Hurricane Ridge — Attraction in Port Angeles

Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park is an awe-inspiring destination that offers breathtaking views, exhilarating adventures, and a true connection with nature. Located in the heart of the park, Hurricane Ridge is a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

One of the standout features of Hurricane Ridge is its panoramic vistas. As you make your way up the winding road to the ridge, you'll be greeted with stunning views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The sight of the snow-capped peaks against the clear blue sky is simply mesmerizing and leaves you feeling humbled by the grandeur of nature.

Once you arrive at the ridge, you have the opportunity to explore a variety of hiking trails that cater to all skill levels. From leisurely walks to more challenging hikes, there is something for everyone. The trails meander through alpine meadows, dense forests, and rocky terrain, offering a diverse and captivating experience.

Wildlife enthusiasts will be delighted by the chance to spot native animals in their natural habitat. Keep your eyes peeled for marmots, deer, and even the elusive mountain goat. Birdwatchers will also be treated to sightings of various avian species, including eagles and owls. The tranquility of the surroundings allows for a peaceful and immersive wildlife experience.

For those seeking an adrenaline rush, Hurricane Ridge offers opportunities for winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. The pristine slopes and ample snowfall make it a playground for winter enthusiasts. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced skier, you'll find slopes suited to your skill level, and the stunning scenery adds an extra element of magic to your winter adventure.

Another highlight of Hurricane Ridge is the visitor center, which provides valuable information about the park's ecosystem, wildlife, and history. The knowledgeable staff is always ready to answer questions and offer guidance, ensuring that visitors have a fulfilling and educational experience.

One thing to note about Hurricane Ridge is its popularity, especially during peak seasons. Due to its accessibility and beauty, it can get crowded, particularly on weekends and holidays. It's advisable to arrive early to secure parking and enjoy a more serene and intimate experience.

In conclusion, Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park is a true gem that showcases the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. From its stunning vistas to its diverse hiking trails and winter sports opportunities, it offers something for everyone. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, an adventure seeker, or simply seeking solace in the tranquility of the mountains, Hurricane Ridge is a destination that will leave a...

What a gorgeous place to visit! After a long, twisty, slow drive up the mountain (17 miles, avg speed 30 or less....mostly less lol) you arrive at the top where there is a visitor center, a shop, and views that are just jaw dropping in their beauty. There are several trails, of various ease or difficulty, or you can just enjoy the vista from right in front of the visitor center. Even though it gets busy during weekends, summer time, and holidays, we still spotted a couple of groups of deer in the nearby meadows, a marmot, lots of ravens, and even a bear was seen down in the valley. I just wish there had been less cloud coverage when we visited. Since you are up so high (over 5000 feet) you are basically IN the clouds, if it is an overcast day! But we were still able to get some amazing views of the mountains, when the clouds parted, and the drive up and down has many parking areas to pull over and take photos. You may have to wait on line to enter the park but it is worth it in my opinion. Then again, we bought our pass online ahead of time and bypassed the line...

My Review: The drive alone to Hurriance Ridge is on it’s own gorgeous and even the views from the parking lot are incredible! While we were up there we did the Big Meadow Loop, which is fully paved and has a nice overlook area. From there we did the Sunrise Point tail, this one isn’t paved and is a little steeper. We visited in the evening so we partically had the Sunrise trail to ourselves. On this trail we spotted 2 Olympic Marrmots and that was really neat! After Sunrise Point we took part of the High Ridge trail back down to the parking lot. It took us about 40 minutes to complete those 3 trails/parts of trails.

We visited Hurricane Ridge in July 2024. We were sad to learn that the visitors center burnt down! Despite this there is still plenty of parking and restrooms available at the top. As well as easy access to several different trails

My husband’s review: It was really cool, and the views were spectualar. It was nice to be above the tree line so you could...