Lake of the Angels — Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026

I would recommend this hike to you if you are seeking a challenge. This route is beautiful, with numerous stunning views of the Olympics, and it's currently replete with wildflowers of every color of the rainbow. But it is also undoubtedly the hardest day hike I have taken to date. The grade is so steep through most of the hike, making the way up a brutal test of endurance and the way down a test of sure-footedness, exhausting for mind and body alike. 

Here are the timestamps of this long day:

• 9am: Arrived at the trailhead
• 1:30pm: Arrived at the lake (includes three ~5-10 minute breaks)
• 2:30pm: Started hiking back down after a leisurely lunch break
• 6:15pm: Arrived back at trailhead

My takeaway: If you're used to breezing through a more gently graded 7+ mile hike in a half day, be ready time to move slower on this steep slog. 

Directional notes: Up until the "Lake of the False Prophets," this trail is straightforward to navigate. There is only one fork, and it's marked clearly with a sign. However, right after you pass to the first pond, there are two possible ways to go: straight or left over a small log bridge. Go left over the small log bridge! I chatted with some nice folks who had taken the other way and got pretty turned around. After you cross the bridge, the trail continues on through wildflower meadows and up and over one more steep ridge that'll have you saying "there's MORE?!" But know you'll be greeted by blueberries and a beautiful lake at the top. 

Packing notes:

• Take poles! They were immensely helpful for both the upward and downward trips. Your legs and hips will thank you!
• Take more food and water than you think you need, especially snacks that will give you an energy burst to continue the long climb when you begin to flag. 
• Bring rain gear, even if there's not a cloud in the sky when you begin. The mountains may have a different plan than the lowland forecast could predict. A thunderstorm started right after I left the Lake of the Angels, and the rain was torrential!

Trail: I can't say it enough: This trail is incredibly steep. I crossed paths with a hiker who was telling their friend "this trail is relentless" and I couldn't agree more. There are spots where you have to scramble up and down rocks with a steep cliff face to your side. Other than a few fallen trees, the trail was in good condition, with some lovely recent rock work and stairs toward the beginning, thanks to great work by WTA crews and partners! Also, thanks very much to Olympic for shouting out WTA on the trailhead board. 

Bathrooms: There are no bathrooms at the Putvin trailhead where this hike begins. Make sure to pause at the Lena Lake Trailhead instead, four miles before your destination. It has two privies, both stocked with TP but out of hand sanitizer. 

Road: Soon after Lena Lake trailhead and Lena Creek Campground, Hamma Hamma Road goes from paved to unpaved. The unpaved part of the road has some doozies of potholes. When I was driving in, the road was sun-dappled, making it difficult to see the potholes. Just take it slow, watch closely for potholes to avoid, and you'll be fine, even in a small sedan like mine. 

Bugs: About 2 miles into the hike, I drew the company of some large bee mimic flies that did not wish to leave me alone, buzzing around me as I hiked. They were annoying but didn't have painful bites like horse flies. I'd take them over mosquitoes any day! 

Berries: Thimbleberries are ripe along the trail near the meadow about 2/3 of the way up, and ripe blueberries are along the trail leading up to the Lake of the Angels. Enjoy! 

People: There were seven cars in the lot when I arrived at 9 on a Thursday. I didn't see a soul until the first junction 1.5 miles in, where a couple caught up with me. Over the course of the hike up, I crossed paths with 4 parties of hikers. At the lake, I could see three parties of campers, two of which were packing up to hike down. I crossed paths with about 5 more parties while hiking down. 

On a personal note: I took this day off to go for a hike and honor the first anniversary of my dad's death. I wanted a hike that was long, quiet, and challenging, so that I could be present with my grief and his spirit, and Lake of the Angels delivered. Especially when a little frog sat with me for over half an hour while I ate lunch and journaled by the lake. Even though the trail kicked my butt, I feel grateful to this place for bringing me the peace and groundedness that only a long day alone in nature can offer.

P.S. #HikeaThon (Miles, I'll bring you along next time!)