There are dozens of incredible hikes in Olympic National Park. One of the best is the hike up Hurricane Hill.
Olympic National Park has several distinct areas. Hurricane Ridge is the most popular mountainous area and the Hurricane Hill Trail provides stunning panoramic mountain views and sweeping meadows that are covered with beautiful wildflowers in summer.
For the full low down on how to get there and exactly what to expect, read on …
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Hurricane Hill Trail Guide
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 – more than enough time for this hike.
BOOK A PRIVATE ALL-DAY TRIP FROM SEATTLE TO HURRICANE RIDGE
Hurricane Hill Trail Details
- Distance: 3.2 miles return
- Type: Out-and-back
- Elevation change: 652 feet
- Time: 2 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Hurricane Hill Trailhead: Hurricane Hill parking Lot
- Highlights: Panoramic mountain views
- Fee: No special fee. However, you will 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: Year round (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.
Practical Tips for Hiking the Hurricane Hill Trail, Olympic National Park
- There is a parking lot at the trailhead that is divided into several smaller sections. Park wherever you can, though the trailhead is near the farthest end on the left side as you enter.
Try to get there are early as possible to secure a parking spot, as there are only about 30 spots and it does fill up.
If the parking lot is full, try the overflow parking areas at Picnic Areas A and B. You will need to walk from there to the trailhead. There is a path through the woods from Picnic Area B, which is the closest picnic area to the trailhead. It’s about a 15-minute walk. - Except for the last tiny section, this trail is fully paved, so it is suitable for strollers. However, it does have some steep sections. The first 0.4 miles is wheelchair accessible – the elevation change happens after that. There are benches spaced along the trail so you can rest if needed.
- 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. - There is typically (a great deal of) snow from October (or even September) until late June on Hurricane Hill. Snowshoes or microspikes are essential at this time of year.
- The trail has no shade, so be sure to be sun sensible.
Map of Hurricane Hill, Washington
Hurricane Hill Trail Description
The start of the trail lies near the far end of the parking lot, on the left. From the start, there are views of the mountains around you.
After about five minutes, there is a break in the trees that provides a lovely panoramic view. You can see the path winding around the hills in front of you.
Ten minutes into the hike, there are some benches where you can sit, regain your breath and enjoy the views. The Little River Trail is off to the right. So far it has been mostly flat, but the trail starts to climb soon after.
About 15 minutes into the hike, there are more lovely views off to your left.
Another five minutes further along, there are more benches to break up the hike. There is also one of several interpretive panels that are scattered along the trail and give information about the area – this one is about lingering snow (though there was no snow when this photo was taken in September).
As the trail heads up several broad switchbacks, there are more stunning views. About half an hour into the hike, you’ll pass another bench and interpretative panel at a turn in the switchback. Look back for more great views.
There are expansive meadows that burst into bloom in July and August. Keep a lookout for black bears, deer and marmots, all of which are commonly seen here in summer.
Nearing the top of the trail, the trail passes through more broad meadows on both sides. They are especially lovely in summer when they are covered in beautiful wildflowers. The trail on the left goes all the way to the Elwha Ranger Station.
At the top, there is a flat area with benches, some trees, and a short trail to a viewpoint off to right.
The short final climb to the summit is on a dirt path to the left.
You’ll have bragging rights for reaching the very top, but TBH the views are better from just below.
Return the way you came to get back to the trailhead.
What You Need To Take/ Wear on The Hurricane Hill Hike
- Wind breaker. It is named “Hurricane Hill” because of the strong winds that blow here most of the time. Take 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.
- Hiking poles. Although most of the trail is paved, there are some steep sections and hiking poles can help.
I have these Foxelli trekking poles – they are really light weight, adjustable, have several tips and grippy handles. Get them here. - Water. Always take more water than you think you’ll need. The hike is uphill and there is no shade, so make sure you drink a lot to prevent dehydration.
I love this hydroflask. It’s easy to carry, keeps temperatures well, and comes in multiple colors. - Binoculars. OK, so this is not 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. There is no shade on the trail and it is at high elevation, so be sure to wear sunscreen, a good sun hat and sunglasses.
- 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.
- Winter hiking gear. If you’re hiking in winter (or late 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.
FAQS about Hurricane Hill Trail
How difficult is Hurricane Hill Trail?
Hurricane Hill Trail is rated as moderate. The trail is paved, but is steadily uphill, with some fairly steep sections. However, there are benches at several points along the trail where you can rest.
How long is Hurricane Hill Trail?
Hurricane Hill Trail is 1.6 miles each way. Total 3.2 miles.
How to get to Hurricane Hill?
To get to Hurricane Hill, drive up Hurricane Ridge Road in Olympic National Park from Port Angeles. Drive to the end of the parking lot near the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center and keep going for another 1.5 miles. The Hurricane Hill trailhead and parking lot is at the very end of the road.
Travel Insurance for Hurricane Hill Trail
All the best hikes: Olympic National Park require good travel insurance. This can protect you not only against medical and emergency repatriation if you get injured on the trail, 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 Hurricane Hill hike, Olympic National Park
You might also like:
>> Olympic National Park Guide
>> Best Hikes at Hurricane Ridge
>> Hurricane Ridge Visitors’ Guide
>> High Ridge Trail Guide (Hurricane Hill)
>> Cirque Rim Trail Guide (Hurricane Hill)
>> Best Olympic National Park beaches
>> Best airports for Olympic National Park
>> How to Get to Olympic National Park
Do you have any other tips for hiking the Hurricane Hill trail or questions about it? I’d love to hear 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).
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Hurricane Hill Trail Guide
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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