![]() NPS Photo At an elevation of 5,242 feet, Hurricane Ridge is Olympic's alpine destination in winter. Typically snow-covered, Hurricane Ridge provides opportunities for snowshoeing, cross-country and downhill skiing, snowboarding, tubing and more. Hurricane Ridge's winter season is generally late November through the end of March. 2022-2023 Winter SeasonWinter season operations for Hurricane Ridge are set to begin on Friday, November 25, 2022, and end on March 26, 2023. Read park rangers' top ten tips for visiting Hurricane Ridge this winter
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Hurricane Ridge is one of the most popular places in Olympic National Park, but making it safe to drive there in winter is quite an undertaking! Getting ThereHurricane Ridge is located 17 miles south of Port Angeles, at the end of Hurricane Ridge Road. Entrance fees are collected at the Heart O' the Hills entrance station whenever the road is open.![]() NPS Photo Hurricane Ridge RoadCall the Road & Weather Hotline at (360) 565-3131 for current information and follow HRWinterAccess on Twitter for road updates. ![]() Nicole Bernard NPS Photo Winter TravelSevere weather, icy or snowy roads, changing snow conditions, and winter rains can quickly alter any winter trip. Visitors traveling to the park should be prepared for winter driving conditions. All vehicles are required to carry tire chains when traveling above the Heart O' the Hills entrance station November 1 through April 1. This requirement applies to all vehicles (including 4-wheel drive), regardless of tire type or weather conditions. Weather Forecast for Hurricane Ridge ![]() Dave Turner NPS Photo Visitor Center and ServicesHurricane Ridge Visitor CenterWeather permitting, the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center will be open 10 am to 4 pm, Friday through Sunday, November 25, 2022, to March 26, 2023. Exceptions: Closed December 25; open daily December 26 to January 2; open holiday Mondays January 16 and February 20. Hurricane Ridge Mountain View Café, Gift Shop & Rental Shop(Operated by Aramark, an authorized concessioner) The Mountain View Café, Gift Shop & Rental Shop on the lower level of the Visitor Center will open for the 2022-2023 winter season on December 9, 2022, and will close operations on February 20, 2023. There will be no food service, gift or rental shop open after February 20, 2023. ![]() NPS Photo Cross-Country Skiing and SnowshoeingWith its easy access and 15 to 20 miles of routes, Hurricane Ridge is the focus of cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in Olympic National Park. Though winter explorers of all abilities can enjoy the area, flat, easy, beginner ski terrain is limited to the meadows above the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center. Backcountry skiers can explore several slopes and bowls in the area. No trails are groomed or marked, however two routes use unplowed roads, which can usually be navigated. ![]() J. Burger NPS Photo The Hurricane Ridge Ski, Snowboard & Tubing Area is a small, family-oriented ski area operated by the Hurricane Ridge Winter Sports Club. The ski area includes two rope tows, a poma lift, and a tubing park. ![]() J. Burger NPS Photo Sliding & Tubing at Hurricane RidgeSliding is permitted at no cost for children ages eight and under at the Small Children's Snowplay Area west of the visitor center and parking lot. Bring your own tube or sled; sleds with runners are not allowed. For visitors ages nine and older, sliding is only permitted at the Tubing Park within the Ski Area. Only tubes furnished by the Ski Area are allowed. Visit the Hurricane Ridge Ski and Snowboard Area website for additional information. ![]() J Burger NPS Photo Snowshoe with a RangerRanger-led snowshoe walks will begin at the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center on Saturdays from December 31 to March 25 at 1:30 pm. Snowshoe walks may be canceled at any time due to weather, operational priorities, and/or safety concerns. Call (360) 565-3131 for updates. There is no additional cost for this program. Walks last 1.5 hours and cover less than a mile. Walks are limited to 20 participants.
Visiting in WinterWhere to go, what to do, and what you need to know when visiting Olympic during the winter season ![]() Wilderness Winter TravelIf you're planning to visit the Olympic Wilderness during the fall, winter, or spring, be prepared for inclement weather! Learn more here. |
Last updated: February 15, 2023