Hurricane Ridge is one of the most popular stops in Olympic National Park, thanks to its easily accessible mountain views. Located high above Port Angeles, it offers sweeping scenery without the need for long hikes. Weather here can be unpredictable, and the area gets its name from the strong winds and frequent gales that roll across the ridge.
Planning Your Visit to Hurricane Ridge
Hurricane Ridge is located in Olympic National Park, just south of Port Angeles. It is one of the most accessible alpine areas in the park, offering sweeping mountain views without requiring a long hike.
- Location: Olympic National Park, Washington
- Nearest Town: Port Angeles
- Distance from Port Angeles: 20 miles
- Drive Time: About 44 minutes
- Park Entry Fee: Olympic National Park entrance fee required
- Typical Visit Length: 2 to 6 hours
What to Expect, Access, and Parking
Expect paved roads, well-maintained trails, and viewpoints located close to parking areas. You will need to drive up the mountain to reach the best views. Parking is generally adequate, but when we visited during peak summer in mid-August, spots were already becoming limited by around 9am.
Access to Hurricane Ridge requires entry into Olympic National Park. A valid national park pass is required, either a single-day pass or an America the Beautiful annual pass. There is no separate fee specifically for Hurricane Ridge, but passes are checked at the park entrance.
Best Time to Visit Hurricane Ridge
The best time to visit Hurricane Ridge is late June through early fall when the road is typically open and snow-free. Summer offers the clearest views and access to hiking trails, while weather can change quickly year-round. Early mornings tend to have fewer crowds and better visibility. We went in mid-August and the weather was beautiful, but had a little fog / smoke from wild fires blocking early morning views.
No matter the season, I would recommend doing a weather check to ensure the wind, weather at altitude or storms are slated for the day, help adds a piece of mind.
Things to Do at Hurricane Ridge
Hurricane Ridge is all about big views, easy access, and short adventures. Hurricane Hill is a great example of that. You can simply enjoy the views near the parking area, or hike up for even better scenery if you want something a little more adventurous. You do not need to be a hardcore hiker to enjoy Hurricane Ridge, which is why it is one of the most popular stops in Olympic National Park.
Enjoy the Scenic Views
Scenic views are the main reason most people come here. On a clear day, Hurricane Ridge offers panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains, forested valleys, and even Vancouver Island in the distance. Several viewpoints are only a short walk from the parking areas, making this one of the easiest places in the park to experience high-elevation views.
Go for a Hike
If you are looking better views and are interested in doing some hiking, Hurricane Ridge has a good mix of short, easy walks and more challenging hikes, depending on how much effort you want to put in. Hurricane Hill is the most popular hike, the one we did, and the one I would recommend.
Hurricane Hill
- Distance: 3.4 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation Gain: 850ft+
- Estimated Time: 2-2.5+ hours
Wildlife Watching
Wildlife sightings are common, especially during the summer months. Olympic marmots are often spotted hanging out near the trails, and black-tailed deer frequently wander through the open meadows. Early morning and late afternoon tend to be the best times to see wildlife. They are a unique species that can only be found in Washington’s Olympic National Park at middle elevation.
Photography
Hurricane Ridge is one of the best spots for photography in Olympic National Park. The open ridgelines, summer wildflowers, and constantly changing light make it easy to spend a lot of time shooting landscapes, wildlife, or wide-angle mountain scenes.
Travel Tips and Recommendations
- Where to stay: Port Angeles is the most popular and closes location.
- We ended up staying at a rental on Lake Sutherland.
- Restaurants and Cafes we recommend
- Midtown Public House
- Buena Luz Bakery
Is Hurricane Ridge Worth It?
Yes, especially if you are short on time but looking for big views. Hurricane Ridge offers some of the best views in Olympic National Park with minimal effort. If hiking is not your main focus, or you are traveling with family, it is one of the easiest places in the park to get a true mountain experience.
Final Thoughts
Hurricane Ridge is one of those places that provides quick and easy big mountain views with easy access, and trails that work for just about anyone. Whether you stop for a quick visit or spend a few hours exploring, it is one of the easiest ways to experience alpine scenery in Olympic National Park and a stop that is well worth adding to your itinerary.
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