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Great news from Olympic National Park, this time from one of the most scenic places the park has to offer. In a park known for being spoiled with beauty, thanks to stunning rainforests, wild rivers and rugged coastlines, another gorgeous destination is open to you whenever you want to visit it. The snow is melting and warmth is returning. The ridge is open.
Hurricane Ridge, just 17 miles from Port Angeles, is now open, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. That means that as long as the weather is good, you have access to sweeping views of the ridges of Olympic. High above the shipping lanes of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, looking over the majestic Elwha River Valley, Hurricane Ridge offers a lifetime of sights in one majestic spot. This area is what defines the accessible mountains of the Olympic Peninsula.
Hurricane Ridge is one of the major destinations for all who visit Olympic National Park. Just 18 miles from downtown Port Angeles, the trails and vistas of Hurricane Ridge await you. The drive up is one of the prettiest roads in America, with scenery so stunning you’ll have to seriously focus on staying on the road. With sights of Mount Olympus and the Olympic interior, as well as numerous day hikes, you can—and should—spend a whole day here. Keep an eye out for the marmots and deer that frequent the trails in the summer.
Here, you’ll find huge sweeping valleys that dive deep along gorges of old-growth forests, only to jut back up into the heavens with yet another ridge of glaciated mountain peaks. Hurricane Ridge offers the entire family and all levels of explorers a great wealth of activities that one can do. It is also a great place to just sit and stare at the wilderness all around, taking in the grandeur of Olympic.
Hurricane Ridge is also an excellent place to stargaze on clear nights. Located nearly a mile above sea level, the heavens expand in all directions, with zero light pollution to the south. If you can, we highly suggest coming up here before sunset, watching the final rays of light shoot over the mountains and then staying until the universe expands out above you. Few places in Washington State can rival this night sky display.
These are just a few of the reasons we are so excited that Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park is now open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Of course, sudden changes in weather may impact these hours, but we will remain optimistic and celebrate this moment.
Tell your friends and plan a trip to Hurricane Ridge today. You’ll have an amazing time!
WANT TO FIND THE BEST TRAILS IN OLYMPIC?
Discover a Hike a Week through Doug Scott’s Olympic National Park Area Guidebook
