Switchback Trail to Klahhane Ridge

I drove up to Hurricane Ridge at Olympic National Park to hike two trails today. The first one was up the Switchback Trail to Klahhane Ridge and along Klahhanne Ridge until I came across a large snowfield with exposure, where I turned around. Overall 3.6 miles with 1,700 ft gain.  I had an early start and only saw 3 other hikers as I was coming back down the trail.

The switchbacks up through the forest where in great shape, some water flowing over the trail and a few snow patches, these were the two largest ones.

The snow was softening up and I did not need traction.

The views on the upper switchbacks and along Klahhane Ridge were spectacular.

zoom of Mt Olympus

Klahhane Ridge is on the east side of Mount Angeles.

View from Klahhane Ridge looking to the northwest across the Strait of Juan de Fuca

View to the southwest from Klahhane Ridge, so many peaks in the Olympics.

Pano view a short ways along  Klahhane Ridge looking north.

Large snow field on the northern slope of Klahhane Ridge, I decided to turn around here.

Pano view from where I turned around on Klahhane Ridge:

Heading back towards Mount Angeles and the switchback trail.

some of the wildflowers and views up on Klahhane Ridge

Enjoying the views as I hiked back down the Switchback Trail. 

I saw these deer below me as I continued down the trail.

Wildflowers seen along this trail today: