If you’re heading to the Olympic Peninsula and want unforgettable mountain views without a multi-day backpacking trip, Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park is your spot. As one of the most accessible alpine destinations in Olympic National Park, it offers dramatic scenery, easy-to-reach trails, and a chance to see wildlife just a short drive from Port Angeles. Hurricane Ridge Road winds up from sea level to nearly 5,200 feet, delivering sweeping views of snowcapped peaks, rolling meadows, and the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
Of course, Hurricane Ridge Olympic National Park is just one small part of the adventures waiting for you up here. From the lush beauty of the Hoh Rain Forest to the wild coastline at Rialto and Ruby Beach, there is an endless number of things to do in Olympic National Park, which is packed with contrasts. You can hike to waterfalls at Sol Duc, explore moss-covered trails in ancient forests, or kayak the deep blue waters of Lake Crescent. With so many things to do in Olympic National Park, Hurricane Ridge stands out as a must-see for first-time visitors and returning adventurers alike. It’s beautiful in every season, but with clear skies and the most accessible trails, summer is undoubtedly the best time to visit Olympic National Park.
With a park so vast, there are plenty of great places to stay near Olympic National Park. None, though, compared to the elevated and curated vacation rentals you’ll find from among Travel Experience Lodging’s collection of properties. We offer a variety of vacation rentals on the Olympic Peninsula, each offering a unique experience with sleek designs, comfortable furnishings, and panoramic views of the area. That includes vacation rentals just minutes from the entrance to Hurricane Ridge Road, making our Olympic Peninsula lodging the perfect home base for your adventures. Find the perfect rental property and book your trip today!
What to Do at Hurricane Ridge This Summer
There’s a reason Hurricane Ridge is one of the most visited areas in Olympic National Park. Just 17 miles from downtown Port Angeles, this alpine destination offers some of the most jaw-dropping views in the Pacific Northwest, and it’s all surprisingly easy to access.
Your journey starts at the Olympic National Park Visitors Center at the base of Hurricane Ridge Road. You’ll start your journey into the park at the Heart of the Hills Entrance Station as the road winds through forests, gradually climbing through terrain that is more and more breathtaking around every bend. At the top of Hurricane Ridge road, the landscape opens up to rolling meadows, snow-capped peaks, and panoramic views that stretch as far as Canada on a clear day.
Hurricane Ridge Washington appeals to a wide range of visitors because there’s truly something for everyone. From families with small kids taking the paved path up Hurricane Hill to seasoned hikers and photographers trekking on other Alpine climbs, this high-elevation spot delivers unforgettable experiences that range from accessible to challenging. Wildlife sightings are common too, with black-tailed deer, marmots, and even the occasional black bear making appearances in the meadows.
Things to Do at Hurricane Ridge
- Hurricane Ridge Road is one of the most scenic drives in Olympic National Park, so if you do nothing else in this area than drive to the top, it’ll be a journey well spent. This 17-mile route climbs from Port Angeles to the ridge, offering incredible overlooks and chances to spot wildlife along the way.
- Once you’re at the top of Hurricane Ridge, we recommend parking your car and taking the paved Hurricane Hill Trail. This 3.2-mile Hurricane Ridge hike is technically stroller-friendly, though there are some steep sections and an overall steady elevation gain that will leave you feeling breathless at times. At the top, though, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Olympic Mountains, Puget Sound, and Mount Baker, which are more than worth the exertion. This trail is also the jumping-off point for many extended backpacking trips in Olympic National Park.
- Explore the Cirque Rim and Big Meadow Loop for a more accessible hike. These short, easy trails are ideal for families or anyone seeking a scenic walk with minimal effort. Both offer great photo ops and wide-open alpine views.
- Another great (but challenging) hike in the Hurricane Ridge area is Sunrise Ridge Trail to Klahanie Ridge. This hike is around 7 miles long and starts near the Hurricane Ridge Visitors Center parking lot. From there, it climbs through scenic meadows and panoramic views, before connecting up to Klahanie Ridge. Long-range hikers can even reach Lake Angeles from here for a true backcountry experience in the Olympic National Park.
- For a breathtaking entrance into the Olympic National Park backcountry, head to Obstruction Point, just below the Hurricane Ridge parking lot. There, you’ll find an 8-mile gravel road that takes you deeper into the Olympics, where you can enjoy storied hikes to places like Deer Park, Grand Ridge, Moose Lake, and more.
- Enjoy one of the most breathtaking picnic destinations in Olympic National Park. While you sit, keep an eye out for wildlife. Deer, marmots, and other wildlife frequent these meadows.
- Watch the Sunset: Stick around in the evening to catch one of the best sunsets in the park. The view from Hurricane Ridge as the sun dips behind the peaks is nothing short of unforgettable.
The Best Lodging Near Hurricane Ridge, Washington
A visit to Hurricane Ridge is just the beginning of what makes a trip to Olympic National Park so unforgettable. Once you’ve taken in the mountain views and hiked through wildflower-filled meadows, you’re still only a short drive away from beaches, rainforests, and glacial lakes. Spend the next day walking the mossy trails of the Hoh Rain Forest, then head out to Rialto Beach to watch the waves crash against sea stacks. The variety of landscapes and ecosystems here makes it easy to turn a day trip into a full vacation packed with discovery.
To really enjoy it all, it helps to have a home base that’s as inspiring as the places you’re exploring. The Olympic Peninsula vacation rentals offered by Travel Experience Lodging provide just that. Located in Port Angeles, Sequim, and other scenic corners of the Olympic Peninsula, these homes give you quick access to top park attractions like Hurricane Ridge, Sol Duc Falls, and Lake Crescent, not to mention other nearby attractions like the Olympic Discovery Trail. Each property is thoughtfully designed and elevated with modern amenities, allowing you to recharge in style after a day on the trails or at the coast.
Whether you’re waking up to mountain views or sipping wine on the deck after a sunset hike, staying at one of our vacation rentals brings a level of comfort and intention to your Olympic National Park adventure. With a location that puts you close to the best of the park and a setting that feels like a retreat in itself, this is where your Olympic journey comes full circle. Book your stay today!