Quick Take
If “fresh tracks and big views” sound like your kind of winter, Hurricane Ridge snowshoeing is your spot and activity. This alpine hub above Port Angeles turns into a snowy playground where you can snowshoe mellow meadows or trek steeper bowls, just remember: winter here is real. Bring chains, watch the weather, and plan like a pro.
What’s New This Season
- 2025–2026 winter window: generally late November through March; operations planned Nov 29–Mar 30 (weather/operations permitting).
- Hurricane Ridge Day Lodge: lost to fire in 2023; there’s no indoor warming area, food service, or potable water. Temporary trailers provide restrooms and an intermittently staffed visitor contact station (Fri–Sun).
- Rentals: not available at the Ridge (bring your own snowshoes/skis).
- Road days: typically open to uphill traffic Fri–Sun and some holidays, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (can open as late as noon depending on conditions). All vehicles must be below Heart O’ the Hills by 5:00 p.m.
- Chains required: all vehicles, including 4WD/AWD, must carry tire chains Nov 1–Apr 1 (per WA State Patrol and NPS).
Getting There
- Distance from Port Angeles: ~17 miles, end of Hurricane Ridge Road (entrance fees collected at Heart O’ the Hills).
- Hotline: Road & Weather at (360) 565-3131 for live status.
- Live updates: NPS Alerts & Conditions page; HR Winter Access Twitter.
- Weather tools: NWS forecast for Hurricane Ridge; NWAC weather station and avalanche forecast.
Hurricane Ridge Snowshoeing 101
Hurricane Ridge offers 15–20 miles of snowshoe and ski routes with something for most abilities:
- Beginner-friendly terrain: flat meadows above the parking area (ungroomed but popular).
- Unplowed roads: two winter routes follow closed roads—easy to navigate in typical conditions.
- Backcountry terrain: steeper bowls and slopes for experienced travelers (be avalanche-aware).
- Marking and grooming: no groomed or marked snowshoe trails—bring navigation and a winter map.
Essential planning:
- Check avalanche conditions (NWAC) before you go.
- Carry traction, layers, and 10 essentials—conditions change fast.
- Expect wind; the “Hurricane” in the name isn’t for show.
Ranger-Led Snowshoe Walks
- When: Saturdays and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. (beginning Dec 21; weather/operations dependent).
- Duration: ~1.5 hours; <1 mile distance; ~130 feet of gain.
- Meeting point: Visitor contact station at 1:00 p.m. day-of; group limited to 20.
- Info line: (360) 565-3130 for status/accommodations.
- If the road is closed, walks are canceled.
Bring warm waterproof boots, hat, mittens, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Pack extra food, water, and dry layers—you’ll use your vehicle as a warming hut.
Other Snow Fun at the Ridge
- Sledding (free): Children’s Snowplay Area (≤ age 8); bring your own soft sled/tube (no runner sleds).
- Tubing: All-ages tubing inside the Hurricane Ridge Ski Area; purchase tickets on-site. Only ski-area tubes allowed (policies subject to change).
- Downhill/Cross-Country: The Hurricane Ridge Ski & Snowboard Area is operated by the Hurricane Ridge Winter Sports Club (check their site for status).
Hurricane Ridge Snowshoeing, Safety, Seasonality, and Self-Reliance
- Be storm-ready: high winds, heavy snow, blizzard conditions, and sudden closures are possible.
- No services: plan self-sufficiently—no indoor warming area, no potable water, no food service, no gear rentals.
- Chain law: chains must be in your vehicle, regardless of tire type or drivetrain.
- Exit deadline: below Heart O’ the Hills by 5:00 p.m. on winter days.
Handy Links (Plan Before You Go)
- Road & Weather Hotline: (360) 565-3131
- NPS Alerts & Conditions (status/closures/road): nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/conditions.htm
- Hurricane Ridge in Winter (official): nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/hurricane-ridge-in-winter.htm
- Visiting in Winter (park-wide): nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/visiting-in-winter.htm
- Avalanche Conditions (NWAC): nwac.us
- Weather Forecast (NWS): forecast.weather.gov (search “Hurricane Ridge”)
- Hurricane Ridge Ski & Snowboard Area (tubing, operations): hurricaneridge.com
What to Pack for Hurricane Ridge Snowshoeing
- Tire chains (required to carry) and a full tank of fuel
- Winter footwear + gaiters, warm layers, waterproof shell
- Extra food, water, and a thermos
- Map, compass/GPS, headlamp, first aid, emergency blanket
- Sunglasses and sunscreen (snow glare is real)
- Snowshoes/trekking poles (no rentals on site)
If You’re RVing
- We’d love for your basecamp to be RV@Olympic, we’re open year round!
- Expect true winter driving above the entrance station; chains required to carry.
- Plan your basecamp in Port Angeles or nearby communities to minimize winter road risk.
- Always check the road hotline before committing to the ascent.
