Begin the trail from the western side of the campground and walk southward along Ennis Creek. The trail parallels the creek for a mile climbing steadily. Approximately one and a half miles from the trailhead the track turns eastward and crosses Ennis Creek. The route contours the northern flanks of Ennis Ridge for a mile then turns sharply southwestward to ascend the ridge.
The track continues westward for a half mile ascending moderately. It turns eastward again then steepens, climbing the eastern side of the ridge to the lake. The track reaches the northern shore of the lake four miles from the trailhead. Backpackers will find campsites on the lake shores and may use the lake as a water source. The steep northern side of Klahhane Ridge provides a backdrop for the southern shore of the lake.
If hiking this trail as a day hike continue past the western side of the lake and begin the steep ascent of Klahhane Ridge. The dense montane forest community begins to dissipate at this point as the subalpine community take over the terrain. The trail climbs 1,080 feet in the next mile before contouring eastward along the ridge close to 5,400 feet. The route soon begins to climb again ascending the last 600 feet to gain the ridge crest.
Once atop Klahhane Ridge the views abound. Hikers can see the Strait of Juan De Fuca to the north and the eastern Olympics to the south. The trail leads westward along the ridge climbing and descending the rocky terrain. One and a quarter miles westward along the ridge the trail ends at the Heather Park, or Mt. Angeles, Trail. From this junction hikers can turn right, north, to complete a loop back to Heart of the Hills, or turn left to reach Third Peak Trailhead or Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center.
Directions: From Port Angeles, Find Hurricane Ridge Road behind the Pioneer Memorial Museum and drive southward along the highway 5 miles to the park entrance. Park at the Heart of the Hills Campground in the day use area. The trail leads south from the western side of the facility.
Elevation: 1,840 feet
Ending Elevation: 6,000 feet
Usage: Heavy in Summer
Difficulty: Strenuous
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Olympic National Park, Washington
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Review by Wildernet Copyright © 2010 Wildernet.com all rights reserved.
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