Winter Wonderland: Olympic National Park

At an elevation of 5,242 feet, Hurricane Ridge is a mountain citadel that puts you at the edge of the park’s jagged peaks. From the summit, a superb 360-degree view embraces the surrounding mountains, Vancouver Island, Canada, and the San Juan Islands.

Hurricane Ridge is a Winter Wonderland, offering opportunities for snowshoeing, cross-country and downhill skiing, snowboarding and tubing, depending on the snowpack. Skiing or snowshoeing lessons are available, as are ranger-guided snowshoe walks. The road to Hurricane Ridge in the winter is scheduled to be open Friday through Sunday and holiday Mondays, weather and road conditions permitting, and closed all other days. All vehicles must carry tire chains during the winter season. Check the road status at the below number. Two webcams are located at the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center offering dramatic views of the Olympic Mountains, changing weather conditions and winter snowpack. There will be a Winter Shuttle from downtown Port Angeles to Hurricane Ridge.

Olympic National Park is almost one million acres including 73 miles of Pacific coastline. The park is the epicenter of the Olympic Peninsula. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve, almost 95 percent of the park is designated wilderness. The park is also home to 26 endemic species and visited by over three million people a year, placing it among the top 10 most visited national parks in the USA.

If you’re planning to visit Olympic National Park during the winter season, be sure to check out the current conditions online since weather and conditions can change quickly. Check road, campground and weather info by also calling 360.565.3131.

For more information, go to OlympicPeninsula.org