Visiting Hurricane Ridge

Overview

Alerts for Hurricane Ridge area:

• The Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center sewage system rehabilitation project is currently underway and will last through the summer season. The parking area at the Visitor Center is reduced by roughly 40% during construction. For more information about the project and how it will impact parking and your visit, please visit the project webpage.

• Hurricane Hill Trail Will Reopen Monday, August 10: The final phase of the Hurricane Hill Trail project began July 13 and involves a full trail closure. The trail closure will remain in place until Monday, August 10 for public safety due to heavy equipment and truck traffic on the trail. The trail work involved grading and repaving. Check the project page for updates and trail status.

• Mountain Goat Capture and Translocation Operation now complete. Hurricane Hill Road, beyond the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center parking lot, is open through Picnic Area A & B with access to Wolf Creek Trailhead. Hurricane Hill Trail reopens Monday, August 10. Check the project page for updates.

Hurricane Ridge is the most easily accessed mountain area within Olympic National Park. In clear weather, fantastic views can be enjoyed throughout the year.

Hurricane Ridge is located 17 miles south of Port Angeles on Hurricane Ridge Road, off Mount Angeles Road.

The road is open throughout summer. During the winter season, the road is scheduled to be open Friday through Sunday and holiday Mondays, weather and road conditions permitting, and closed all other days. All vehicles must carry tire chains during the winter season. Check the road status before coming by calling [phone] (recorded message).

A general map and information regarding facilities, picnic areas, camping, and regulations can be found on the park's Hurricane Ridge brochure.

 

 

RV and tent camping at Heart of the Hills campground just 5 miles south of Port Angeles.  It's just another 12 miles from Heart of the Hills to reach Hurricane Ridge.

NPS Photo

Recreation
The Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center is a great place to start. Located just before the end of the road, stop here for brochures, maps, snacks, and tips regarding your stay. It is open daily in the summer, and on Saturday/Sunday when the Hurricane Ridge Road is open during the remainder of the year.

Hurricane Ridge has a number of hiking trails, from ridgetop traverses to steep trails that descend to subalpine lakes and valleys. Obstruction Point Road (weather and snow permitting, open from July 4 through October 15), branches off right before the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center, and provides access to a variety of trails as well.

During the winter months, snow enthusiasts enjoy the winter scenery, along with snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and sledding. Weather permitting, the Hurricane Ridge Winter Sports Club operates two rope tows and a Poma lift. During the spring, wildflowers cover the ground of the subalpine meadows and blacktail deer are often spotted grazing. Sunrise and sunset on a clear day provide magnificent panoramic views of the park.

Places to Stay

The nearest campground to Hurricane Ridge is Heart O' the Hills campground, 12 miles north of Hurricane Ridge, and 5 miles south of Port Angeles. Open year-round, Heart O' the Hills has 105 campsites in the old-growth forest.

The city of Port Angeles is just 17 miles north. Lodging can be found through the Port Angeles Chamber of Commerce website.

Nearby Areas
Heart O' the Hills is the closest destination. The Elwha Valley and Deer Park are within a one-hour drive from Hurricane Ridge.