View the navy-blue Olympic Mountains from these alpine hiking trails, and in winter, ski and snowboard. At 5,242 feet elevation in the park’s northeast corner, Hurricane Ridge is accessible by road and the quickest way to go from sea level to the mountains. It’s just a 17-mile drive from Port Angeles, Washington.
Is Hurricane Ridge Open?
Hurricane Ridge Day Lodge, which served as the visitor center at this location, burned down in May 2023. The area reopened to visitors on June 27, 2023. It reverted back to normal operating hours in 2024, with daily access in the summer months and weekend-only access in the winter.
Please note, there are no indoor facilities currently available at Hurricane Ridge so check the weather forecast and be prepared for thunderstorms, rain or cold temperatures. Temporary trailers are available with restrooms and a visitor contact station.
Spring through Fall on Hurricane Ridge
In spring and summer, the meadows are covered with wildflowers, and clear-day views of the park’s peaks are fantastic. In autumn, the grasses turn golden.
A favorite moderate hike that includes epic views of the Olympic Mountains along the way and ends with an aerial view of Port Angeles and the Strait of Juan de Fuca, is Hurricane Hill, a 3.2-mile round trip out and back trail.
Other easy hikes on Hurricane Ridge include the Cirque Rim (1-mile roundtrip), Big Meadow (Half-mile roundtrip) and High Ridge (1.2-mile roundtrip including spur to Sunrise Point). Consult a trail map for more challenging hikes and backpacking routes.
Winter on Hurricane Ridge
Hurricane Ridge is a popular spot for snowshoeing and skiing with an average of 30-35 feet of snow in the winter. It’s only one of three U.S. national parks with a ski lift. There are also backcountry snowshoe and cross-country ski trails for self-guided recreation. Snowshoe excursions with rangers are offered at 1:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays with snowshoes provided to the first 15 participants.
Following the fire that burned down the lodge in May 2023, there are no indoor facilities at Hurricane Ridge. Temporary trailers house restrooms and a visitor contact station, but there are no food, rentals or indoor spaces to get ready or warm up, so be prepared to stage in your car.
The winter season at Hurricane Ridge is approximately mid-December through the end of March. For the 2023-24 the scheduled operating season is November 24 through March 31.
In winter, the road to Hurricane Ridge is only plowed and open Friday through Sunday (plus December 26-January 1, January 15 and February 19) and uphill access is available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on those days. But, temporary road closings can happen at any time dependent on snowfall or the parking lot filling up. All vehicles are required to carry tire chains and must be below the Heart O’ the Hills entrance station by 5 p.m., during the winter season. Check current road conditions by calling (360) 565-3131, on Twitter @HRWinterAccess or online at www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/current-road-conditions.htm.