NPS Photo At an elevation of 5,242 feet, Hurricane Ridge is Olympic's alpine destination in winter. Typically snow-covered, Hurricane Ridge provides opportunities for snowshoeing, cross-country and downhill skiing, snowboarding, tubing and more. Hurricane Ridge's winter season is generally late November through the end of March. 2024-2025 Winter SeasonWinter season operations for Hurricane Ridge are set to begin on Friday, November 29, 2024, and end on March 30, 2025. Hurricane Ridge Road in Winter Video Player is loading.
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Hurricane Ridge is one of the most popular places in Olympic National Park, but making it safe to drive there in winter is quite an undertaking! Getting ThereHurricane Ridge is located 17 miles south of Port Angeles, at the end of Hurricane Ridge Road. Entrance fees are collected at the Heart O' the Hills entrance station whenever the road is open. 
NPS Photo Hurricane Ridge RoadCall the Road & Weather Hotline at (360) 565-3131 for current information and road updates. The road's status will also be updated on our alerts page. 
Nicole Bernard NPS Photo Winter TravelSevere weather, icy or snowy roads, changing snow conditions, and winter rains can quickly alter any winter trip. Visitors traveling to the park should be prepared for winter driving conditions. All vehicles are required to carry tire chains when traveling above the Heart O' the Hills entrance station November 1 through April 1. This requirement applies to all vehicles (including 4-wheel drive), regardless of tire type or weather conditions.
Dave Turner NPS Photo Visitor Center and ServicesThe Hurricane Ridge Day Lodge was lost to a fire in 2023.Following the loss of the day lodge, temporary trailers were installed to provide restrooms and a visitor contact station. The contact station is staffed intermittently Friday through Sunday. Visitors should be prepared to use their vehicles as a warming area and pack extra food, water, dry clothing, and blankets or sleeping bags. 
NPS Photo Cross-Country Skiing and SnowshoeingWith its easy access and 15 to 20 miles of routes, Hurricane Ridge is the cross-country skiing and snowshoeing destination in Olympic National Park. Though winter explorers of all abilities can enjoy the area, flat, easy, beginner ski terrain is limited to the meadows above the parking area. Backcountry skiers can explore several slopes and bowls in the area. No trails are groomed or marked, however two routes use unplowed roads, which can usually be easily navigated.
J. Burger NPS Photo Sledding & Tubing at Hurricane RidgeSledding is permitted at no cost for children ages eight and under at the Children's Snowplay Area west of the parking lot. Bring your own tube or sled; sleds with runners are not allowed. Tubing is permitted for all ages at the tubing park within the Hurricane Ridge Ski Area. Purchase tickets for the tubing park at the ski area trailer in the parking lot. Only tubes provided by the ski area are allowed. Visit the Hurricane Ridge Ski and Snowboard Area website for more information. 
J. Burger NPS Photo Snowshoe with a RangerBeginning December 21, rangers will offer snowshoe walks at 1:30 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. These walks last 1.5 hours, cover less than a mile, and include 130 feet of elevation gain. Snowshoes and instructions are provided. The group will be limited to 20 participants. 
Visiting Olympic National Park in Winter
Where to go, what to do, and what you need to know when visiting Olympic during the winter season 
Wilderness Winter Travel
If you're planning to visit the Olympic Wilderness during the fall, winter, or spring, be prepared for inclement weather! Learn more here. |
Last updated: February 19, 2025