Pillow LavaHeart O the Hills Road, Olympic National Park. The Hurricane Ridge Ski, Snowboard & Tubing Area is a small, family-oriented ski area operated by the Hurricane Ridge Winter Sports Club. Copyright Olympic Hiking Company LLC | All rights reserved, Strait of Juan De Fuca & Vancouver Island, Sol Duc, Lake Crescent, & Hurricane Ridge. Other easy hikes on Hurricane Ridge include the Cirque Rim (1-mile roundtrip), Big Meadow (Half-mile roundtrip) and High Ridge (1.2-mile roundtrip including spur to Sunrise Point). WA Over time, their trunks were bleached to a beautiful silver by the excessive UV radiation at these elevations. Washroom facilities were still open, but the road was closed so the walk to the ridge was pretty steep and difficult even though it was paved, kind of deceptive in difficulty mainly due to elevation. Be prepared to use your vehicle as a warming area and pack extra food, water, and dry clothing. Call 360-565-3131 for a 24- hour road and weather recording. Keeping the road open in winter is no small feat, and Hurricane Ridge routinely earns its name several times a month, all winter long. 600 E. Park Avenue In clear weather, fantastic views can be enjoyed throughout the year. ($30/day pass) Driving the switch backs is beautiful and you see a lot of green and fog. There are numerous displays; a self-service film of an environment highly affected by altitude and weather; Ranger led talks and walks; and an information desk with rangers and volunteers waiting to answer questions. 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. Port Angeles Atop Hurricane Ridge, there is this visitor center which houses a restaurant, lookouts, gift shop, information center, restroom, and a seating area to relax. Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. more, #9 of 44 things to do in Olympic National Park. . Ranger-led snowshoe walks begin at the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center on Saturdays from January 7 to March 25 at 1:30 pm. Atop Hurricane Ridge, there is this visitor center which houses a restaurant, lookouts, gift shop, information center, restroom, and a seating area to relax. Rent snowshoe and skis, or signup for a snowshoe ranger walk in the gift shop of the visitor center. 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. Is it possible to drive a truck pulling a travel trailer (30') up Hurricane Ridge to the visitor center? The rest of the year it opens (weather permitting) primarily on weekends. The ride to the top was well worth the entrance fee of $30. The original septic system for the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center was constructed in 1951. Once on Hurricane Road, the views improve dramatically as the road climbs a gentle and twisting grade to the Visitor Center, every bit as big and interesting as the one in Port Angeles. There is a large gift shop, as well as a place to get food (the chocolate cake was a winner!) In addition, in summer, there are restrooms, a food concession, a gift shop, an outdoor patio with tables and a telescope for up-close viewing of some of the wonder that is the Park. Visit our Twitter for updates on road status. Always have a backup plan! This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. You can see several mountain peaks in the Olympic National Forest, beautiful flowers & fields this time of year. During the summer, the road is open 24 hours a day and nighttime is a perfect chance to stargaze from the Ridge. NPS does have a website which has a webcam so you can see what the weather looks like up there. On the left side of the road is a large gravel area where the snow plows, used to keep the road open in winter, are often parked. Here's what you can expect from each season: Summer at Hurricane Ridge Had I known that the other visitor centers had fewer selections of t-shirts, souvenirs, books, etc., I would have purchased more here. Port Angeles Where to go, what to do, and what you need to know when visiting Olympic during the winter season. In winter, the road to Hurricane Ridge is only plowed Friday through Sunday and is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on those days. The Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center is a great place to start. Shaped as a double arc, the Crescent Formation roughly follows the Park Boundary from Mt. Restrooms are open daily and are located outside the main building. Open year-round, Heart O' the Hills has 105 campsites in the old-growth forest. Location: 45 minute drive from Port Angeles. See Taquara photos and images from satellite below, explore the aerial photographs of Taquara in Brazil. Hurricane Ridge Guided Snowshoe Tour in Olympic National Park 9 Bus Tours from $150.00 per adult Hoh Rain Forest and Rialto Beach Guided Tour in Olympic National Park 49 Recommended Full-day Tours from $140.00 per adult Olympic National Park Luxury Small-Group Day Tour with Lunch 11 Recommended Bus Tours from $289.00 per adult Help preserve the meadows by staying on snow or designated trails. Hurricane Ridge in Winter map and descriptions of routes. Many of the trail hikes are long/strenuous for younger children or older people. Dirt trails descends from Hurricane Hill through meadows and steep forested switchbacks to the start of the Whiskey Bend Road. more information on current conditions Read park rangers' top ten tips for visiting Hurricane Ridge this winter, Visit our keyboard shortcuts docs for details, Hurricane Ridge Mountain View Caf, Gift Shop & Rental Shop. The lower level is known for a cafeteria and a gift shop. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. The views are worth the drive, but there was no staff onsite when we were there in May. 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. 98362, Download the official NPS app before your next visit, The road is open throughout summer. Its only one of three U.S. national parks with a ski lift. Let them be wild. 360-452-8552 Road and weather condition updates are available on the Road and Weather line at 360-565-3131. Terms of Service apply. 9. They were all extremely kind and helpful. That makes it nice if you are trying to avoid the summer crowds. The city of Port Angeles is just 17 miles north. Dont miss the lesson in forest ecology that can be seen on either side of the road. Check theHurricane Ridge in Winter Twitter accountto see if the road to Hurricane Ridge is currently open. Olympic National Park Visitor Center and Hurricane Ridge Road are closed Thanksgiving and Christmas. The rest of the year it opens (weather permitting) primarily on weekends. They do sell food and beverages in the visitor center. For the 2019-2020 season, the scheduled operating days are November 23 through March 31 with the road and visitor center closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas days. Obstruction Point Road (weather and snow permitting, open from July 4 through October 15), branches off right before the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center, and provides access to a variety of trails as well. Nice trail up to the top. There's restrooms, cafe & gift shop. There are several easy routes that can be hiked from the visitor center. more 3 more non-emergency alert notifications. , Olympic National Park, Near Port Angeles, Washington. Nearly all of the major peaks in the Park east of Mt Olympus are made of Pillow Basalt. Enjoy a peaceful slumber near scenic nature. No matter the season, you can enjoy the amazing views and fresh air! From September 16 to October 21, 2022, Hurricane Ridge Road will be closed to vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists while critical road repairs are underway. Paved trail climbs to a panoramic view of mountains and saltwater. Call 360-565-3131 for the current road status. Dismiss View all alerts NPS.gov Park Home Plan Your Visit Things To Do Winter Activities Hurricane Ridge in Winter When a storm event occurs, the road closes as a safety precaution for visitors and the road crew. The Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center is open daily in the summer, and usually Friday through Sunday in the winter. A nice sized visitor center. Weather and snow permitting, hours of operation will be 10 am to 4 pm. Along the edges of the road, pay close attention to the wild flowers that start to appear. 98362, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Dress in layers, wear warm, waterproof boots and bring hats, mittens, sunscreen and sunglasses. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. 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. Easy and short walk to picnic tables. The mountains are spectacular with their white blankets silhouetted against the sky. 8. At an elevation of 5,242 feet, Hurricane Ridge is Olympic's alpine destination in winter. . Between milepost 14 and 15, Where the road begins a long left curve around the next corner, a parking area is evident on the right. I "think" it is b/c I don't remember any switchbacks. See the Park Roads page for directions to Hurricane Ridge from points east and west. take the drive up, it's amazing and so peaceful. Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. Starting with the views of Hurricane Ridge are breathtaking and seeing the rest of the park from this starting point is helpful to get the big picture of the park. Sign up starts at the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center at 1 pm. Find incredible places and experiences that help you bring home a story through The centers focus is on the Parks mountain environment. We went the end of May & there was a lot of snow. The Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center is a great place to start. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards. 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. Starting from sea-level in Port Angeles, a scenic 45 minute, 17-mile drive leads you to the well-positioned Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center at 5,242 feet. We packed a lunch a took advantage of some tables and chairs inside. The concessioner-operated Mountain View Caf, Gift Shop & Rental Shop on the lower level of the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center will open on December 9, 2022, and will have the same operating hours as the visitor center, described above. The winter season at Hurricane Ridge is approximately mid-December through the end of March. Its the law! Wheelchair accessible with assistance. The webcam image updates every 15 minutes (although severe weather can obstruct the webcam views). So heavy is the winter snow that its not uncommon after a big snow storm to drive from this point all the way to the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center in what amounts to a wide-as-the-road hall with walls of snow at times ten feet high on either side. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Relax and unplug. 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. Stand on the Cirque Rim Trail, check out the unbelievable view, or walk around the Lodge Upper Deck. See the improvements at www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/hurricane-hill-trail-project.htm. Bathrooms and a small Cafe are here as well as a gift shop. 91% of travelers recommend this experience. Please take a look at the area details below for more information about visiting this location. Hurricane Ridge ONP Framed Print by David Lee Thompson. Loved it . Winter storms can close or delay opening of Hurricane Ridge Road; high winds and blizzard conditions are not uncommon. It was an exhilarating experience. Check current avalanche conditions before your trip. GUEST UPDATES: Please read for the latest information, CLICK HERE. It is a small lot but we were able to find a spot. Visitors traveling to the park should be prepared for winter driving conditions. Would like to go back on a clear day. This is characteristic of many mountain streams all over the Park. In a normal year, the south facing meadows usually begin to melt out in late April to early May. The views from the Visitor Center are beautiful, too. 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. Call 360-565-3131 for a 24- hour road and weather recording. Go tohttps://go.nps.gov/HRwinterto see what services are open at Hurricane Ridge. Hurricane Ridge is the most easily accessed mountain area within Olympic National Park. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. A number of activities are available at the Ridge, which vary by season. Footprints can leave lasting scars. Wheelchair accessible with assistance. Sign up starts at the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center at 1 pm. Made without incident and the Ranger Station at the top was still open. Sol Duc Road typically closes for the winter due to snow and icy road conditions. A gift shop, restaurant (not open currently bc of Covid) and restrooms. Hurricane Ridge Road:During the winter season, Hurricane Ridge Road is open to uphill traffic. (It is the largest drainage in the Park and one of the largest ecosystem restoration projects in the country.) It is really important to call for updates especially in winter, spring, and fall. new adventures through a one-stop shop for inspiration and ideation, trip planning, information sharing, This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Snow melts high on the ridges and mountains, the water seeps into the groundwhich is composed of loosely compacted rock debrisand follows the laws of physics as it is transported underground. Weather Forecast for Hurricane Ridge. See the weather for yourself at Hurricane Ridge! There's picnic tables in the back. Make sure to bring warm clothes. The last day of summer operations at the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center will be September 15, 2022. Recreation.gov. Winter season operations for Hurricane Ridge are set to begin on Friday, November 25, 2022, and end on March 26, 2022. For more details and to book online, please visit: https://www.hikeolympic.com/hurricane-ridge-winter-shuttle. In any season, however, the heart-stopping view, the sheer number of peaks and glaciersbig, small, near, and faris the crown of the Parks glory. Participants should prepare for cold, snow, wind, or even rain. The movie is a good overview, but nothing spectacular. Weather and snow permitting, the Downhill Ski, Snowboard, and Tubing Area is open weekends, 10 am to 4 pm and open holiday Mondays January 16 and February 20. No trails are groomed or marked, however two routes use unplowed roads, which can usually be navigated. Dress in layers, wear warm, waterproof boots and bring hats, mittens, sunscreen and glasses. Didn't know if we'd make it to the top before dark because the roads were icing up. There are no words to describe the beauty of hurricane ridge. It is a small lot but we were able to find a spot. We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location. Shuttle tickets start at $15 per passenger, plus a $15 ONP entrance fee for adult passengers (age 16 or older) without a National Parks Pass. Pack extra food, water, dry clothing, and blankets and/or sleeping bags in your vehicle.The visitor center will be open 10 am to 4 pm, Friday through Sunday, January 7 through March 26, 2023 and open holiday Mondays January 16 and February 20.The concessioner-operated Mountain View Caf, Gift Shop & Rental Shop on the lower level of the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center will be open and will have the same operating hours as the visitor center, described above. Bathrooms and a small Cafe are here as well as a gift shop. We went April 30, 2017 and due to March snows, we knew our chances of getting far were slim. Millions of years ago the basalt was extruded from volcanic fissures on the sea floor and formed in rounded blob-shapes. Educational programs and guided walks start in late June. From 2018 through 2020, Hurricane Hill Trail underwent an improvement project and after three years reopened on August 10, 2020. We didnt know what to expect. Powered by WordPress and Sliding Door theme. This program is free but walks are limited to 20 participants. We had a clear day with great views, but I can see how you wouldn't be able to see anything otherwise. 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 Learn more about traveling in snowy areas and avalanche safety athttps://go.nps.gov/OlympicSnow. Dont feed theCanada jays, even if they ask you to. Service is available both Saturday and Sunday from January 7 March 26, 2023. 97% of travelers recommend this experience. 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