Hurricane Ridge Area Brochure

Life on the Edge

Life at Hurricane Ridge is shaped by wind and snow. Winds gusting over 75 miles an hour buffet the ridge, lending the name "Hurricane." The 30-35 feet of snow that falls annually lingers into summer, shaping life year-round. Its weight challenges trees; its persistence maintains open meadows. As you explore, look for evidence that snow truly sculpts this landscape.

 

Area Information

Facilities: The Hurricane Ridge Day Lodge burned down on May 7, 2023. Area utilities, including power and water, were also destroyed in the fire.

Access and parking to Hurricane Ridge are limited. For a 24-hour road and weather recording call 360-565-3131. Visit www.nps.gov/olym for more information.

Picnic Areas: Picnic Areas A and B (summer only), with paved trails, are located one mile beyond the Hurricane Ridge parking area.

Camping: The closest developed campground is at Heart O' the Hills, 12 miles downhill from Hurricane Ridge. For wilderness camping, obtain permits and bear canisters at the Wilderness Information Center in Port Angeles, 360-565-3100.

Regulations: Please stay on designated trails and do not feed wildlife. Pets and bicycles are not permitted on paved or dirt trails.

 

Hurricane Ridge Area Map

 

Trails at Hurricane Ridge

Trail	Description	Miles	Elevation Change
Cirque Rim	Easy paved trail with views of Port Angeles and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Wheelchair accessible with assistance.	0.5 one way	Under 50 ft.
Big Meadow	Easy paved trail crosses open meadows with views of the Olympics. Wheelchair accessible with assistance.	0.25 one way	Under 50 ft.
High Ridge	Partially paved loop climbs to 360° views and a 0.1 mile dead end spur trail to Sunrise Point.	0.5 mile loop	+220 ft.
Klahhane Ridge	The first 2.8 miles of this trail is on a ridge to a junction with the Klahhane Switchback trail. An additional mile on the Switchback Trail climbs 800 ft. to Klahhane Ridge.	3.8 one way	+250 ft. first 2.8 miles
Hurricane Hill	Paved trail climbs to a panoramic view of mountains and saltwater.	1.6 one way	+700 ft.
Wolf Creek	Dirt trail descends 8 miles to Whiskey Bend in the Elwha Valley.	8.0 one way	-3,772 ft.
Little River	Dirt trail descends 8 miles to the Little River Road.	8.0 one way	-4,073 ft.
Hurricane Hill/Elwha	Dirt trails descends from Hurricane Hill through meadows and steep forested switchbacks to the start of the Whiskey Bend Road.	6.0 one way	-5,250 ft.

 

Be Safe and Preserve the Park

Protect yourself, your pet and wildlife by not feeding wild animals, keeping a safe distance and not taking pets on any trails.

Footprints can leave lasting scars. Help preserve the meadows by staying on snow or designated trails.