Hurricane Ridge is a subalpine area at 5,242 feet elevation offering panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains, wildflower meadows and hiking trails. It’s located 17 miles south of Port Angeles in Olympic National Park, Washington.
This 2026 Hurricane Ridge visitor guide covers opening times, entrance fees, parking, accessibility and practical tips for visiting the park’s most accessible mountain destination.
Hurricane Ridge is one of the highlights of an Olympic National Park day tour from Seattle.
Quick facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Opening times | Summer (typically late May-October): Road open daily, dawn to dusk. Winter (December-March): Road open Friday-Sunday and holiday Mondays only, weather permitting. |
| Entrance fees | Olympic National Park: $30 per vehicle (7 days), $25 per motorcycle (7 days), $15 per person on foot/bicycle (7 days). Annual pass $55. |
| Address | Hurricane Ridge Road, Olympic National Park, Port Angeles, WA 98362 |
| Getting there | 17 miles south of Port Angeles via Hurricane Ridge Road off Mount Angeles Road. No public transport except seasonal summer bus. 45 minutes from Port Angeles. |
| Time needed | 2 to 4 hours minimum. Allow half-day for short trails, full day for longer hikes like Hurricane Hill or Klahhane Ridge. |
Hurricane Ridge opening times
Summer season (typically late May through October): Hurricane Ridge Road is open daily from dawn to dusk. The exact opening and closing dates vary annually depending on snow conditions. The road typically opens in late May (around Memorial Day weekend) and remains open through October.
Winter season (December 1 through March 31): The road is open Friday, Saturday, Sunday and holiday Mondays only, weather and road conditions permitting. The road is closed Monday through Thursday during winter to allow for snow removal. All vehicles must carry tyre chains during winter season regardless of weather conditions. Rangers check for chains at the entrance.
Shoulder seasons (April-May and November): The road may be closed or open sporadically depending on snow conditions. Check current status on the National Parks website before visiting.
Road status: Hurricane Ridge Road may close at any time due to weather-related conditions including snow, ice, high winds or poor visibility. Check the alerts section at nps.gov/olym or call 360-565-3131 (recorded message) for current road status before travelling.
Day Lodge fire impact: The historic Hurricane Ridge Day Lodge was destroyed by fire in May 2023. As of January 2026, the area operates with temporary facilities only. Portable toilets are available but no indoor visitor centre, café or gift shop exists. A replacement lodge is in early planning stages but may not open for several years.
Opening times and admission information were checked and updated January 2026.
Why book the Olympic National Park tour from Seattle?
- Explore diverse landscapes: See rainforests, alpine peaks, lakes and rugged Pacific coastline in one day on this scenic national park tour.
- Hoh Rain Forest visit: Wander through ancient moss-draped trees in one of the most unique temperate rainforests in the United States.
- Scenic views and photo stops: Enjoy dramatic panoramas at Hurricane Ridge and Crescent Lake, with opportunities for striking landscape photos.
- Guided full-day experience: Includes transport from Seattle and commentary from an experienced guide, so you can relax and enjoy the scenery without planning your own route.
- Great for nature lovers: Perfect if you want an immersive introduction to Olympic National Park’s extraordinary natural beauty in a single outing.
Hurricane Ridge entrance fees
Olympic National Park charges entrance fees:
- Private vehicle: $30 (valid for 7 consecutive days)
- Motorcycle: $25 (valid for 7 consecutive days)
- Individual on foot, bicycle or horseback: $15 (valid for 7 consecutive days)
- Olympic National Park Annual Pass: $55 (valid for 12 months)
America the Beautiful Pass ($80 annually) provides access to all National Parks and federal recreation sites. Senior (62+), military and Access passes offer discounted or free entry.
Entrance fees are collected at the entrance station on Hurricane Ridge Road approximately 5 miles from the Port Angeles city limits. The station is staffed during peak season. Payment by credit card or cash. Keep your receipt to display on your vehicle dashboard.
How to get to Hurricane Ridge
From downtown Port Angeles, drive south on Race Street which becomes Mount Angeles Road. Continue approximately 1 mile then turn left onto Hurricane Ridge Road. Follow Hurricane Ridge Road for approximately 17 miles, climbing 5,200 feet through old-growth forest into subalpine meadows. The drive takes approximately 45 minutes in good conditions.
The road is extremely winding with hairpin turns, no guardrails in many sections and steep drop-offs. Drive cautiously. Large RVs and vehicles towing trailers are not recommended due to narrow turns and limited parking.
From Seattle, drive north on Interstate 5 to Highway 104 and the the Edmonds-Kingston ferry, then west on Highway 101 to Port Angeles (approximately 150 miles, 2.5-3 hours). Add 45 minutes from Port Angeles to Hurricane Ridge.
Public transport: Clallam Transit operates a seasonal bus service (Route 20) from downtown Port Angeles to Hurricane Ridge, typically running daily from late June through September. The service costs $1 each way. Check the operator’s website for current schedules. No public transport operates during winter or shoulder seasons.
The other option is to take an Olympic National Park day tour from Seattle.
Parking at Hurricane Ridge
A large paved parking area exists at Hurricane Ridge summit adjacent to the former Day Lodge site. The parking area accommodates approximately 175 vehicles at one time.
Parking capacity management: Following the 2023 Day Lodge fire, the National Park Service implemented a daily vehicle limit of 315 vehicles due to limited portable toilet capacity. Once the daily limit is reached, Hurricane Ridge Road closes to private vehicles until spaces become available. The park monitors capacity and may adjust limits.
Peak season congestion (July-August, weekends and holidays): The parking area typically fills between 09:00 and 12:00. Once full, vehicles must wait for departing cars or turn around. Arriving before 08:00 or after 16:00 significantly improves parking availability.
Additional parking exists at the Hurricane Hill trailhead approximately 1 mile from the main parking area, though this smaller lot (approximately 25 spaces) fills even earlier during peak times.
Facilities at parking area:
- Portable toilets (replacing destroyed Day Lodge facilities)
- Information boards with trail maps and weather updates
- Former Day Lodge site (fenced off)
- No shelter from weather
How long to spend at Hurricane Ridge
Most visitors spend 2 to 4 hours at Hurricane Ridge. Time needed depends on chosen activities:
Viewing only (parking area and immediate surroundings): 30-60 minutes Short trails (High Ridge, Cirque Rim): Add 1-1.5 hours Hurricane Hill Trail: Add 2-3 hours Klahhane Ridge Trail: Add 4-6 hours Multiple trails and extended viewing: Half to full day
Many visitors combine Hurricane Ridge with Heart O’ the Hills Campground (12 miles downhill, 5 miles south of Port Angeles) or other Port Angeles-area attractions, making a full-day excursion.
Weather changes rapidly at elevation. Clouds can obscure views within minutes. If arriving to cloudy conditions, consider waiting 30-60 minutes as conditions often clear temporarily.
Accessibility at Hurricane Ridge
Hurricane Ridge has moderate accessibility for the immediate parking area and limited accessibility for trails.
Parking area and viewpoints: The paved parking area is level and accessible. Several paved viewpoint areas with interpretive panels offer excellent mountain views without leaving the parking area. These are fully wheelchair accessible.
Cirque Rim Trail: A 0.5-mile paved trail loops from the parking area with minimal elevation gain. The trail offers views of Port Angeles, the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Olympic peaks. Wheelchair accessible with some assistance on gentle grades.
High Ridge Trail: A 0.5-mile loop crosses open meadows with views of the Olympic Mountains. The trail is paved but includes a 220-foot elevation gain with moderate grades. Partially accessible depending on mobility limitations.
Hurricane Hill Trail: The first 0.4 miles is paved, then the trail becomes natural surface with elevation gain. The paved section is accessible but steep in places.
Other trails: Not wheelchair accessible due to natural surfaces, elevation gain and uneven terrain.
Accessible toilets: Portable accessible toilets are available at the parking area (replacing destroyed Day Lodge facilities).
Note: The Day Lodge fire eliminated indoor accessible spaces that previously provided shelter from weather, exhibits and accessible food service.
What to see at Hurricane Ridge
Panoramic mountain views: On clear days, Hurricane Ridge offers 360-degree views including Mount Olympus (7,980 feet, highest peak in Olympic National Park), Mount Carrie, Mount Deception and dozens of other peaks. The Strait of Juan de Fuca and Canada’s Vancouver Island are visible to the north. Views extend across subalpine meadows to glaciated peaks.
Wildflowers: Peak wildflower season runs from late July through August. Lupine, paintbrush, tiger lilies, asters and dozens of other species carpet the meadows. Early snowmelt years may see earlier bloom.
Wildlife: Black-tailed deer graze the meadows, often approaching closely. Olympic marmots (endemic to the Olympic Mountains) sun themselves on rocks and whistle warnings. Other wildlife includes Douglas squirrels, ravens, gray jays and occasionally black bears (maintain safe distance).
Subalpine forest: The drive passes through old-growth Douglas fir and western hemlock forest transitioning to subalpine fir near the summit.
Hurricane Hill: The 1.6-mile one-way trail to Hurricane Hill summit offers even more expansive views. The paved trail (first 0.4 miles) transitions to natural surface, climbing 650 feet to panoramic viewpoints.
Klahhane Ridge: Advanced hikers can trek 3.8 miles one-way to Klahhane Ridge, offering spectacular views and potential mountain goat sightings.
Winter activities: When open Friday-Sunday during winter, the area offers snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and sledding. The Hurricane Ridge Winter Sports Club operates two rope tows and a Poma lift for downhill skiing and snowboarding (weather permitting).
Practical tips for visiting Hurricane Ridge
| Tip |
|---|
| Check road status and weather before departing. Call 360-565-3131 or visit nps.gov/olym. Conditions change rapidly at elevation. |
| Arrive before 08:00 during peak season (July-August, weekends) to secure parking before the daily vehicle limit is reached. |
| Bring layers and waterproof clothing. Temperatures at Hurricane Ridge average 15-20°F cooler than Port Angeles. Wind and weather change quickly. |
| Pack water, snacks and lunch. No food service exists following the 2023 Day Lodge fire. The nearest services are in Port Angeles (17 miles). |
| Fill petrol tank in Port Angeles. No fuel is available on Hurricane Ridge Road. |
| During winter, carry tyre chains (required) and know how to install them. Rangers check for chains at the entrance. |
| Dogs are not allowed on trails in Olympic National Park but may remain in paved parking areas and on roadways on leash. |
Facilities at Hurricane Ridge
Current facilities (following May 2023 Day Lodge fire):
- Portable accessible toilets in parking area
- Information boards with trail maps and safety information
- Fenced-off former Day Lodge site
- No indoor facilities, shelter, food service, exhibits or gift shop
Heart O’ the Hills Campground (12 miles downhill, 5 miles south of Port Angeles) offers:
- 105 campsites in old-growth forest
- Flush toilets (summer) and vault toilets (winter)
- Drinking water (summer only)
- RV sites (no hookups)
- Trailheads for Lake Angeles and Heather Park trails
Port Angeles (17 miles north) provides full services:
- Olympic National Park Visitor Center (3002 Mount Angeles Road) with exhibits, orientation film and ranger assistance
- Accommodation, restaurants, supermarkets and shops
- Petrol stations
- Hospital and emergency services
Frequently asked questions about Hurricane Ridge
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is Hurricane Ridge accessible in winter? | Yes, but only Friday-Sunday and holiday Mondays, weather permitting. The road is closed Monday-Thursday for snow removal. All vehicles must carry tyre chains. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance for Hurricane Ridge? | No. Pay entrance fees at the station on Hurricane Ridge Road. No advance booking required. However, daily vehicle limits (315 vehicles) may close the road once capacity is reached. |
| How long is the drive to Hurricane Ridge? | Approximately 45 minutes from downtown Port Angeles (17 miles). The road is extremely winding and requires cautious driving. |
| Is there food at Hurricane Ridge? | No. The Day Lodge (which housed a café) was destroyed by fire in May 2023. Bring food and water. The nearest services are in Port Angeles (17 miles, 45 minutes). |
| What are the best trails at Hurricane Ridge? | For families: High Ridge Trail (0.5-mile loop) and Cirque Rim (0.5-mile paved). For views: Hurricane Hill (1.6 miles one-way, paved first quarter-mile). For advanced: Klahhane Ridge (3.8 miles one-way). |
| Can you see Mount Olympus from Hurricane Ridge? | Yes, on clear days. Mount Olympus (7,980 feet) is visible to the south/southwest. Views are weather-dependent – check webcams at nps.gov/olym before visiting. |
Hurricane Ridge hiking trails
High Ridge Trail: 0.5-mile loop with 220-foot elevation gain crossing open meadows. Paved trail suitable for most abilities. Views of Olympic peaks, wildflowers in season. Allow 30-45 minutes.
Cirque Rim Trail: 0.5-mile paved one-way trail (can extend to 0.75 miles) with minimal elevation change. Views of Port Angeles, Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Olympics. Wheelchair accessible. Allow 20-30 minutes.
Hurricane Hill Trail: 1.6 miles one-way, 650-foot elevation gain. Paved for first 0.4 miles, then natural surface. Panoramic 360-degree views from summit. Most popular trail. Trailhead 1 mile from main parking area (parking limited, arrive early). Allow 2-3 hours roundtrip.
Klahhane Ridge Trail: 3.8 miles one-way, 1,700-foot elevation gain. Strenuous trail through meadows to dramatic ridge with views. Potential mountain goat sightings. Trailhead at milepost 15 on Hurricane Ridge Road before reaching summit. Allow 5-7 hours roundtrip.
Obstruction Point Road trails: When open (typically mid-June through mid-October), this rough 8-mile gravel road provides access to Grand Ridge, Obstruction Point and other advanced trails. High-clearance vehicles recommended.
Things to do near Hurricane Ridge
Heart O’ the Hills Campground (12 miles from Hurricane Ridge, 5 miles south of Port Angeles) offers camping in old-growth forest with trails to Lake Angeles and Heather Park. Open year-round. Camping fees apply.
Elwha Valley (30 miles from Port Angeles via Highway 101) features the sites of two removed dams (largest dam removal project in US history). Madison Falls (wheelchair-accessible 0.1-mile trail) is a 60-foot waterfall. Olympic Hot Springs (8-mile roundtrip hike) offers natural hot pools. National Park entrance fee applies.
Lake Crescent (20 miles west of Port Angeles via Highway 101) is a glacially-carved lake with crystal-clear water. Marymere Falls Trail (1.8 miles roundtrip) leads to a 90-foot waterfall. Lake Crescent Lodge offers dining and boat rentals. National Park entrance fee applies.
Sol Duc Falls (44 miles from Port Angeles via Highway 101 and Sol Duc Road) is a multi-tiered waterfall accessed by a 0.8-mile trail. Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort offers hot springs pools (seasonal). National Park entrance fee applies.
Port Angeles (17 miles from Hurricane Ridge) offers the Olympic National Park Visitor Center (3002 Mount Angeles Road) with extensive exhibits, orientation film and ranger programmes. The town provides accommodation, restaurants, shopping and ferry service to Victoria, BC.
More Washington travel
Other Washington State travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- A practical guide to visiting the Olympic Sculpture Park in Seattle.
- Watch the salmon run at the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks.
- How to get the best view of Seattle from Kerry Park.
- How to see the Fremont Troll in Seattle.
- How to get the best out of a visit to Snoqualmie Falls in Washington.
