Hurricane Ridge in Winter

Hurricane Ridge Road Status

Is Hurricane Ridge open right now? Road and weather condition updates are available on the Road & Weather recorded line by calling 360-565-3131 or by following @HRWinterAccess on Twitter (no account needed).

 

Snowblower clears parking lot at Hurricane Ridge in winter.

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 Season

Winter season operations for Hurricane Ridge are set to begin on Friday, November 25, 2022, and end on March 26, 2023.

Scroll down on this page to see more information about the services and hours of operation of facilities at Hurricane Ridge.

Read park rangers' top ten tips for visiting Hurricane Ridge this winter

 

 

Duration:

3 minutes, 18 seconds

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!

Visit our Twitter for updates on road status.

 

Getting There

Hurricane 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 Road

Call the Road & Weather Hotline at [phone] for current information and follow HRWinterAccess on Twitter for road updates.

During the winter season, Hurricane Ridge Road is typically open to uphill traffic from 9 am to 4 pm, Friday through Sunday and some holidays, weather and road conditions permitting. However, the road can open as early as 8 am or as late as 12 pm depending on road conditions. Winter storms can close or delay opening of Hurricane Ridge Road; high winds and blizzard conditions are not uncommon.

All vehicles, including 4-wheel-drive vehicles, are required to carry tire chains and must be below the Heart O' the Hills entrance station by 5 pm during the winter season.

Hurricane Ridge Road is closed on Christmas Day (December 25).

 

Plowing the Hurricane Ridge Road.

Nicole Bernard NPS Photo

Winter Travel

Severe 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

 

Thick snow covers most of the parking lot and has to be plowed for visitor activity.

Dave Turner NPS Photo

Visitor Center and Services

Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center

Weather 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.

Food service will be take-out only

 

Cross-country skier at Hurricane Ridge

NPS Photo

Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing

With 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.

Before heading out on any trip remember to sign in at the registration box in the foyer of the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center and be prepared for steep terrain and the possibility of avalanches. Check current avalanche conditions before your trip.

• Hurricane Ridge in Winter map and descriptions of routes

 

J. Burger NPS Photo

Hurricane Ridge Ski, Snowboard & Tubing Area

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.

The ski area is scheduled to operate on weekends, December 4, 2022, through March 26, 2023. Weather and snow permitting, hours of operation will be 10 am to 4 pm. Exceptions: Closed December 24 and 25; open daily December 26 to January 2; open holiday Mondays January 16 and February 20.

Visit the Hurricane Ridge Ski and Snowboard Area website for additional information.

 

Sledder glides down hill at Hurricane Ridge.

J. Burger NPS Photo

Sliding & Tubing at Hurricane Ridge

Sliding 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.

 

Snowshoers stand before vista mountains.

J Burger NPS Photo

Snowshoe with a Ranger

Ranger-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 [phone] 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.

Sign up starts at the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center front desk at 1 pm. If you can walk, you can snowshoe! Snowshoes and instruction provided.

Participants should prepare for cold, snow, wind or even rain. Dress in layers, wear warm, waterproof boots and bring hats, mittens, sunscreen and sunglasses.

If Hurricane Ridge Road is closed, walks are cancelled.