Adventures,  Olympic Peninsula,  Places to Explore

Hurricane Ridge @ Olympic National Park

During our first visit to Port Angeles, the 17-mile drive and experience at Hurricane Ridge quite honestly left us amazed. Here are some things to know for your visit to Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park:
  • Enjoy the view. The view from this place has to be witnessed to truly appreciate it’s glory. The drive is a windy 17 miles from Port Angeles, Washington. As you drive it offers only a glimpse of what is to come once you reach the top of the mountain. Get ready to enjoy a breathtaking view once you reach the top!
  • Take pictures. Even if you are only armed with your smartphone you are sure to capture pictures that will look like they were taken from some high priced fancy camera. The scenery is absolutely stunning. The abundance of wildflowers, wildlife, old-growth forests, and high alpine meadows can make even the beginning photographer feel like a seasoned professional. There are 360 degrees of photogenic scenery to perfect the art of photography. Want something really special? Plan a professional photo session. We took family pictures at the top of Hurricane Ridge with the wonderfully talented and amazingly patient Megan Krueger of M.Krueger Photography. And as you can see in the video below her pictures are GORGEOUS!!
  • Spot wildlife. The one and only time I have witnessed twin fawns nursing from their mother was right across the parking lot from Hurricane Ridge visitor center. People walking nearby had no idea, perhaps if they just slowed down and looked around or listened to their surroundings they could have heard a fawn calling for its mother. As we approached (cautiously and from a respectful distance, we aren’t those tourists) we saw a doe and fawn walking through the shrubbery and all of a sudden another fawn popped up and joined them. Of all the tourists hiking the trail, we were the first to notice the motherly love being displayed approximately 15 feet off the trail.
  • Hike. There are several options from flat paved paths that circle back to the parking lot to uphill rocky climbs offering spectacular views of the Strait of Juan De Fuca and into Canada. Just be sure to be respectful and obey the signage where foot traffic is prohibited. Here is a list of all your hiking options.
  • Picnic. There are tables to set up a picnic or lay out a blanket. If you need anything there is a small store and food kiosk inside the visitor center offering the essentials or a snack, perhaps even an ice cream treat.
  • Ranger Talks. The “What is Wilderness” talk happened to be starting a few minutes after we arrived one day. The park ranger giving the presentation was very approachable and encouraged questions and audience participation. The presentation lasted about 20 minutes and was followed by a Q and A.
  • Camping. At the entrance of Olympic National park is Heart O’ the Hills campground. You can overnight camp for a fee, or as we did one cold day, use one of the sites for some hot dog and s’mores roasting.
  • Visitor Center. Want advice on a hike? Need to use the restroom? Purchase a souvenir? Although it has been extremely crowded every time we visited, you will be able to find out about the area and view mounted Roosevelt Elk, mountain lion, animal tracks, and skulls of the local wildlife.
  • Snowshoe + Ski. In the winter Hurricane Ridge is open for skiing and offers some snowshoeing trails. We didn’t get a chance to check these out yet, but Winter is approaching soon and we will be ready.

Hurricane Ridge is a must-see while visiting Olympic National Park. We just got back from the Hoh Rainforest located inside Olympic National Park. Blog with all the need to knows for that visit coming soon!

Check out our other recommendations while enjoying your time on the Olympic Peninsula! May the journey never end.

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