupine, glacier lilies — and the biggest crowds. On holiday weekends the Hurricane Ridge road can back up for one to three hours at the entrance, so start early.
Pass, dogs and conditions
You need an Olympic National Park entrance pass or an America the Beautiful pass to drive Hurricane Ridge Road. Dogs are not allowed on this trail: the park permits pets on only a handful of low-elevation trails, and none of them are at Hurricane Ridge. Leashed pets can stay in parking areas and on roads.
Hurricane Ridge’s historic day lodge burned in 2023 and the area reopened with reduced facilities. Snow can linger on the ridge into early summer and returns in autumn, so check the park’s current road and trail conditions before driving up.
The quick take
Drawn from this listing's ratings, amenities, hours and how it stacks up against other hiking trails in Port Angeles.
What works
Consistently well reviewed
4.9 stars held across 187 reviews is not a fluke — people keep going back.
Open 24 hours
No gate times to work around — useful for sunrise starts and after-dark walks alike.
Free parking
A free lot — one less thing to pay for, though paid options sit alongside it.
An official site to check first
Whoever runs this hiking trail posts schedules, closures and events there.
Worth knowing first
Dogs are not permitted
Leave them at home, or look at the dog parks listed for the same city instead.
The only one of its kind here
We list no other hiking trails in Port Angeles, so there is no fallback close by if it disappoints.
Planning a visit
General guidance for hiking trails, adjusted for what this listing records.
What to expect
Marked trails that can run from a short loop to a half-day out, with the trailhead as the only real commitment.
A good fit for hikers and trail runners looking for a route close to town.
When to go
Start early — trailhead parking is the first thing to disappear on a good weekend. With 24-hour access, the quiet end of the day is genuinely available to you.
What to bring
- More water than feels necessary
- Shoes with grip
- A downloaded map — signal thins out
- A light if you are going after dark
Hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
Amenities
Common questions about Klahhane Ridge Trail
Are dogs allowed on the Klahhane Ridge Trail?
No. Olympic National Park allows pets on only a few specific trails, and Klahhane Ridge is not one of them. Service animals are the exception.
How long is the hike to Klahhane Ridge?
By the Switchback Trail it is about 1.5 miles and 1,500 feet of gain to the ridge, or around 5 miles round trip with 1,700 feet of gain to the 6,050-foot knoll. Most people take two and a half to three hours.
Where do you park for Klahhane Ridge?
The Switchback Trail lot is on the right side of Hurricane Ridge Road, about 14.8 miles from Race Street in Port Angeles. It is small and fills early in summer.
Do you need a pass to hike Klahhane Ridge?
Yes — an Olympic National Park entrance pass or an America the Beautiful interagency pass covers the drive up Hurricane Ridge Road.
What is Klahhane Ridge Trail?
Klahhane Ridge Trail is a hiking trail in Port Angeles, WA, at Port Angeles.
What are the opening hours at Klahhane Ridge Trail?
Klahhane Ridge Trail is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Is there parking at Klahhane Ridge Trail?
Parking options here include a free lot and a paid lot.
How is Klahhane Ridge Trail rated?
Klahhane Ridge Trail holds 4.9 out of 5 stars from 187 Google reviews.
Written and reviewed by the AllParx team. Last reviewed . Ratings and hours come from Google.
Sources consulted: Washington Trails Association — Klahhane Ridge, Olympic National Park — Pets, Olympic National Park — Hurricane Ridge reopening.