Cirque Rim Trail Guide

Trying to choose between the many trails on Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park?

If you’re short on time or energy but still want great views with minimal effort, the Cirque Rim Trail might be exactly what you’re looking for.

This is one of the easiest walks in the park, but that doesn’t mean it’s boring. I really like this hike, and I’ll share exactly what stood out.

Whether you’re visiting with family, recovering from a tougher hike, or just looking for an accessible way to take in the mountain views, this one’s worth considering. You’ll get panoramic overlooks, alpine air, and a peaceful path that’s great for all ages – and all that in under a mile.

Let’s take a look at what to expect along the Cirque Rim Trail, and how to make the most of your visit.

Cirque Rim Trail Details

Distance: 0.5 miles

Type: Loop

Elevation change: 44 feet

Time: 15 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Trailhead:  Either end of the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center Parking lot (connects with the High Ridge Trail and the Big Meadow Trail)

Highlights: Panoramic views

Fee: There is no special trail fee but you do need to pay the Olympic National Park entrance fee. To avoid long lines and save money, if you are planning to visit more than just the Olympic National Park this year, it can be great value to purchase an America The Beautiful pass. 

Open: All year (but see Tips below for road openings and closures).
The road up to Hurricane Ridge is open throughout summer. In the winter season (typically late November – late March), the road is scheduled to be open Friday through Sunday and holiday Mondays, but this is dependent on weather and road conditions.  From late fall – late spring, the trail is covered in snow.

The Cirque Rim Trail Description

This is an easy trail that is paved and even possible in a wheelchair, though you would need some assistance, as there is some elevation change. 

You can hike this trail in a clockwise or a counterclockwise direction.  If you hike it clockwise, you’ll start at the far end of the parking lot. 

I’m describing it in a counterclockwise direction, so the trailhead is at near the beginning of the parking lot, as you arrive from Port Angeles.

From the trailhead, head up the paved path.  After a very short distance, you’ll pass the junction with the Big Meadow Trail on your left.

In about a minute, you’ll pass the trail to High Ridge on your right (read my High Ridge Trail Guide for full details).  I recommend taking this and connecting with the Cirque Rim Trail after that hike.  

However, if you decide to just do the Cirque Rim Trail, go left and continue up.  A short distance later, you pass the junction with the High Ridge Trail on your right.

If you’re coming from the High Ridge Trail, you’ll turn right on to the Cirque Rim Trail.  If you’re coming up from the Big Meadow Trail or from the parking lot, go left. 

At this point, you’ll be amongst the trees and will pass a Ski Patrol hut almost immediately after the junction.  This area is the main Hurricane Ridge ski area in winter.

There are some more trees to provide some welcome shade on a sunny day.

The path clears the trees soon after and runs along the top of a large bowl.

There are wonderful views on your right.  Keep an eye on your left, too, for marmots and deer.  And don’t forget to look up, as you may see bald eagles soaring overhead.

There’s another short, wooded section about five minutes after the High Ridge Trail junction.

A small climb then brings you up to the Cirque Rim Overlook.  There are stunning views of Port Angeles and the Strait of Juan de Fuca from the overlook on clear days.

From the overlook, you can head down the hill.  This shortcut takes you directly back to the parking lot and connects to the Big Meadow Trail for a short loop.

Continuing along the main trail, you’ll pass through more meadows, that are covered in beautiful wildflowers in summer.  In less than five minutes, you’ll end up back at the far end of the parking lot, not far from the Visitor Center.

Map of the Cirque Rim Trail

Tips for Hiking the Cirque Rim Trail

‼️The trail can be hiked by itself, but is easily combined with the Big Meadow Trail, which runs roughly parallel but lower down below the ridge, and/ or the High Ridge Trail (with a side tail to Sunrise Point), which is short but somewhat steep.  For an even shorter version, you can cut straight up from the parking lot to the overlook.

‼️If you plan to combine the Cirque Rim Trail with the Big Meadow Trail (the easier option), I recommend hiking the trail clockwise.

If you combine the Cirque Rim Trail with the High Ridge / Sunrise Point Trails, I recommend hiking it counterclockwise.

If you are only hiking the Cirque Rim Trail, either direction is fine.

‼️The area is open all year, though the road up to Hurricane Ridge is only open on weekends (from 9:00AM to 4:00PM Friday-Sunday) in winter (typically late November – late March).  The rest of the year, the road is open 24/7, though all road openings are dependent on weather and road conditions.  Check with the NPS for current road conditions. 

‼️The trail is often covered in snow from October (or even September) until late June so microspikes or snowshoes are advisable at this time of year. 

‼️The parking lot at Hurricane Ridge fills up by mid-morning, especially in summer.  This can lead to long waits at the Heart of the Hills Entrance Station at the bottom of the mountain.  Try to get there as early as possible (well before 10:00AM) or after 3:00PM.

‼️This hike is best done on a clear day so you can enjoy the views.  The weather at the top of Hurricane Ridge is often very different than the weather down in Port Angeles.  There is a webcam you can check out before heading up.

‼️There is little shade, so be sure to be sun sensible.

‼️Keep an eye out for marmots, black bears, and deer, which are often seen on the meadows in this area, especially in the summer.

What You Need To Take/ Wear on The Cirque Rim Trail

Wind breaker

This area is named “Hurricane Ridge” because of the strong winds that blow here most of the time. The wind can be chilly even in summer. I recommend taking a wind breaker.

➡️ If you need one, I like this Columbia windbreaker for men and this Little Donkey Andy windbreaker for women.

Binoculars

There are often birds soaring around and wildlife on the meadows, so I like to take binoculars with me when I hike so I can see them up close.

➡️ If you’re looking for some, read my guide to The Best Binoculars for the Money or get my top pick here. 

Sun hat, sunglasses and sun screen

Most of this trail is in the sun and it is at high elevation, so be sure to wear sunscreen, a good sun hat and sunglasses. 

Bear Spray

You may encounter black bears on this trail, especially early summer and fall.  Be bear aware and carry bear spray or a bear bell just in case. 

Winter hiking gear

If you’re hiking in winter (or fall or spring for that matter), you will need good microspikes or snow shoes. 

➡️ Read my guides to The Best Microspikes for Hiking and The Best Snowshoes for Beginners if you need to buy some.

Day Hike Essentials

➡️ Check my list of essential things to take and wear on a day hike to make sure you have everything you need.

Travel Insurance for Olympic National Park

No matter what kind of hiking you do, you should definitely get travel insurance.  This can protect you not only against medical and emergency repatriation, but can also cover things like trip cancellation, loss and/ or theft of property, etc.

➡️ A great insurance option is Travelex.  It has coverage for all you’ll need. You can choose the best travel insurance plan for your trip here or get a quote right now:

More Planning Resources for Olympic National Park

Do you have any tips for questions about hiking the Cirque Rim Trail?  I’d love to hear about them.  Join my private Facebook group National Parks Collectors and comment and let me know (you can also pick up extra planning tips, share your photos and stories with other national park lovers and more). 

If you liked this article, Pin It to your Olympic National Park National Park board!

About the Author

James Ian is a national park, camping and hiking expert.

He has dedicated his life to travel, visiting more than 80 countries, all 7 continents and most of the national parks in the United States. With over 35 years experience in the travel industry, James has worked on cruise ships, at resorts and hotels, and as a travel planner who’s helped hundreds of people plan successful trips to US national parks.

Based on his experience visiting our national parks multiple times, in-depth research and expertise as a travel planner, James has published detailed itineraries for many of the major national parks in the US. These itineraries, as well as in-depth park guides, and other resources will help you have your own incredible trip to US national parks without stress and hassle.

As a national park expert, James has contributed to many publications, including USA Today, Newsweek, Time Business News, Savoteur, Best Trip, and Wired.

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