The High Ridge Trail is a short – but somewhat steep – hike up to Sunrise Point from the Hurricane Ridge parking lot in Olympic National Park. This is the most popular Hurricane Ridge hike and is suitable for the whole family.
Here are the full trail details and a description so you know exactly what to expect.
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High Ridge Trail to Sunrise Point, Hurricane Ridge: Complete Guide
*** The Hurricane Ridge area was damaged in a fire in May 2023 that completely destroyed the Visitor Center and essential infrastructure. You can access the area, but spaces are limited each day. ***
Guided Tours of Hurricane Ridge
If you only have time for a day trip from Seattle, then this private tour includes pick up and drop off at your hotel. You’ll have a knowledgeable guide and spend about three hours at Hurricane Ridge, which will give you enough time for this hike.
BOOK A PRIVATE ALL-DAY TRIP FROM SEATTLE TO HURRICANE RIDGE
High Ridge Trail to Sunrise Point, Hurricane Ridge Details
Distance: 0.9 miles
Type: Loop
Elevation change: 220 feet
Time: 30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Trailhead: On the right near the start of the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center parking lot, as you arrive at the parking lot driving up from Port Angeles
Highlights: Panoramic mountain views
Fee: There is no special trail fee but you do need to pay the Olympic National Park entrance fee
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.
Tips for Hiking the Hurricane Ridge Trail (High Ridge Trail – Sunrise Point)
- The area is open all year, though the road up to Hurricane Ridge is only open on weekends (from 9 am to 4 pm 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 essential 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.
- 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.
Hurricane Ridge Trail Map
Description of the High Ridge to Sunrise Point Trail, Olympic National Park
The trailhead is on the right near the start of the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center parking lot, as you arrive at the parking lot driving up from Port Angeles.
After only a minute or so, you’ll come to the junction with the Cirque Rim Trail. Take the path to the right to start the High Ridge Trail.
There’s a sign that says “This 0.5 mile loop climbs nearly 200 feet to a dry wind-swept ridge where wildflowers hug the ground and trees are stunted. A short spur trail ends at Sunrise Pont where clear days offer panoramic views. With less moisture-giving snow, this ridge can be a challenging place for plants to survive. Please help by staying on the trail.”
After another couple of minutes, the trail goes through a small group of trees.
Soon after, there are more views and meadows, which burst into bloom in summer, but are pretty even before or after the wildflowers are at their peak.
About seven minutes into the hike, the trail flattens out for a short section.
Look back towards the parking lot for some nice views and to your right to see Hurricane Ridge Road far below.
You’ll continue up a wide trail that climbs steadily. This section has no trees.
There are more nice views looking back towards the parking lot and looking to the right to see the mountains and road.
About 12 minutes into the hike, you’ll reach the junction with the Klahhane Ridge Trail to your right. You can extend the hike by taking this trail for a mile or so and then turning back, or keep to the hike as described here and go straight ahead to take the spur trail up to a viewpoint at the top of Sunrise Point.
This section does involve hiking along a ridge with drop offs on both sides, so if you have a fear of heights, you may choose not to do this extension and turn left to loop back to the parking lot. However, I will say, that it looks scarier from below than it actually is and the path is wider than it appears from below.
It’s only about five minutes before you get to Sunrise Point. There are 360° views.
After you’ve had your fill of the views, head back the way you came along the ridge.
After about five minutes, you’ll arrive back at the junction with the Klahhane Ridge Trail. Take the right fork to complete the loop back along the High Ridge Trail.
After a couple of minutes, the path enters the trees and starts some short switchbacks down the hill.
There’s a bench to rest on near the end of the loop.
Soon after the bench, you’ll pass under the Poma ski lift.
About half an hour after starting the hike, you’ll reach the junction with the Cirque Rim Trail. Take the trail to the left to return directly back to the starting point or go right to continue along the Cirque Rim Trail. I recommend adding in the Cirque Rim Trail. It’s an easy trail with some more great views.
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High Ridge Trail to Sunrise Point, Hurricane Ridge: Complete Guide
What You Need To Take/ Wear on The High Ridge Trail, Olympic National Park
- Hiking poles. Parts of this trail is steep and there are drop offs on both sides. Hiking poles can help stabilize you and make going up and downhill easier. I used to think they weren’t necessary until I actually tried them and now I seldom hike without them. I have these Foxelli trekking poles – they are really light weight, adjustable, have several tips and grippy handles. Get them here.
- Wind breaker. This area is named “Hurricane Ridge” because of the strong winds that blow here most of the time. I recommend taking a wind breaker. The wind can be chilly even in summer. If you need one, I like this Columbia windbreaker for men and this Little Donkey Andy windbreaker for women.
- Water. Always take more water than you think you’ll need. The hike is uphill and there is not much shade, so be sure to drink a lot to prevent dehydration. I love this hydroflask. It’s easy to carry, keeps temperatures well, and comes in multiple colors.
- Binoculars. These aren’t essential, but there are often birds soaring around and 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. It’s possible that you may encounter black bears on this trail, especially early summer. 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), 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 the Hurricane Ridge hiking trails
You should definitely get travel insurance for the Hurricane Ridge Trail, Washington. 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:
Enjoy the hikes at Hurricane Ridge!
You might also like:
>> Olympic National Park Guide
>> Best Hikes in Olympic National Park
>> Hurricane Ridge Visitors Guide
>> Best Hikes at Hurricane Ridge
>> Hurricane Hill Trail Guide
>> Cirque Rim Trail Guide
>> Best Hikes Near Lake Crescent
>> Best Sol Duc Hikes
>> Best Hoh Rainforest Hikes
>> Best Lake Quinault Hikes
>> Best Olympic National Park Beaches
>> Best Tide Pools in Olympic National Park
>> Best Waterfalls in Olympic National Park
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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 most of the major national parks in the US. These itineraries, as well as in-depth park guides, comprehensive camping and hiking gear reviews and buying guides, and helpful packing lists and gift guides 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, Time Business News, Savoteur, Best Trip, and Wired.
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