Hurricane Ridge in Winter

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.

During the winter season, Hurricane Ridge Road is typically open to uphill traffic from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, Friday through Sunday and some holidays, weather and road conditions permitting. However, the road can open as early as 8:00 am or as late as 12:00 pm depending on road conditions. Winter storms can close or delay opening of the Hurricane Ridge Road; high winds and blizzard conditions are not uncommon.

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). All vehicles are required to carry tire chains and must be below the Heart O' the Hills entrance station by 5:00 pm during the winter season. The Olympic National Park Visitor Center and Hurricane Ridge Road are closed on Thanksgiving (fourth Thursday in November) and Christmas Day (December 25).

Is Hurricane Ridge open right now? Check here or call [phone], and see below for winter schedule.

For the 2021-2022 winter season, the road is scheduled to be open weather permitting, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm Friday-Sunday, beginning November 26, 2021 through March 27, 2022. Exceptions: Closed December 25; open daily December 26 through January 2; open on the holiday Mondays of January 17, 2022 and February 21, 2022.

 

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 Status

Call the Road & Weather Hotline at [phone] for current information and follow HRWinterAccess on Twitter for road updates. Weather and road conditions permitting, Hurricane Ridge Road is typically open to uphill traffic from 9:00 am through 4:00 pm Friday-Sunday beginning November 26, 2021 through March 27, 2022. Exceptions: Closed December 25; open daily December 26, 2021 through January 2, 2022; open on the holiday Mondays of January 17, 2022 and February 21, 2022.

The road typically opens to uphill traffic at 9:00 am. However, the road can open as early as 8:00 am when possible or as late as 12:00 pm depending on road conditions. The road closes to uphill traffic at 4:00 pm. All remaining vehicles must be below the Heart O' the Hills entrance station by 5:00 pm. The road may close early or remain closed for the entire day due to poor road conditions or severe weather. All vehicles, including 4-wheel drive, are required to carry tire chains.

 

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
During the winter season, the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center is open on days when the road is open. See the Bugler for exact dates. ***ALERT for winter season 2021-2022 - The restrooms will be open inside the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center but the exhibits, film, warming area, and tables will remain closed. Be prepared to use your vehicle as a warming area and pack extra food, water, dry clothing, and blankets and/or sleeping bags in your vehicle.

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 be open for the 2021-2022 winter season with the following service updates:

• Food service is scheduled to be open from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm and will be takeout only (no dine-in at this time).
• The Gift Shop and Rental Shop will be open from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
• The Rental Shop will offer rentals of snowshoes, poles, and downhill ski equipment this season but will not have cross-country ski rentals.

 

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 register at the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center and check current avalanche conditions.

• 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 generally open from mid-December through the last Sunday in March, weather permitting. Visit the Hurricane Ridge Ski and Snowboard Area website for additional information.

Hours of Operation: Saturdays, Sundays and some holidays from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm beginning December 5, 2021 (snow-permitting) through March 27, 2022. Exceptions: Closed December 25; open daily December 26 through January 2, 2022; open on the holiday Mondays of January 17 and February 21, 2022.

 

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 Programs

Depending on COVID-19 impacts and snow-permitting, the park may offer ranger-guided snowshoe walks at 1:30 p.m. on weekends and holiday Mondays (January 17 and February 21, 2022) from December 26, 2021 through March 27, 2022. Walks last 1.5 hours and cover less than a mile. Walks limited to 12 participants.

Sign up starts at the Hurricane Ridge information window at 1:00 pm. If you can walk, you can snowshoe! Snowshoes and instruction provided.

Cost is $7 for adults, $3 for youth 6-15 years old, and free for children 5 years old and under. 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 the road is closed, walks are cancelled.