(It is the largest drainage in the Park and one of the largest ecosystem restoration projects in the country.) Be prepared to use your vehicle as a warming area in case the visitor center does not open due to weather or staffing issues. Hurricane Ridge Visitors Center (Olympic National Park) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. The foyer and restroom are always open. Not accessible from Hurricane Hill Trail from August 15-26. The Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center is open daily in the summer, and usually Friday through Sunday in the winter. The road closes to uphill traffic at 4 pm and all vehicles must exit the Heart O the Hills entrance station by 5 pm. 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. NPS does have a website which has a webcam so you can see what the weather looks like up there. Its a beautiful winding drive up to the top of the mountain. Rainier Day Trip from Seattle, Hurricane Ridge Olympic National Park from Seattle, Luxury Leavenworth Day Trip through the Cascade Mountains, Olympic National Park High Country Adventure Youth Summer Camp, Half-Day Guided Tour of Seattle City and Snoqualmie Falls, BEST Snoqualmie Falls and Leavenworth Day Tour. Check the weather because you may need a coat. . The road is narrow but well paved. There are several easy routes that can be hiked from the visitor center. more information on current conditions Easy paved trail with views of Port Angeles and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. 600 E. Park Avenue Lodging can be found through the Port Angeles Chamber of Commerce website. Always have a backup plan! 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. Nearly all of the major peaks in the Park east of Mt Olympus are made of Pillow Basalt. A nice sized visitor center. Its these wintery conditions that demand that vehicles traveling the road in the winter season carry tire chains. Severe weather, icy or snowy roads, changing snow conditions, and winter rains can quickly alter any winter trip. Call 360-565-3131 for the current road status. We had a clear day with great views, but I can see how you wouldn't be able to see anything otherwise. Snowshoes and instruction provided. Located just before the end of the road, stop here for brochures, maps, snacks, and tips regarding your stay. There are also backcountry snowshoe and cross-country ski trails for self-guided recreation. Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center has large parking lots, restrooms, a gift/snack shop and is staffed by park rangers. 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. The Hurricane Ridge Road is open 24 hours a day from mid May into October. Didn't know if we'd make it to the top before dark because the roads were icing up. All vehicles are required to carry tire chains and must exit the Heart O' the Hills entrance station by 5:00 pm during the winter season. The Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center is a great place to start. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. If you keep going past the visitor center there is a 2nd parking lot that will take you to the Hurricane Ridge Hill trail. 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. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards. This requirement applies to all vehicles (including 4-wheel drive), regardless of tire type or weather conditions. Incredible! Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. 98362, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. For more information about visiting the park this winter, please go to https://go.nps.gov/OlympicWinter22-23. The views are worth the drive, but there was no staff onsite when we were there in May. Recreation The Hurricane Ridge Road in Washington is open 24 hours a day from mid-May into October. Bathrooms and a small Cafe are here as well as a gift shop. In spring and summer, the meadows are covered with wildflowers, and clear-day views of the parks peaks are fantastic. Snowshoes and instructions are provided. more, #9 of 44 things to do in Olympic National Park. Hurricane Ridge Road may be closed at any time due to weather-related conditions. 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. At this time of year, they are just ramping up for the busy summer season to come. All vehicles are required to carry tire chains and must be below the Heart O the Hills entrance station by 5 p.m. during the winter season. It was an exhilarating experience. The ski area is scheduled to operate on weekends, December 4, 2022, through March 26, 2023. We went the end of May & there was a lot of snow. The winter season at Hurricane Ridge is approximately mid-December through the end of March. See a general map and information regarding facilities, picnic areas, camping, and regulations. Educational programs and guided walks start in late June. 5. Very good spot . Drive carefully, minding the speed limit; not just to avoid the enforcement rangers, but also the deer that think they own the road. Be on the lookout for cornices and other signs of avalanche danger. 98362, Download the official NPS app before your next visit, The road is open throughout summer. Opportunities for cross-country skiers and snowshoers range from open, level meadows near the Visitor Center to extreme terrain in the wilderness backcountry. Had I known that the other visitor centers had fewer selections of t-shirts, souvenirs, books, etc., I would have purchased more here. Hurricane Ridge Road:During the winter season, Hurricane Ridge Road is open to uphill traffic. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Call 360-565-3131 for a 24- hour road and weather recording. Food service will be take-out only. Dirt trail descends 8 miles to Whiskey Bend in the Elwha Valley. The name belies this rocks creation. Participants should prepare for cold, snow, wind or even rain. Sign up starts at the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center front desk at 1 pm. 93% of travelers recommend this experience. Saw a baby dear on the way. For more details and to book online, please visit: https://www.hikeolympic.com/hurricane-ridge-winter-shuttle. The restrooms and exhibit area will be open inside the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center. A favorite moderate hike that includes epic views of the Olympic Mountains along the way and ends with an aerial view of Port Angeles and the Strait of Juan de Fuca, is Hurricane Hill, a 3.2-mile roundtrip out and back trail. See the improvements at www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/hurricane-hill-trail-project.htm. The constant threat of bad weather and its associated whiteouts, blizzards, extreme wind, drifting snow, and avalanches are good reasons for caution. Bring a blanket to stay cozy and a book or podcast to pass the time. As usual, you'll find the rangers very helpful. 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. As the road ascends to the top of the ridge, there is a noticeable thinning of the trees; this is the start of the subalpine zone, which will continue and change from here to the end of the road. Few seats to sit and eat . Hurricane ridge Sunset Hardcover Journal By Elizabeth Eldridge From $19.47 Olympic National Park Washington Souvenir Vintage Mountain Essential T-Shirt By merchzy From $19.26 Mountain sunset Sticker By Bohemianphoto From $1.29 Olympic National Park Washington Spiral Notebook By gotops12 From $11.99 Olympic Mountains Sticker By JujuJunkies Dont feed theCanada jays, even if they ask you to. Snack bar and gift shop (both open seasonally) are located on the Visitor Center's . Thi gian chnh xc hin ti, mi gi, s khc bit thi gian, gi bnh minh/hong hn v cc thng tin quan trng cho Taquara, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Brake slowly, turn slowly, accelerate slowly, drive slowly. There are some easy paths to follow for that group. This was our last day in the area before heading back to Seattle. Its 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. Temporary facilities will serve visitors to Hurricane Ridge during this closure. This is characteristic of many mountain streams all over the Park. All vehicles are required to carry tire chains when traveling above the Heart O' the Hills entrance station November 1 through April 1. A number of activities are available at the Ridge, which vary by season. The foyer and restroom are always open. Choose from multiple print sizes and hundreds of frame and mat options. When you approach the top-on a clear day you can see for miles and it is gorgeous. Get inspired with tips about where to go and what to see on your national park vacation, delivered right to your inbox. Weather permitting, the Hurricane Ridge Winter Sports Club operates two rope tows and a Poma lift. Sunrise and sunset on a clear day provide magnificent panoramic views of the park. Carry tire chains orapproved traction control devicesand know how to use them. These tall, dead, silver-colored, barkless trees were left standing to weather away. Please take a look at the area details below for more information about visiting this location. 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. The Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center is open daily in the summer, and usually Friday through Sunday in the 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. Hurricane Ridge has a number of hiking trails, from ridgetop traverses to steep trails that descend to subalpine lakes and valleys. There is no additional cost for this program. Hurricane Ridge in Washington's Olympic National Park, 11" x 14" Fine Art Print ArtistKimB (29) $31.96 $39.95 (20% off) FREE shipping Olympic National Park - Olympic Mountains from Hurricane Hill - Art Print - Wall Home Decor - Framed Poster - Gift (4x6-16x24 IN) JustinFowlerArt (74) $15.00 FREE shipping In addition, there are a few good hikes that start right at the Visitor Center. At the entrance station, a line is crossed that is very evident as trees jump in size and Grand Firs begin to be replaced by Silver Firs. Bring breakfast or dinner and make it a table for two with a world class view. Olympic National Park, Near Port Angeles, Washington. 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. The centers focus is on the Parks mountain environment. Aramark 2023 Aramark 345 South Shore Road, Quinault, WA 98575PO Box 7, Quinault, WA 98575. A restroom is open in the foyer. Hurricane Ridge Road typically opens at 9 am, though times can vary. Snowshoes and instructions are provided. These are not just big trucks with a blade in frontAu contraire!these are behemoths of the snow eating-snow blowing kind, designed for the many challenges they face each winter. Despite their monstrous size and capabilities, they still, on occasion, find themselves out-matched by winters fury up on the Ridge. Pillow LavaHeart O the Hills Road, Olympic National Park. Olympic National Park is magical throughout the year, but especially in the winter. Check the webcams before you go for visibility and accessibility, especially in the fall/winter when snow can close the visitor center and roads. Black Ball Transport and Olympic Hiking Co. look forward to working with Olympic National Park to have priority access through the entrance fee station. This is the Old Growth foresttrees that escaped the lumbermans axeand it marks the current Olympic National Park Boundary. What hotels are near Hurricane Ridge Visitors Center? Hurricane Ridge ONP Framed Print by David Lee Thompson. Find up to date information on winter road conditions on our Hurricane Ridge Winter Access Twitter page. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google and reservations. Atop Hurricane Ridge, there is this visitor center which houses a restaurant, lookouts, gift shop, information center, restroom, and a seating area to relax. 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. 95% of travelers recommend this experience. There are several small trails you can hike to get better views. 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. Only tubes furnished by the Ski Area are allowed. Sol Duc, Lake Crescent, and Hurricane Ridge Guided Tour in Olympic National Park, Hoh Rain Forest and Rialto Beach Guided Tour in Olympic National Park, Hurricane Ridge Guided Snowshoe Tour in Olympic National Park, Viator Exclusive Tour- Olympic National Park Tour from Seattle, Olympic National Park Luxury Small-Group Day Tour with Lunch, BEST Olympic National Park Day Tour from Seattle, Viator Exclusive Tour - Mt. The ski area includes two rope tows, a poma lift, and a tubing park. All vehicles. It's a great place to have a picnic or purchase something at the snack bar. The Hurricane Ridge visitors center offers several conveniences, including an information desk, gift-shop, restrooms, and a snack bar. Along the edges of the road, pay close attention to the wild flowers that start to appear. more 3 more non-emergency alert notifications. No matter the season, you can enjoy the amazing views and fresh air! WA Recreation.gov. It is open daily in the summer, and on Saturday/Sunday when the Hurricane Ridge Road is open during the remainder of the year. Washington, near Lake Cushman (see the Park Map). We provide tools and tips to discover new adventures through a one-stop shop for inspiration and ideation, trip planning . There's restrooms, cafe & gift shop. Call 360-565-3131 for a 24-hour road and weather recording. At 5,242 feet elevation in the parks northeast corner, Hurricane Ridge is accessible by road and the quickest way to go from sea level to the mountains.