News Release

Olympic National Park winter operations begin November 29, 2024

Date: November 26, 2024
Contact: Public Affairs Office, 360-565-3005

PORT ANGELES, Wash – Hurricane Ridge winter operations will begin on November 29, 2024 in Olympic National Park. Weather permitting, the road is scheduled to be open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through March 30, 2025 (closed December 25, Christmas Day). The area will also open for a maximized holiday schedule: December 20-January 5, January 17-20, and February 14-17, 2025.   

The restroom trailers and visitor contact station that were installed in 2023 will continue to serve winter visitors. Throughout the fall, park crews have worked to fortify the temporary structures against harsh weather. This winter’s La Niña pattern is expected to bring tougher conditions than the mild winter of 2023-2024. 

The visitor contact station will be staffed intermittently Fridays through Sundays. Visitors should be prepared to use their vehicles as a warming area and pack extra food, water, dry clothing, and blankets or sleeping bags. There will be no indoor warming area, food service, potable water, or gear rentals available.   

Hurricane Ridge Road will open at 9:00 am, weather permitting. The road will close to uphill traffic at 4:00 pm and all vehicles must exit the Heart O’ the Hills entrance station by 5:00 pm.  

Winter storms can close or delay opening of the Hurricane Ridge Road; strong winds and sudden blizzard conditions are not uncommon. Road and weather updates will be available on the Road & Weather line at [phone] and the park’s website - Alerts & Conditions - Olympic National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov).  

Hurricane Ridge Road closes temporarily when the parking lot is full. Additional vehicles will be admitted as space becomes available. Visitors are encouraged to park efficiently to maximize parking space.  

All vehicles, including those with four-wheel drive, are required to carry tire chains when traveling above the Heart O’ the Hills entrance station during the winter season.  

Find more information at nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/hurricane-ridge-in-winter.htm.  

Cross-country Skiing and Snowshoeing  

Opportunities for cross-country skiers and snowshoers range from open, level meadows near the visitor center to extreme terrain in the wilderness backcountry. Anyone skiing or snowshoeing beyond the immediate Hurricane Ridge area should be prepared for steep terrain and the possibility of avalanches.   

Avalanche Information  

Up-to-date information about weather and avalanche risk is available from the Northwest Avalanche Center at nwac.us. Anyone planning to venture beyond the maintained downhill ski area, or the immediate Hurricane Ridge area, should always check the Northwest Avalanche Center website and the current conditions posted at the Hurricane Ridge visitor contact station.  

Snowshoe with a Ranger 

Beginning December 21, rangers will offer snowshoe walks at 1:30 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. These walks last 1.5 hours and cover less than a mile, with 130 feet of elevation gain. Beginners are welcome! Snowshoes and instructions are provided. The group will be limited to the first 20 participants. Interested visitors should meet at the visitor contact station in the Hurricane Ridge parking area at 1:00 pm on the day of the walk. Walks may be canceled at any time due to operational priorities or safety concerns. To check the status or request specific accommodations, please call park staff at [phone]. 

Beyond Hurricane Ridge 

Olympic National Park offers many lowland options for winter recreation. Visitors can stroll through rainforests, search for fish in icy streams, and watch birds drift over the stormy sea. Many areas of the park remain open year-round, but some facilities and park roads close for the winter season.  

Rainforests  

The Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center will close for winter on December 1, 2024. Starting on March 1, 2025, the visitor center will be open 9 a.m. through 4 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The area’s campground, trails and road will remain open throughout the winter. Check the park website to learn more about recreational opportunities in all of the park’s otherworldly rainforests, including those in the Queets and Quinault Valleys. 

Pacific Coast   

Kalaloch, Mora and Ozette—Olympic National Park’s road-accessible coastal destinations—are open year-round, weather permitting. Visitors should check the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s tide predictions when planning any coastal trip - NOAA Tides and Currents. Storms can make beach hiking hazardous and even impossible due to large waves. Coastal streams that are normally easy to cross can be waist deep or deeper during storms. 

Park Roads and Campgrounds  

Deer Park Road, Obstruction Point Road, and Hurricane Hill Road are closed to vehicles for the winter season. Other park roads may close with short notice due to road and weather conditions. Call the Road & Weather line at [phone] to check current road status information.  

At this time of year, some campgrounds are closed, while others offer limited amenities. Check the status of campgrounds on the park website at Camping - Olympic National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov). 

Please store all food and scented items in your vehicle or an animal-proof food storage locker when not in use. Do not leave food, dishes, garbage or other smelly items unattended at your campsite.  

Recreate Responsibly  

Whether you’re planning to backpack, snowshoe, ski, or take a day hike, please remember to Recreate Responsibly! We encourage you to follow Leave No Trace principles when you visit.  

• Know before you go. Visit the park website to get the latest information on park conditions and facilities.   

• Know your limits. Pay attention to how you are feeling on the trail and changes in weather conditions. If in doubt, it’s better to head home and return another day. 

• Keep it with you. If you brought it, take it with you. Trash pickup and restroom facilities will continue to be limited in many park areas.