3. The Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center is open daily in the summer, and usually Friday through Sunday in the winter. See the weather for yourself at Hurricane Ridge! Hurricane Ridge webcamsare available on the park website. We didnt know what to expect. Check the webcams before you go for visibility and accessibility, especially in the fall/winter when snow can close the visitor center and roads. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Recreation This is the Old Growth foresttrees that escaped the lumbermans axeand it marks the current Olympic National Park Boundary. The Hurricane Ridge visitors center offers several conveniences, including an information desk, gift-shop, restrooms, and a snack bar. 98362, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. For more details and to book online, please visit: https://www.hikeolympic.com/hurricane-ridge-winter-shuttle. . The ski area includes two rope tows, a poma lift, and a tubing park. Consult a trail map for more challenging hikes and backpacking routes. The Hurricane Ridge Winter Sports Club operates the Downhill Ski, Snowboard, and Tubing Area. Learn more here. The visitor center is usually open when the road is open, with restrooms, exhibits, a park film, and a warming area. 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! The Olympic National Park Visitor Center at 3002 Mount Angeles Road in Port Angeles is currently open daily from 9 am to 4 pm. Find incredible places and experiences that help you bring home a story through and cultural destinations in your zip code and across the country. Recreation.gov. Snack bar and gift shop (both open seasonally) are located on the Visitor Center's . We went April 30, 2017 and due to March snows, we knew our chances of getting far were slim. Carry tire chains orapproved traction control devicesand know how to use them. Didn't know if we'd make it to the top before dark because the roads were icing up. Join a Hurricane Ridge Guided Tour led by an experienced Olympic Hiking Co. Naturalist Hiking Guide. Lake Crescent Lodge, Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort, and Log Cabin Resort are managed by Aramark, an authorized concessioner of the National Park Service. Drive carefully, minding the speed limit; not just to avoid the enforcement rangers, but also the deer that think they own the road. During the, the road is scheduled to be open Friday through Sunday and holiday Mondays, weather and road conditions permitting, and closed all other days. The rest of the year it opens (weather permitting) primarily on weekends. The lower level is known for a cafeteria and a gift shop. . It is a very narrow corridor of cutover forest; all of the old growth trees in this swath went the way of the sawmill and what was left grew into a mixed forest of conifer and deciduous trees. Depending on weather and road conditions, the road may be open as late as noon, or not open at all. Pets arent allowed in buildings or on snow trails at Hurricane Ridge, and theyll get cold waiting in your car. Enjoy benefits such as a $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3x on dining and 2x on all other travel purchases, plus . You can also follow@HRWinterAccesson Twitter.Hurricane Ridge Road closes temporarily when the parking lot becomes completely full. Trail(s): Cirque Rim 0.75 mile one-way + High Ridge 0.5 mile loop with 220 foot gain + other small spurs. There's picnic tables in the back. we couldn't find any spot there for food, they aren't interested in serving you. It is open daily in the summer, and on Saturday/Sunday when the Hurricane Ridge Road is open during the remainder of the year. Adapted to withstand cascading tons of snow and ice, their spindly flexible trunks are almost always bent or bowed downhill, evidence of their tenuous and tenacious hold on life throughout the winter. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Terms of Service apply. Hurricane Ridge has a number of hiking trails, from ridgetop traverses to steep trails that descend to subalpine lakes and valleys. Call 360-565-3131 for a 24- hour road and weather recording. Saw a baby dear on the way. i would recommend starting your trip here if possible. The views from the Visitor Center are beautiful, too. The first 2.8 miles of this trail is on a ridge to a junction with the Klahhane Switchback trail. Go tohttps://go.nps.gov/HRwinterto see what services are open at Hurricane Ridge. 7. Hiking to Sunrise Point on the High Ridge Trail at Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park Photo: Justin Bailie. Its a beautiful winding drive up to the top of the mountain. Bring your own tube or sled; sleds with runners are not allowed. more. This is an exceptional experience to plan for on a cloudless night when the air is crystal clear and theres no background light. Check current road conditions by calling (360) 565-3131, on Twitter@HRWinterAccessor online atwww.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/current-road-conditions.htm. Get inspired with tips about where to go and what to see on your national park vacation, delivered right to your inbox. Not much shade on the trails, so be prepared. Top ways to experience Hurricane Ridge Recommended Tours & Sightseeing BEST Olympic National Park Day Tour from Seattle 20 Recommended Full-day Tours from $168.00 per adult Sol Duc, Lake Crescent, and Hurricane Ridge Guided Tour in Olympic National Park 34 Recommended Full-day Tours from $140.00 per adult The deer are everywhere ! In addition, the road is scheduled to be open the holiday Mondays of January 16 and February 20. The park discourages taking oversized vehicles to the Ridge because parking is even more limited for them, and big-rigs can find themselves stuck, waiting for enough space to maneuver among the many other parked vehicles. During full operations, the Visitor Center has a concession area, gift shop, a variety of exhibits, and is the starting trailhead for the nearby Cirque Rim and High Ridge meadow trails, or the longer 3.8 mile one-way trail to Klahhane Ridge. Picnic Areas: Picnic Areas A and B (summer only), one mile beyond the visitor center, have restrooms, water and paved trails to tables. The Ridge is an extremely popular place, and in the height of the summer season (July and August)and even in winterparking can be a problem from late morning into late afternoon. Its the law! Wear warm layers and bring along extra clothing and emergency supplies like food, water, and first aid gear. Wheelchair accessible with assistance. Dirt trail descends 8 miles to Whiskey Bend in the Elwha Valley. The foyer and restroom are always open. Please take a look at the area details below for more information about visiting this location. 100% of travelers recommend this experience. The restrooms and exhibit area will be open inside the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center. Nice trail up to the top. Here's what you can expect from each season: Summer at Hurricane Ridge All vehicles, including 4-wheel-drive vehicles, are required to carry tire chains and must be below the Heart O' the Hills entrance station by 5 pm during the winter season. The Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center is a great place to start. 5. The rest of the year it opens (weather permitting) primarily on weekends. Follow the National Park Service Hurricane Ridge Twitter feed for up-to-date road conditions reports. But, temporary road closings can happen at any time dependent on snowfall. This shuttle requires advanced online bookings. Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center does not offer reservations through Recreation.gov. The ski area is scheduled to operate on weekends, December 4, 2022, through March 26, 2023. Call 360-565-3131 for a 24-hour road and weather recording. Though winter explorers of all abilities can enjoy the area, flat, easy, beginner ski terrain is limited to the meadows above the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center. We provide tools and tips to discover Hurricane Ridge is located 17 miles south of Port Angeles on Hurricane Ridge Road, off Mount Angeles Road. It offers two rope tows, a poma lift and tubing park. We also visited the gift show but there wasn't such a great selection and we left with nothing. The last day of summer operations at the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center will be September 15, 2022. WA The nearest campground to Hurricane Ridge is Heart O' the Hills campground, 12 miles north of Hurricane Ridge, and 5 miles south of Port Angeles. Call (360) 565-3131 for updates. Aramark 2023 Aramark 345 South Shore Road, Quinault, WA 98575PO Box 7, Quinault, WA 98575. After the drive up the hill or a long hike or bike ride, it's a welcome sight. Despite their monstrous size and capabilities, they still, on occasion, find themselves out-matched by winters fury up on the Ridge. The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. Wild flowers blooming in sub-alpine meadows, ravens and gray jays on the wing, and black-tailed deer browsing nearby add to the enjoyment of this very special place. Dirt trail descends 8 miles to the Little River Road. Millions of years ago the basalt was extruded from volcanic fissures on the sea floor and formed in rounded blob-shapes. Wish they had more seats . There is a short, steep trail to take you to the top of the mountain, which makes for a great pic and great time. Dismiss View all alerts NPS.gov Park Home Plan Your Visit Things To Do Winter Activities Hurricane Ridge in Winter There are two options to get to Hurricane Ridge in winter: one is to drive yourself and the second is to take the Hurricane Ridge Winter Shuttle, which departs from Port Angeles Wharf. Weather Forecast for Hurricane Ridge. As spring rolls back the blanket of winters snow, black bears can occasionally be seen foraging on the young plants which sprout profusely in the warming sun; they move on to feed in other areas shortly thereafter. Loved it . It's just a 17-mile drive from the Port Angeles to the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center with restrooms, information desk, exhibits, movie about the park, gift shop and snack bar. See Taquara photos and images from satellite below, explore the aerial photographs of Taquara in Brazil. The snow impeded the view for the most part. We're introducing our newest way to experience the splendor of Hurricane Ridge - 360-degree virtual tours! This program is free but walks are limited to 20 participants. We went the end of May & there was a lot of snow. Three more miles up the road, with a gain of 1080 feet, another unexpected sight may come into view. During the winter months, snow enthusiasts enjoy the winter scenery, along with snowshoeing, skiing, cross-country skiing and sledding. The Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center is a great place to start. There is a large gift shop, as well as a place to get food (the chocolate cake was a winner!) Recommended experiences in and around Olympic National Park, Scenic Drives, Points of Interest & Landmarks, Hiking Trails. There is no additional cost for this program. Its only one of three U.S. national parks with a ski lift. It is a bit pricey, but if you plan to go see more National parks in the next year, the annual pass for $80 is worth it. Would like to go back on a clear day. Recreation.gov is your gateway to explore America's outdoor Offers great views of Mount Olympus, Bailey Range and Mount Carrie. On a long list of Olympic National Parks places not to be missed, Hurricane Ridge is at the top. They were all extremely kind and helpful. The foyer and restroom are always open. Learn more here. As altitude is gained, fewer deciduous trees are present among the conifers and there are fewer Western Red Cedars. Hurricane Ridge Road may be closed at any time due to weather-related conditions. Before heading out on any trip remember to sign in at the registration box in the foyer of the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center and be prepared for steep terrain and the possibility of avalanches. Highly recommend bringing a lunch and having a picnic there, its breathtaking and worth every penny and windy road! NPS does have a website which has a webcam so you can see what the weather looks like up there. Hurricane Ridge: Fabulous views from the top, nice walks/hikes, nice visitor's center - See 1,849 traveler reviews, 1,861 candid photos, and great deals for Olympic National Park, WA, at Tripadvisor. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Visitor tip: purchase lunch and snack items from the deli in the visitor center gift shop and soak in the breathtaking views of the Olympic mountain range on the outdoor patio. If you're planning to visit the Olympic Wilderness during the fall, winter, or spring, be prepared for inclement weather! Wheelchair accessible with assistance. During the summer, the road is open 24 hours a day and nighttime is a perfect chance to stargaze from the Ridge. CLOSED during construction. See map below. Hurricane Ridge Mountain View Caf, Gift Shop & Rental Shop (Operated by Aramark, an authorized concessioner) The Mountain View Caf, Gift Shop & Rental Shop on the lower level of the Visitor Center will open for the 2022-2023 winter season on December 9, 2022, and will have the same hours as the Visitor Center, described above. Winter activities include: Downhill skiing and tubing are available only on weekends (Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and holidays, usually mid-December through March), when the road is open. Learn more about traveling in snowy areas and avalanche safety athttps://go.nps.gov/OlympicSnow. A restroom is open in the foyer. Call the Road & Weather Hotline at (360) 565-3131 for current information and follow HRWinterAccess on Twitter for road updates. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Lots of people at the visitor center checking out the great views of the valleys. Amazing vistas with great photo ops. Temporary facilities will serve visitors to Hurricane Ridge during this closure. There was still ample snow on the ground that made for a wonderful backdrop. The Hurricane Ridge Road in Washington is open 24 hours a day from mid-May into October. Sliding is permitted at no cost for children ages eight and under at the Small Children's Snowplay Area west of the visitor center and parking lot. Located just before the end of the road, stop here for brochures, maps, snacks, and tips regarding your stay. Hurricane Ridge is the most easily accessed mountain area within Olympic National Park. We had a clear day with great views, but I can see how you wouldn't be able to see anything otherwise. Just dont. We came on Friday 7/30 and had amazing views. Sign up starts at the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center at 1 pm. It was very cold up there. Ranger-led snowshoe walks will begin at the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center on Saturdays from December 31 to March 25 at 1:30 pm. National Park pass is required. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. All Right Reserved. Where to go, what to do, and what you need to know when visiting Olympic during the winter season. we ended up buying dinner at the supermarket. but this HR drive is stunning! Heart O' the Hills is the closest destination. Port Angeles WA What attractions are near Hurricane Ridge Visitors Center? (It is the largest drainage in the Park and one of the largest ecosystem restoration projects in the country.) See the Park Roads page for directions to Hurricane Ridge from points east and west. Walks are limited to 20 participants. Visitor tip: purchase lunch and snack items from the deli in the visitor center gift shop and soak in the breathtaking views of the Olympic mountain range on the outdoor patio. Visitor tip: purchase lunch and snack items from the deli in the visitor center gift shop and soak in the breathtaking views of the Olympic mountain range on the outdoor patio. Hurricane Ridge Webcam In a normal year, the south facing meadows usually begin to melt out in late April to early May. Weather permitting, Hurricane Ridge Road and all the facilities at the top are open Friday through Sunday through March 26, 2023. Many of the trail hikes are long/strenuous for younger children or older people. Call 360-565-3131 for updates. They are not afraid and come very close to you. The interesting thing about this stream is that it doesnt openly flow over the ground from above, it erupts directly from of the side of Klahhane ( kla-ha-knee) Ridge, a short distance upstream from this parking area. Typically snow-covered, Hurricane Ridge provides opportunities for snowshoeing, cross-country and downhill skiing, snowboarding, tubing and more. When visiting Hurricane Ridge in winter, all vehicles, including four-wheel drive, must carry tire chains orapproved traction control deviceswhen traveling above the Heart O the Hills entrance station.Winter storms can close or delay opening of the Hurricane Ridge Road; high winds and blizzard conditions are not uncommon. The Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center is an iconic landmark in Olympic National Park. Call 360-565-3131 for a 24- hour road and weather recording. Snowshoe walks may be canceled at any time due to weather, operational priorities, and/or safety concerns. Very good spot . Storm King, near Lake Crescent, east and south to Mt. Sunrise and sunset on a clear day provide magnificent panoramic views of the park.