Olympic National Park Hurricane Ridge
Experience breathtaking alpine vistas and accessible trails at Hurricane Ridge, a crown jewel of Olympic National Park.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Clearer skies, fewer crowds
Olympic National Park Hurricane Ridge
Best Time
Clearer skies, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience breathtaking alpine vistas and accessible trails at Hurricane Ridge, a crown jewel of Olympic National Park.
"The views from Hurricane Ridge are simply breathtaking and make the trip more than worth it."
Check Road Status
Roads to Hurricane Ridge can close due to snow, even in summer. Always check the park's official website before you go.
Dress in Layers
Alpine weather is unpredictable. Be prepared for sun, wind, and cooler temperatures, even on a warm day.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Hurricane Hill Trail
Hurricane Ridge
A paved, moderate 3.4-mile roundtrip hike with breathtaking panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains.
Alpine Vistas
Hurricane Ridge
Sweeping, unobstructed views of snow-capped peaks and surrounding valleys. A true highlight of the park.
Wildlife Sightings
Hurricane Ridge
Keep an eye out for deer, marmots, and various bird species in their natural alpine habitat.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Views
Paved Trails, Big Rewards
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Road Status
Roads to Hurricane Ridge can close due to snow, even in summer. Always check the park's official website before you go.
Dress in Layers
Alpine weather is unpredictable. Be prepared for sun, wind, and cooler temperatures, even on a warm day.
Bring Your Park Pass
An America the Beautiful Pass or entrance fee is required. Have it ready for a smooth entry.
Respect Wildlife
Maintain a safe distance and never feed wild animals. They are a vital part of the ecosystem.
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Road Status
Roads to Hurricane Ridge can close due to snow, even in summer. Always check the park's official website before you go.
Dress in Layers
Alpine weather is unpredictable. Be prepared for sun, wind, and cooler temperatures, even on a warm day.
Bring Your Park Pass
An America the Beautiful Pass or entrance fee is required. Have it ready for a smooth entry.
Respect Wildlife
Maintain a safe distance and never feed wild animals. They are a vital part of the ecosystem.
Pack Water & Snacks
Limited services are available at the summit. Come prepared to stay hydrated and fueled for your adventures.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently rave about the breathtaking, panoramic views from Hurricane Ridge, often calling them the highlight of their Olympic National Park visit. The accessible trails, especially Hurricane Hill, are praised for offering spectacular scenery without extreme difficulty. While weather can be unpredictable, many find the views emerge above cloud layers, making it a worthwhile destination in various conditions.
"Incredibly beautiful with breathtaking views. There are plenty of pull-offs to stop, take photos, and really soak in the scenery and fresh mountain air. The drive to the summit takes about 20 minutes or so, and it’s smooth and enjoyable. Once at the top, you’re rewarded with panoramic vistas that make the trip more than worth it. There are also a few walking trails at the summit for those who want to stretch their legs and explore a bit more on foot. A peaceful and memorable experience all around."
Tam Henders
"Fabulous park. Wish we had more time to spend, but at least we got to see the spectacular views from Hurricane Ridge. Don't be concerned if there's a cloud layer going up to Hurricane. You'll almost always come out above it. Highly recommend"
Gary Griffith
"This is a huge park, the main entrance in Port Angeles is only a few hours from Seattle. There are also other entrances. We went up to get my wife’s birthday present, her Senior Lifetime National Parks pass! While we were there we did the Hurricane Hill trail. 3-miles round trip with about 650’ elevation gain. View from the top is priceless!"
Sean Winker
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hurricane Ridge is accessed via Hurricane Ridge Road, about a 45-minute drive from Port Angeles. The road winds up the mountain, offering scenic pull-offs.
Yes, Hurricane Ridge is accessible in winter, but road closures due to snow are common. When open, it offers a unique winter wonderland experience with opportunities for snowshoeing and enjoying the alpine scenery.
Currently, there is no public transportation directly to Hurricane Ridge. You will need your own vehicle or to arrange private transport.
The drive is approximately 17 miles from the Olympic National Park Visitor Center in Port Angeles and takes about 45 minutes. It's a well-maintained, paved road that ascends steadily, offering increasingly dramatic views as you climb.
Yes, there is an entrance fee for Olympic National Park, which covers access to Hurricane Ridge. An America the Beautiful Pass is also accepted.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
As of now, reservations are not typically required for Hurricane Ridge itself. However, it's always a good idea to check the official Olympic National Park website for any seasonal or special event requirements.
The Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center typically operates from late May through September, with varying hours. The road itself is generally open year-round, weather permitting. Check the park's website for current hours and road status.
The cost is the standard Olympic National Park entrance fee, which is $30 per vehicle for a 7-day pass. An annual America the Beautiful Pass ($80) covers entry to all national parks.
Absolutely! Your America the Beautiful Pass is valid for entry into Olympic National Park, including Hurricane Ridge.
Don't be discouraged by clouds at lower elevations! Often, you'll drive above the cloud layer to find clear skies at Hurricane Ridge. If conditions are truly poor, consider exploring other areas of the park like the Hoh Rainforest or Lake Crescent.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The most popular is the paved Hurricane Hill Trail (3.4 miles RT, moderate) for stunning panoramic views.
Yes, the Hurricane Hill Trail is paved and considered moderate, but many find it quite accessible. The paved paths around the visitor center offer very easy, short strolls with great views.
Yes, it's common to see deer, marmots, and various birds. Always maintain a safe distance and never feed the animals.
The Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center offers restrooms, information, and a gift shop. There are also picnic areas and scenic viewpoints.
The Hurricane Hill Trail is paved and generally accessible for strollers and wheelchairs, though some sections may have inclines.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire ridge offers incredible photo opportunities. Key spots include the viewpoints along the Hurricane Hill Trail and the main visitor center area for sweeping mountain panoramas.
Golden hour, just after sunrise and before sunset, offers the most dramatic lighting for landscape photography. Mid-day can be harsh, but the vastness of the landscape still makes for stunning shots.
Drone usage is restricted in national parks to protect wildlife and visitor experience. Check the NPS website for specific regulations.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive mountain vistas. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife photography.
Weather can be a challenge, with fog and clouds rolling in quickly. Be prepared to adapt your shots and embrace the atmospheric conditions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 The open alpine meadows provide space for kids to explore (under supervision, of course!), and the chance to spot wildlife like deer and marmots is always a hit. +1 Pack plenty of snacks and water, and be prepared for changing weather with layers of clothing. The visitor center also offers educational exhibits that can engage children. 🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
+1 More adventurous hikers can explore longer routes or connect to other trails within the park. 📸 Photographers
A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the vastness, while a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Hurricane Hill Trail Experience
+2 The trail gradually ascends, gaining about 826 feet in elevation, and rewards hikers with continuous, breathtaking panoramic views of the Olympic Mountain range, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and even Vancouver Island on clear days. +1 It's a moderate hike, typically taking around 1.5 to 2 hours to complete, and is a prime location for spotting wildlife like deer and marmots. +1Many visitors consider this hike a highlight of their trip to Olympic National Park, with some even stating it's the best view they've ever seen.
Remember to bring water and snacks, as services are limited at the summit. It's important to note that dogs are not allowed on the Hurricane Hill Trail to protect the fragile alpine environment and its wildlife.
Always practice Leave No Trace principles, staying on marked trails and giving wildlife plenty of space. Navigating Hurricane Ridge's Weather and Views
When planning your visit, checking the weather forecast is crucial, but also be prepared for unexpected changes. Dressing in layers is highly recommended, as temperatures can fluctuate significantly throughout the day and with altitude.
While the main attraction is the expansive vista, there are also several short, accessible trails and viewpoints around the visitor center that offer stunning perspectives without requiring a long hike.
+1 These areas are perfect for a quick stop to soak in the grandeur of the Olympic Mountains and capture some memorable photographs. 
Social
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