
Hurricane Ridge, the focus of winter recreation in Olympic National Park,
earns its name in winter. Storms, high winds, snow drifts or high avalanche
conditions may delay crews working to plow the road, or force an early closure.
The Hurricane Ridge parking lot often fills early, causing long delays at the Heart
O’ the Hills entrance station. Please carpool and park close to other vehicles at
Hurricane Ridge.
Is Hurricane Ridge open right now? Check here or call (360) 565-3131, and see below for winter schedule.
Hurricane Ridge Road and Visitor Center: For safety, all vehicles (including 4WD) traveling above Heart O’ the Hills on the Hurricane Ridge Road between November 1 and April 1 must carry tire chains. From November 24, 2017 thru April 1, 2018, it is open 9-4 weather permitting Friday-Sunday, plus holiday Mondays (January 1, 15 and February 19, 2018), as
well as December 26-28. Closed Monday-Thursday and December 25. During this winter plowing schedule, the road closes to uphill traffic at 4:00 p.m. and all vehicles must be below the Heart O’ the Hills gate by 5:00 p.m. After April 1 the road may be open as weather, staffing and road conditions allow. By early May the road is usually open 24 hours a day.
Hurricane Ridge Deli & Rental Shop: From December 8, 2017 through April 1,
2018, food and ski/snowshoe rentals are available at Hurricane Ridge 10-4
Friday thru Sunday and holiday Mondays, as well as December 26 through
January 1. Closed December 25 and April 2-May 4. Starting May 5, 2018
gift shop/deli hours will be 10-6 weekends only through May 20, then daily
starting May 25. May open other days as conditions allows.
Hurricane Ridge Downhill Ski, Snowboard & Tubing Area has two rope tows,
a poma lift and tubing park, and is operated by the Hurricane Ridge Winter
Sports Club, www.hurricaneridge.com. It operates 10-4 weekends and
holiday Mondays (January 1 and 15, February 19) from December 3, 2017
through April 1, 2018, as well as December 26 to 29 and March 16. Closed
December 24 and 25. Full day rates are $34 for all runs, $32 half day. Rope
tows for full and half day are $26 and $24. Tube park rate (including tubes)
is $10 per hour. Only tubes furnished by the ski area will be permitted in
their tube park. Cross country skiers in the ski area must use ski leashes.
Skiing/Snowboard/Snowshoeing Lessons: Hurricane Ridge Winter Sports Club offers
winter sports lessons for ages four and up. Private lessons are also available. For
more information see www.hurricaneridge.com or (848) 667-7669.
Equipment Rentals: Several businesses on the Olympic Peninsula and in the
Puget Sound area rent winter recreational equipment. Hurricane Ridge Rental
Shop (hours and dates below) packages include skis, boots and poles. The
shop requires a driver’s license to rent equipment.
Location | Cross-Country | Downhill | Snowshoes |
Hurricane Ridge (no phone) |
$32/day | $37/day $42/day w/helmet |
$18/day $23 w/poles |
Camping: The closest vehicle camping is at Heart O’ the Hills. Backpackers must
get a permit at the WIC. Because of storms, overnight winter parking is not
allowed at Hurricane Ridge.You must park 3.3 miles below the Ridge at Third
Peak. Camps must be 1/2 mile away from the Hurricane
Ridge parking lot and out of sight of ski/snowshoe trails. Be prepared for a
snowy drive down in case a storm forces a road closure on your return day.