Hurricane Ridge
Experience breathtaking alpine vistas and accessible trails at Hurricane Ridge, a crown jewel of Olympic National Park.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Hurricane Ridge
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience breathtaking alpine vistas and accessible trails at Hurricane Ridge, a crown jewel of Olympic National Park.
"Hurricane Ridge is out of a fairytale, offering stunning views and wildlife encounters. 
🚗 Drive Up Early
To avoid potential road closures and long waits, especially on weekends/holidays, aim for an early morning arrival. :car:
🧥 Pack Layers
Alpine weather changes fast! Bring a jacket, even on warm days, as it can get chilly and windy. :cloud:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Hurricane Hill Trail
Hurricane Ridge
A paved, accessible trail offering panoramic mountain views, wildflowers, and frequent wildlife sightings.
+1
Sunset and Sunrise Views
Hurricane Ridge
Witness breathtaking golden hours painting the Olympic Mountains in vibrant hues. A truly magical experience.
Wildlife Encounters
Hurricane Ridge and trails
Keep an eye out for deer and other alpine creatures in their natural habitat. Remember to give them space!
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Hurricane Ridge
Prepare for Alpine Conditions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive Up Early
To avoid potential road closures and long waits, especially on weekends/holidays, aim for an early morning arrival. :car:
🧥 Pack Layers
Alpine weather changes fast! Bring a jacket, even on warm days, as it can get chilly and windy. :cloud:
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The Hurricane Hill Trail is paved but can be steep. Comfortable walking or hiking shoes are a must. :athletic_shoe:
🦌 Respect Wildlife
Observe animals from a distance and never feed them. They are wild and need their space.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive Up Early
To avoid potential road closures and long waits, especially on weekends/holidays, aim for an early morning arrival. :car:
🧥 Pack Layers
Alpine weather changes fast! Bring a jacket, even on warm days, as it can get chilly and windy. :cloud:
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The Hurricane Hill Trail is paved but can be steep. Comfortable walking or hiking shoes are a must. :athletic_shoe:
🦌 Respect Wildlife
Observe animals from a distance and never feed them. They are wild and need their space.
🗺️ Check Road Status
The Hurricane Ridge Road can close due to weather or crowds. Always check the official NPS website before heading up. :computer:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently rave about the breathtaking panoramic views and accessible trails at Hurricane Ridge, calling it a fairytale-like experience. Many highlight the opportunity to see wildlife and enjoy stunning sunsets. However, some note that long wait times to drive up the road, especially on busy weekends, can be a significant drawback.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hurricane Ridge is accessed via Hurricane Ridge Road, which branches off Highway 101 in Port Angeles. The drive from Port Angeles to the visitor center is about 17 miles and takes approximately 45 minutes.
The opening status of Hurricane Ridge Road depends on weather conditions and seasonal closures. It's crucial to check the official Olympic National Park website or call ahead for the most up-to-date information, especially outside of summer.
Currently, there is no public shuttle service directly to Hurricane Ridge. Visitors typically drive their own vehicles.
From Highway 101 in Port Angeles, take the exit for Hurricane Ridge Road (also known as Mount Angeles Road). Follow this paved road for about 17 miles as it winds its way up to the ridge.
Yes, Hurricane Ridge is accessible by car via Hurricane Ridge Road. There is a large parking area at the visitor center.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Hurricane Ridge is part of Olympic National Park, so you will need a valid park entrance pass to drive up the road and access the area. Passes can be purchased at park entrance stations or online.
The Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center typically operates during daylight hours, with extended hours in the summer. The road itself is generally open year-round, weather permitting, but can have seasonal closures. Always check the NPS website for current hours.
Yes, there is an entrance fee for Olympic National Park, which covers access to all areas, including Hurricane Ridge. The fee is per vehicle and is valid for 7 days.
Park entrance passes can be purchased in advance online through the official NPS website or Recreation.gov. This can save you time at the entrance station.
During peak season, the Hurricane Ridge Road may be temporarily closed to incoming traffic if parking lots are full. Arriving early is recommended. Also, pets are not allowed on the Hurricane Hill Trail.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The main attraction is the stunning panoramic view of the Olympic Mountains. You can walk the paved Hurricane Hill Trail, enjoy scenic overlooks, and look for wildlife.
The Hurricane Hill Trail is a 3.4-mile out-and-back paved path with moderate elevation gain. It offers incredible vistas and is considered accessible for many.
The Hurricane Hill Trail is rated as moderate due to its elevation gain, but the paved surface makes it manageable for most. Other trails in the area can be more challenging.
Yes, it's common to see deer grazing in the meadows and along the trails. You might also spot marmots or other alpine animals.
Hurricane Ridge is located at an elevation of approximately 5,242 feet (1,600 meters).
📸 📸 Photography
The entire ridge offers incredible photo opportunities. The Hurricane Hill Trail provides constant scenic backdrops.
Sunrise and sunset (golden hour) provide the most dramatic and beautiful light for photography. +1 Midday can be harsh, but still offers stunning mountain vistas.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive mountain panoramas. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife photography.
Generally, photography is allowed throughout the park. However, be mindful of other visitors and always practice Leave No Trace principles.
Clear days offer the best visibility of the mountain ranges. Dramatic clouds can add to the atmosphere during sunrise or sunset. +1 Fog can create a moody, ethereal scene.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 Kids will be fascinated by the potential wildlife sightings, especially deer. +1 The visitor center provides educational exhibits that can engage younger minds. Remember to pack snacks and plenty of water, and be prepared for cooler temperatures. 🚶♀️ Accessible Travelers
+1 The Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center is also designed with accessibility in mind. While some sections of the trail are steep, the overall experience offers a remarkable opportunity to enjoy the Olympic National Park views without requiring strenuous hiking. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+2 Consider bringing a wide-angle lens for the sweeping landscapes and a telephoto lens for wildlife. Be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions that can create unique photographic moments. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Hurricane Ridge Road
It's a popular route, and during peak season, especially weekends and holidays like Labor Day, the road can experience significant traffic and may even be temporarily closed to incoming vehicles once parking lots are full. Hurricane Ridge weather can be unpredictable and change rapidly. Even on a warm summer day in the lowlands, you can expect cooler temperatures, wind, and potentially fog or rain at the higher elevation.
+1 The elevation at Hurricane Ridge is over 5,000 feet, so be prepared for alpine conditions. While the Hurricane Ridge webcam and Hurricane Ridge camera can give you a glimpse of current conditions, they don't replace official advisories. The Hurricane Ridge ski and snowboard area (now closed) historically operated here, indicating the significant snowfall the area receives in winter, which can impact road access.
Hiking the Hurricane Hill Trail
+2 It offers breathtaking, unobstructed views of the Olympic Mountains, surrounding valleys, and on clear days, even across to Vancouver Island. The trail is rated as moderate due to an elevation gain of about 826 feet, and some sections can feel quite steep. Wearing good walking or hiking shoes is highly recommended for comfort and stability. Along the Hurricane Hill hike, you'll likely encounter abundant wildlife, particularly deer grazing in the meadows.
+1 It's a fantastic opportunity for nature observation, but remember to always maintain a safe distance, never feed the animals, and respect their habitat. The trail is also known for its beautiful wildflowers during the spring and summer months, adding vibrant color to the already stunning landscape. It's important to note that dogs are not allowed on the Hurricane Hill Trail, in line with National Park regulations to protect wildlife and natural resources.
For those looking for more challenging hiking at Hurricane Ridge, there are other trails like the Klahhane Ridge trail, which offers a more strenuous backcountry experience. Capturing the Magic of Hurricane Ridge
+1 For the most magical light, aim for sunrise or sunset. Consider bringing a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive mountain ranges and a telephoto lens if you hope to photograph any wildlife you encounter. Beyond the grand landscapes, look for intimate details: the delicate wildflowers dotting the meadows in summer,
the textures of the ancient forests visible in the distance, or the playful antics of marmots. The Hurricane Ridge webcam can offer a quick peek at current conditions, but experiencing the changing light firsthand is unparalleled. When planning your photography trip, be mindful of the Hurricane Ridge weather, which can shift rapidly.
Always check the Hurricane Ridge road status before you go, as access can be limited. 
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