PORT ANGELES, Wash. – As winter comes to the Pacific Northwest, national park rangers share their tips and recommendations for visitors planning a wintry visit to Olympic National Park. While winter weather may bring increased road hazards and some closures, it can also be a special time to experience this Northwest national park. Said Park Ranger Jared Low, “Visiting Olympic during the winter season is a great time to experience the peacefulness of a snowy landscape, take a walk through the cool rain forest or storm watch at the coast. With preparation and planning, visitors can have fun, stay safe, and help us protect park resources.”
Visiting Hurricane Ridge in Winter
Hurricane Ridge is a popular place for winter recreation at Olympic National Park. Although close to Port Angeles, Hurricane Ridge is subject to extreme winter conditions, including sudden storms, whiteouts, and avalanches, making planning and preparation for winter conditions essential. Weather conditions can change quickly and with little warning. Hurricane Ridge Road is the only way to access Hurricane Ridge by car. This road can experience closures due to extreme weather.
Top Ten Tips
To help visitors prepare for their winter visit to Hurricane Ridge, national park rangers have compiled a list of top ten tips:
1. Carry tire chains or approved traction control devices and know how to use them. It’s the law!
2. Check the Hurricane Ridge in Winter Twitter account to see if the road to Hurricane Ridge is currently open.
3. Wear warm layers and bring along extra clothing and emergency supplies like food, water, and first aid gear. You may want something dry to change into after playing in the snow.
4. Go to https://go.nps.gov/HRwinter to see what services are open at Hurricane Ridge.
5. If you’re visiting Hurricane Ridge, you may have to wait in your car at the Heart O’ the Hills entrance station if the parking lot is full. Bring a blanket to stay cozy and a book or podcast to pass the time.
6. Winter driving basics: Take it slow. Brake slowly, turn slowly, accelerate slowly, and drive slowly.
7. Leave your dog at home. Pets aren’t allowed in buildings or on snow trails at Hurricane Ridge, and they’ll get cold waiting in your car.
8. Be on the lookout for cornices and other signs of avalanche danger.
9. Don’t feed the Canada jays, even if they ask you to. Just don’t. Let them be wild.
10. Always have a backup plan! The Olympics is a big and diverse park. If you don’t need to visit Hurricane Ridge, you can still enjoy rivers, forests, lakes, and the beautiful Pacific Coast!
Winter Season
Winter season operations for Hurricane Ridge are set to begin on Friday, November 25, 2022, and end on March 26, 2023.
Driving to Hurricane Ridge
Weather permitting, Hurricane Ridge Road is scheduled to be open Friday through Sunday through March 26, 2023 (closed December 25, Christmas Day). In addition, the road is scheduled to be open daily from December 26 through January 2, and the holiday Mondays of January 16, 2023, and February 20, 2023.
Hurricane Ridge Road typically opens at 9 am, though times can vary. Depending on weather and road conditions, the road may be open as late as noon, or not open at all. The road closes to uphill traffic at 4 pm and all vehicles must exit the Heart O’ the Hills entrance station by 5 pm.
All vehicles, including four-wheel drive, are required to carry tire chains or approved traction control devices when traveling above the Heart O’ the Hills entrance station during the winter season.
Winter storms can close or delay the opening of the Hurricane Ridge Road; high winds and blizzard conditions are not uncommon.
Hurricane Ridge Road closes temporarily when the parking lot becomes completely full. Park staff urge visitors to park efficiently in order to maximize parking space.
Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center
The visitor center will be open 10 am to 4 pm, Friday through Sunday, November 25, 2022, to March 26, 2023. Exceptions: Closed December 25; open daily December 26 to January 2; open holiday Mondays January 16 and February 20.
The concessioner-operated Mountain View Café, Gift Shop & Rental Shop on the lower level of the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center will open on December 9, 2022, and will have the same operating hours as the visitor center, described above. Food service will be take-out only.
Downhill Ski, Snowboard, and Tubing Area
The Hurricane Ridge Downhill Ski, Snowboard, and Tubing Area has two rope tows, a poma lift and tubing park, and is operated by the Hurricane Winter Sports Club. It is scheduled to operate from December 4, 2022, through March 26, 2023. Weather and snow permitting, the Downhill Ski, Snowboard, and Tubing Area is open on weekends, 10 am to 4 pm. Exceptions: Closed December 24 and 25; open daily December 26 to January 2; open holiday Mondays January 16 and February 20.
Cross-country Skiing and Snowshoeing
Opportunities for cross-country skiers and snowshoers range from open, level meadows near the Visitor Center to extreme terrain in the wilderness backcountry. Anyone skiing or snowboarding beyond the immediate Hurricane Ridge area must sign in at the registration box in the foyer of the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center and be prepared for steep terrain and the possibility of avalanches.
Snowshoe with a Ranger
Ranger-led snowshoe walks will begin at the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center on Saturdays from December 31 to March 25 at 1:30 pm. There is no additional cost for this program. Snowshoe walks last 1.5 hours and covers less than a mile. Walks are limited to 20 participants. Sign-up starts at the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center at 1 pm. Snowshoes and instructions are provided. Participants should prepare for cold, snow, wind, or even rain. Dress in layers, wear warm, waterproof boots and bring hats, mittens, sunscreen and glasses.
Olympic National Park Visitor Center
The Olympic National Park Visitor Center at 3002 Mount Angeles Road in Port Angeles, Washington, is currently open daily (except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day) from 9 am to 4 pm. Restrooms are open daily and are located outside the main building.
