Hurricane Ridge is named for the powerful winds that batter its exposed, high-elevation spine, where winter gusts can reach hurricane force and heavy snowfall accumulates. At nearly a mile above sea level, weather can shift rapidly even in summer, when the same slopes host abundant wildflowers and sweeping views of the rugged Olympic interior.
You're nearly to the top now, and the name on the sign isn't a marketing flourish. Hurricane Ridge earned it. This high spine catches the full force of Pacific storms with nothing to slow them down, and winter winds up here can scream past at highway speeds, packing in deep, heavy snow. On a calm summer afternoon it's hard to believe, with the wildflowers nodding and the views running for miles. But the weather can turn fast at this elevation. The mountain named this ridge, not the people. Enjoy the calm while it lasts.
Photo: Dllu · CC BY-SA 4.0
