Hurricane Hill is a 3.2-mile round-trip trail beginning near 5,000 feet at the end of Hurricane Ridge Road, climbing roughly 700 feet to a 5,757-foot summit. The mostly paved path crosses subalpine wildflower meadows home to the endemic Olympic marmot, then switchbacks to a 360-degree view spanning the Olympic Mountains, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Puget Sound, and Vancouver Island.
Park here, because the road ends and the good part begins on foot. This is the Hurricane Hill trail, three and two tenths miles round trip, climbing about seven hundred feet, paved most of the way but earning every step near the top. You start near five thousand feet, already up in the subalpine, and you walk a ridgeline of wildflower meadows. Watch the rocks for the Olympic marmot sunning itself, the burly golden whistler that lives in these mountains and no others. Deer and grouse work these slopes too. Then the trail steepens into switchbacks, and you push to the summit at five thousand seven hundred and fifty-seven feet. From up there it opens to a full circle, the Olympics behind you, the blue strait ahead, Puget Sound, and on a clear day Vancouver Island floating across the water. Lace up and take it slow, or stay in the car and roll on. Either way, the meadow's right there off the bumper.
Photo: Olympic National Park (NPS) · Public Domain
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The Hurricane Hill Trail is the signature day hike at Hurricane Ridge, beginning at a trailhead about 1.5 miles past the visitor center area at the end of the road. The paved path climbs steadily through subalpine meadows to a 5,757-foot summit with a sweeping 360-degree panorama of the Olympic interior, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Puget Sound, and Vancouver Island. It is among the most accessible high-country hikes in the park.
Round trip the trail runs about 3.4 to 3.5 miles with roughly 700 to 800 feet of elevation gain, earning a moderate rating thanks to a steady but manageable climb. Wildflowers line the route in midsummer, and Olympic marmots, black-tailed deer, and occasionally other wildlife are commonly seen along the way. Plan for around two to two and a half hours, and bring layers, since the exposed ridge can be windy and cool even on warm days.
- • The trailhead is at the end of Hurricane Ridge Road, about 1.5 miles beyond the visitor center area; the paved trail is roughly 3.4-3.5 miles round trip.
- • Elevation gain is around 700-800 feet, rated moderate; allow about 2 to 2.5 hours.
- • A $30-per-vehicle 7-day Olympic National Park pass is required, and access depends on Hurricane Ridge Road being open.
- • Best hiked July through September once snow has melted; early summer can still hold snow on the upper sections.
- • Pets are not allowed on this trail; bring water, sun protection, and warm layers as the ridge is exposed and breezy.