Play in the Snow in the Olympic Mountains

Winter fun at Hurricane Ridge.

Grant Longenbaugh

While the coast and forests on the Olympic Peninsula see mild, rainy winters, the mountains become a winter wonderland! The easiest place for visitors to enjoy the snow is Hurricane Ridge. Typically snow-covered, the Ridge offers opportunities for snowshoeing, cross-country and downhill skiing, snowboarding, and tubing. Hurricane Ridge's winter season is generally mid-December through the end of March.

Ready to go? Watch the short video to prepare for your drive. 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 and Weather Hotline at [phone] or by checking @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. 

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

For additional details about snowshoeing, skiing, snowboarding, and sliding, visit our website.

Details

Activity

Skiing

Pets Allowed

No

Pets are not allowed on the trails or in buildings at Hurricane Ridge. While they may be on a leash in the parking lot, they must be left in your vehicle while you are skiing or snowboarding, and it's very cold!

Activity Fee

Yes

You will pass through the Heart o' the Hills entrance station on your way to Hurricane Ridge, where you can buy your park pass if you don't have one yet.

Reservations

No

While we don't take reservations for Hurricane Ridge in winter, it is wise to check the road status and come early - the parking lot tends to fill up on nice winter days!

Season

Winter

Time of Day

Day

Accessibility Information

While some of the trails in the Hurricane Ridge area are paved and relatively accessible in summer, in winter they are only accessible to those able to snowshoe, cross-country ski, or walk through deep snow.

When open, the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center has accessible restrooms, exhibits, and an audio-described and captioned orientation movie. A gift shop and snack bar are also accessible via elevator. Hearing Assisted Technology (HAT) is available at the information desk. A wheelchair is available for checkout at the visitor center.

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!