Olympic National Park (Hurricane Ridge)

Hurricane Ridge, in Olympic National Park above Port Angeles in Clallam County, Washington, lies about 85 miles (137 km) west of Seattle as the crow flies but more than 100 miles by road and ferry. The trip takes about 3 to 3.5 hours each way: visitors take the Seattle-Bainbridge or Edmonds-Kingston ferry, drive US-101 to Port Angeles, then climb Hurricane Ridge Road for about 17 miles to the visitor centre at roughly 5,200 feet. Public transport is limited, so a rental car is the practical option, although seasonal guided tours from Seattle cost roughly $150 to $250 per person. The park entrance fee is about $30 per vehicle for seven days. The ridge offers sweeping views of the Olympic Mountains, glaciated peaks and, on clear days, the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Vancouver Island. Short trails such as the Meadow Loop and the paved Hurricane Hill route, about 3 miles round trip and moderately steep, lead through subalpine meadows with wildflowers in July and August and frequent sightings of deer and marmots. A suggested day involves an early ferry, a coffee and pastry stop in Port Angeles, arrival at the ridge by late morning, a picnic lunch with a hike, and a late-afternoon return to catch an evening ferry; the day is long, so visitors often consider staying overnight in Port Angeles. Food options are limited on the ridge, so supplies should be bought in Port Angeles. Hurricane Ridge Road is weather dependent, and access can be restricted by snow, fog or fire risk, so conditions should be checked at 360-565-3131 or nps.gov/olym before leaving. The best window is June to September, when the road is open and the meadows bloom. In winter, access varies and snow tires or chains may be needed. Temperatures at the ridge are much cooler than in Seattle, so layers and a wind jacket are essential.