News Release

Investigation into Day Lodge fire continues at Hurricane Ridge

Date: July 28, 2023
Contact: Public Affairs Office, 360-565-3005

Port Angeles, WA- The investigation into the cause of the fire that burned down the Hurricane Ridge Day Lodge continues. Investigators have completed a preliminary examination and are planning additional steps necessary to complete the investigation. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined.  

The Hurricane Ridge Day Lodge was the hub for all area utilities and the fire destroyed critical elements of the utility systems. Numerous steps remain to restore all utility systems in the area, some of which require coordination with the investigation. Park staff have been working diligently to identify all required steps for restoration of utilities to ensure that they can be completed as efficiently as possible. Winter operations at Hurricane Ridge require functioning utility systems to ensure that they will withstand the severe winter weather conditions.  

“Park staff are working very hard to increase access to Hurricane Ridge. We know this area is in high demand.”, said Olympic National Park Superintendent Sula Jacobs. “We thank visitor and stakeholders for their support as we work through this difficult situation.” 

The park will continue to provide the greatest supportable access to Hurricane Ridge through September. The number of visitors permitted to enter Hurricane Ridge is based on the capacity of portable toilets. Vehicle entry is limited to 345 vehicles per day. Clallam Transit continues to operate their shuttle and it provides an excellent way to visit Hurricane Ridge.

For public safety, partial closures of the Hurricane Ridge area will be necessary during the next phase of the investigation. Closures will be 1-2 days at a time. These closures will be announced once they are known.  

For more information about access to Hurricane Ridge, please visit the park’s post-fire webpage: Hurricane Ridge - Post-Fire - Olympic National Park