Hurricane Ridge
Hurricane Ridge, Olympic National Park
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Road working its way up to Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park.
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Hurricane Ridge
Hurricane Ridge is one of the most popular areas in Olympic National Park and the easiest place to experience the park’s high mountain country. Located about 17 miles south of Port Angeles, Hurricane Ridge sits at an elevation of approximately 5,200 feet and offers outstanding views of the Olympic Mountains, deep valleys and surrounding wilderness. On clear days, you may also see the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Vancouver Island.
Several popular hiking trails begin near the Hurricane Ridge parking area. The Hurricane Hill Trail is the best-known hike in the area. This paved trail is approximately 3 miles round trip with about 700 feet of elevation gain. The summit provides wide-open, 360-degree views of the Olympic Mountains and the surrounding region.
The Cirque Rim Trail and Big Meadow Trail are shorter options that begin near the main parking area. These trails pass through open meadows and provide excellent mountain views without requiring a long hike. The High Ridge Trail can be combined with these trails for a longer walk through the subalpine landscape.
Hurricane Ridge is also a good place to look for deer, marmots and summer wildflowers. We consider it an essential stop during any visit to Olympic National Park.
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A view of the Hurricane Ridge parking area, with the towering Olympic Range behind it.
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Hurricane Ridge parking area, with the towering Olympic Range.
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A view of the Olympic Mountain Range from the Hurricane Ridge parking area.
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One of the many glaciers found in the Olympic Range, as viewed from the parking area at Hurricane Ridge.
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Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park.
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Most Popular Hikes at Hurricane Ridge
Hurricane Ridge offers several excellent hikes ranging from short paved walks to longer ridge adventures. Most trails begin near the main Hurricane Ridge parking area, making it easy to enjoy the mountain scenery without traveling far from your vehicle.
Hurricane Hill Trail
The Hurricane Hill Trail is the most popular hike at Hurricane Ridge. The trailhead is located at the end of Hurricane Hill Road, approximately 1.3 miles beyond the main Hurricane Ridge parking area. The hike is 1.6 miles one way, or about 3.2 miles round trip, with approximately 700 feet of elevation gain. The entire trail is paved. The paved trail climbs steadily through subalpine meadows to the top of Hurricane Hill. From the summit, hikers enjoy panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains, Strait of Juan de Fuca and Vancouver Island on clear days.
High Ridge Trail
The High Ridge Trail begins near the main Hurricane Ridge parking area. This partially paved trail forms a 0.5-mile loop with approximately 220 feet of elevation gain. A short 0.1-mile spur leads to Sunrise Point. Although the hike is short, it includes a fairly steep climb and provides outstanding views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Cirque Rim and Big Meadow Trails
The Cirque Rim and Big Meadow trails also begin along the north side of the Hurricane Ridge parking area. Cirque Rim is approximately 0.5 mile one way, while Big Meadow is about 0.25 mile one way. Both trails have less than 50 feet of elevation change and pass through open meadows with mountain views.
Klahhane Ridge Trail
The Klahhane Ridge Trail begins near the Hurricane Ridge parking area and follows a scenic ridge for 2.8 miles to the Klahhane Switchback Trail junction. Continuing another mile reaches Klahhane Ridge, making the complete hike approximately 3.8 miles one way. The first 2.8 miles involve about 250 feet of elevation gain, followed by an additional 800-foot climb on the switchbacks. This is the most challenging of the popular Hurricane Ridge hikes.
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Some of the trails are paved at Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park, such as Hurricane Hill Trail.
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No matter where you look, the scenery is breathtaking on Hurricane Ridge.
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During certain times of the summer season, wildflowers are on full display on Hurricane Ridge .
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A meadow covered in wildflowers on Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park.
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There are several trails to choose from on Hurricane Ridge, with some steeper than others, such as the hike to Sunrise Point.
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Hurricane Ridge is a gateway to numerous hikes, such as the longer Klahhane Ridge Trail.
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Where is Hurricane Ridge located?
Hurricane Ridge is located in the northern section of Olympic National Park, about 17 miles south of Port Angeles, Washington. To reach Hurricane Ridge, follow Race Street south from downtown Port Angeles. Race Street becomes Mount Angeles Road and then Hurricane Ridge Road. You will enter Olympic National Park at the Heart O’ the Hills Entrance Station, located about five miles from Port Angeles. From the entrance station, Hurricane Ridge Road continues uphill for approximately 12 miles through forests before reaching the Hurricane Ridge parking area. The drive usually takes about 40 minutes and provides scenic overlooks along the way.
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Hurricane Ridge is one of the most popular destinations in Olympic National Park.
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Blacktail deer are a common sight on Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park.
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The High Ridge Trail is one of several trails that begin at the Hurricane Ridge parking area.
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What about the Hurricane Ridge Day Lodge?
The Hurricane Ridge Day Lodge was once the main visitor facility at Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park. The lodge provided indoor shelter, exhibits, restrooms, a gift shop and food services for park visitors. Unfortunately, the building was completely destroyed by a fire on May 7, 2023. Today, visitors should expect limited facilities, temporary restrooms and no permanent indoor shelter at Hurricane Ridge. The National Park Service is currently planning a new Day Lodge to replace the original building. Construction may begin in 2028 and could take several years to complete because of the short summer construction season.
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Hurricane Ridge Road Operating Hours.
Hurricane Ridge is generally open daily during the warmer months, but access can change because of weather, road conditions and construction. Hurricane Ridge Road is typically open 24 hours a day from early May through October. During the winter season, the road is usually open Friday through Sunday and on some holiday Mondays, weather permitting. Uphill traffic generally begins at 9:00 a.m. and closes at 4:00 p.m., with all vehicles required to leave by 5:00 p.m. All vehicles must carry tire chains during winter travel. Winter storms, heavy snow, high winds and avalanche danger may delay opening or close the road entirely, so always check current conditions before driving.
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Hurricane Ridge Area Map. Credit: NPS
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