Beautiful, I understand why this is a highlight of Olympic National Park. After spending a couple months exploring the Olympic Peninsula this was one of our last stops and it was majestic. The views of the Olympic Mountains was spectacular. Nice trails around the visitors center provide views from the mountains to the Ocean. The only downside is that because it is so amazing it is also quite popular. We went during the middle of the week and although it was busy, the crowds were manageable. I imagine on the weekends it must be extremely croweded, we stayed at the campground near the park entrance and on Saturday the line of cars waiting to enter the park was out of site the entire day.
It was beautiful. There are so many hikes, perfect for every level. My 3 year old had a blast loved the scenery and so much wildlife. We discovered There is another set of bathrooms a little past the visitor center . With 3 stalls in it not one person was waiting in line. The bathroom by the visitor center only has 1 stall and there was A-line of 30 people. So if you have to use the restroom go to the other bathroom fyi.
An amazing gem of the Olympic Peninsula and must-see for first-time visitors to Port Angeles and the ONP. This is also the easiest way to see Mount Olympus and impressive vistas of the Parks interior. Nearby trails provide incredible north-facing views of Port Angeles, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and distant Canada.The visitor center is nice with clean bathrooms and polite staff. Standard social distancing is observed with masks required when indoors. - Olympic Otter
Absolutely breathtaking! Ive never seen so many mountains that close-up. The scenery is SPECTACULAR! You cannot miss this national park. Lots of places to sit and take in the peaceful mountains and several beautiful paved trails, many easy and accessible for scooters or assisted wheelchairs. The visitors center has a couple of rangers there until 4pm but we cannot go inside.Highly recommend Hurricane Ridge, you will not be disappointed!
Short hike. Beautiful scenic views. Could see and doe as well and marmot. Pleasant wildflowers. There was a mystical feel in this place mainly because of the passing by clouds over the meadows. Parking spaces were a bit tight during the weekends. The vositor center has a nice restroom but it is open only till 5 PM. After that you can use the one outside, not so good, had to wait in line for almost an hr for that restroom. Some people were maintaining social distancing whereas so were not, so i recommend wearing masks on trails.
So much fun!There was a line to get in (rangers were only letting in cars as they left), but worth the 40min wait!Also, Google maps was wrong, stating that there was a road closure... it was open just a wait to get in!
Loved seeing Mt. Olympus, and being among the Gods of this beautiful world and landscape. I hope Mary gets out here to see & hike this beautiful landscape.The Holy Grail is the marriage between Jesus & Mary - stomping the wedding chalice in a Jewish wedding ceremony.Seek the truth and ye shall find.️️️
Most beautiful thing Ive ever seen. We are from FL and were in awe. Call the road phone line for daily closure info.
Beautiful scenery, I paved the road up to the to the top back in the early 90s the road actually holding pretty well !The wildlife is pretty tamed and will walk right up you !winter moths is crowed with skiers and sledding !Beautiful drive ....
Probably one of the best views in the USA. You can see most of Olympic from here. Their are several great hiking trails nearby. The visitor center itself is nice with a gift shop and several bathrooms as well as rangers willing to help. This is a must see if you are in the area.
Hurricane Ridge is an amazing place with spectacular mountain views and trails suitable for the entire family. We went in August of 2020. Things were busy due to road construction, but we still managed to get a great parking spot and have a wonderful lunch together with amazing views. I would definitely recommend if you can go.
Fun place to visit, even when the clouds are present. Wildflowers through July into early August. Family friendly hikes / trails, lodge with limited amenities.
Staff was very friendly and helpful with an outdoor (Covid safe) customer service area setup. Great views right when you get out of your car!
Great place for photographers and just a family outing! Good gift shop too :)
Its a visually stunning and rewarding drive from Hwy 101 up to Hurricane Ridge. Looking at the mountains from this vantage point feels like you are glimpsing into Heaven. There are easy & hard trails to climb. One trail leads you to a ridge where you can see all the way back down to Port Angeles harbor & almost across the Strait of Juan de Fuca into Canada.
This review is about the views from here when there is snow on mountains. One word for it - Breathtaking
The views on their own are worth the drive up the mountain. $30 dollars may seem like a lot, but it is completely worth paying to the park for the hard work they put into keeping it up, running, natural, and healthy. There are so many trails and paths to explore, and very helpful staff of you need guidance along the way. Highly, highly recommend to anyone.
The first time been here, and the first time to almost hitting a bear crossing the road while driving down from the top parking area, I slammed on my brakes to avoid the small bear, immediately I wanted to jump out to take pictures, but I was thinking mama bear is not to far away, so I stayed in the car and took video from afar. I would post the video, but google maps wont let me.
Ok so to pay $30 to see some mountains in beautiful state of Washington is a little extreme. The views are very nice, maybe not the best mountain viewing place, but very good. For example Washington pass observatory on highway 20, offers better view and its free. I know, totally different part of the state. This place is crowded, on the weekend expect to spend some serious time in the car waiting in line, and yeah the $30 is just too much.
7/12/2020 - Favorite part of the National Park. Parking can be tricky so get there early, but thankfully they have designated RV spots. Gorgeous views right from the parking lot but it is so worth it to hike one of the many trails (we did Hurricane Hill). Lots of deer. Make sure you go on a clear day and check the NPS website for a live webcam of the view. Visitor center is closed but there are still Rangers with information, bathrooms, and a great gift shop.
5 stars for the following: great park staff, cafe/goft shop open and follow CDC guidelines for COVID 19, great views, other visitors mindful - overall great experience. Bathrooms were great! The trails are heavily trafficked but trail wide enough for social distancing.
Enjoy every little view in this place. The mountains looked like they are paint in the sky. Too bad that global warming had decreased the snow on the top, but still the view is beautifull and having the deers around gave it a plus to our visit!!
While at sea level air quality was poor (wildfire smoke) air was c learning with good visibility. Majority of visitors were wearing masks and all were practicing social distancing. Employees interacted with were friendly and helpful. Views were limited by the smoke to Olympic Park features.
Beautiful spot to stop by on a tour through Olympic. On the trails right next to the visitors center we saw a large family of deer munching in the meadows, and also a marmot relatively close to the trail. Wonderful views of the surrounding mountain tops, and the hikes will take you through meadows of wildflowers if you visit in July.
Great visitor center for hurricane ridge where you can pick up trail maps and other useful info as well as Olympic National Park gear (shirts, hats, mugs, all the works). Additionally, theres a great vista from the patio with views of nearly the whole park.
Went to Hurricane Ridge Visitors Center mid week early Aug. Took 1 hour to get to and through the gate because of 1 in - 1 out. The parking lot has construction vehicles parked on it taking up about half the parking spots. Redoing the sewer system. Only 2 spots available for small RV vehicles. Mens bathroom has 2 urinal closed, all stalls open and benches blocking fire exits. Only a a few rangers on duty. Several trail heads closed due to relocating invasive goats. Partly cloudy day made for some fantastic pictures. Beautiful mountains!!
This is both a very nice area and a very nice visitor center. The center is very large and has plenty of things to do or see. You can walk around the entirety of the building and get countless good views. In front of the visitor center (across the parking lot) there are plenty of small hiking trails that usually have wildlife around them. I’ve seen plenty of deer, ground squirrels, and marmots. Very nice place (especially when it isn’t overcast).
Beautiful located with lots of short hikes (and long ones)
Wasn’t opened at nine like posted. Overpriced and did not have original lapel puns or passport stickers. Staff was friendly.
Bundle up! So much snow up there right now that Grandson was sledding for HOURS. He loved the childrens sled area (and so did I).Really appreciate the visitors center and the fact they had extra thick socks and gloves up there (in addition to a rental area with snow shoes, etc.). It was not planned so it worked out well that we could get him what he needed up there!
Nice views for a family or limited access experience. Great novice walking paths and easy drive up. Worth the views of British Columbia and alpine ecosystem.
Took a trip to the hurricane ridge in Sept 2020 - Covid times - looks like a busy place. We saw a lot of backpackers around here, starting their hike after parking their car.The view point gives you a great visual of the ridge and you can take a beverage from the visitor center and sip on it while you enjoy the view.
Great scene! You could drive few more minutes to a trail head!
Its really special when you get a beautiful clear day up here at the Hurricane Ridge Visitors Center, even during construction and covid-19. The parking is limited right now, so they are restricting entrance to the park to a one car out, one car in policy. That means a long wait at the ranger station. But damn, its worth the wait! If you dont like waiting in line try coming up early or late in the day. You could wait over an hour midday.
Breath taking views even with the partial cloud cover, it was definitely worth the drive. Apparently it can be windy and bitterly cold. I would definitely bring a jacket any time you visit.
My heart sings with joy, no matter the weather here. Deer will walk by you, but be wary, there are dangerous wild animals afoot. Highly recommend getting an annual pass as a day pass is 30 bucks. On a clear day, I swear, the view goes on forever.
Packed with people. Long wait times to get in the park here. Understandably limited services due to COVID (one stall/bathroom after 5pm. One ranger to answer 50k people questions, one at a time.) Major construction also happening right now. While it spreads COVID to be packed in like sardines - it saves the rare, unique alpine meadows where plants are lost at super high rates due to folks stepping off trail.
1st time. Wonderful view. Most people wearing their mask but not all of them
Make sure you go early or you’ll be waiting in a long line. The visitor center is really cool and easy to get to. Large gift shop with lots of variety and knowledgeable staff.
Stunning vistas within a short walking distance. The little visitor center and shop are cute. It was a bit crowded when we went but we saw plenty of wildlife. Make sure you bring a jacket especially if you are sensitive to the cold, the temperature at the top is quite a bit lower than the entrance to the park.
If I had to think of once place to show good friends visiting from out of town. It would have to be there view from hurricane ridge. Its just so breathtaking and awe-inspiring. Youll for sure never regret the day you drop up that 6mil twisty road. Lots of places to hike and some very easy but very rewarding places to walk to.
Beautiful views!! Would check the weather before to make sure it isn’t cloudy. Also they are doing construction on the parking lot so would get there early. They restrict the entry so was a 50+ car wait at the visitor centre when we left last weekend.
Beautiful day for a visit to Hurricane Ridge. People practicing social distancing and wearing masks every where we hiked. Expect delays to enter at the main entrance as National Park Enforcement Services try to maintain healthy crowds within the area. Worth the wait to explore the beauty at the top of the Park.
Spectacular place but be ready to pay for $30 car entry. Good for a week at any WA. All facilities are excellent and well worth spending a day touring. Hiking trails range from mild to wild.
Great scenery. Scenic drive to the top with lots of viewpoints. Worth the trip. Deer are usually grazing at the top.
Rangers are thre to answer questions. The views are spectacular! Some easy paced trails to walk/hike for even more views.
Gorgeous views of the Olympic mountains. The park rangers are very friendly and helpful. Saw lots of wildlife. Highly recommend as a travel destination for the day of longer.
Pretty amazing view. expect a 2hr wait though on the weekends though. snack bar at visitor center is not so good...best to bring your own food. gift shop is small and not much to buy. go for the view.
So beautiful! Everyone should make the trip!
We should have come earlier so we had more time to explore...the trails are so nice and the view was just beautiful
PERFECT VIEWS! The center is on top of a hill and it overlooks the mountains. The view is indescribable but I’ll try anyway. The center has information on the mountain range and has a shop. There are tables to sit and relax or even eat lunch. while we were enjoying our meal there was a pair of deer and it was perfect for photos. The drive to the ridge is spectacular and it’s not very from port angles. This is one of my favorite places in the Olympic National Park!
Its like being at the top of the world. Ive always seen the Olympic from kent wa on clear days and thought it would be great to see them up close.
View is spectacular... And if u are lucky you would see around
Easy trails for all ages! Overlooked hundreds of mountains and all the park rangers are super friendly and helpful! Thanks everyone for keeping the parks clean and green.
Majestic views. Visitor center with gift shop. Access to hiking trails. TIP: Bring a picnic and enjoying the views.
Great views and photo opportunities. Gift shop downstairs and tables upstairs if you want to take a break and grab a bite to eat. several short and easy trails to explore. Lots of people but you wont notice once youre out and about but the parking area isnt very big.
Perhaps one of my most favorite and cherished mountain visitor centers, Hurricane Ridge is a feast for the eyes and an equalizer for the senses. It has a way about it that both humbles and inspires — humbled by the sheer size and majesty of the Hurricane Ridge, but inspired by its beauty to create, to savor our world, and to protect this pale blue dot that we inhabit.The visitor’s center itself has all the basic amenities — gift shop, snacks, restrooms, and plenty of tourists. Do yourself a huge favor and get off the pavement to the more beaten paths and trails and explore this wondrous gem in the Pacific Northwest.
WA native who had never been to Hurricane Ridge. Breathtaking.
There are absolutely gorgeous views of mountains from hurricane ridge. Parking is plenty and visitor center at hurricane ridge is located 18 miles from town of Port Angeles and you can check views at Olympic NP Visitor center in the town before starting the drive. There is road work going on so expect an hr to reach hurricane ridge, information can be found from Olympic NP visitor center. There are 3 hikes- 2 smaller loops and 1 is 3.8 miles one way, views don’t change much and any hike can provide great views. Snack bar on top doesn’t have any vegan options.
The trails are fun and so beautiful.
Beautiful spot. Amazing views! Must be experienced! Sad to see pictures showing the glacial retreat, but improtant for the public to see, first hand, that it is happening. Nice short trails to fabulous vistas, or longer trails for peak capping. All around an amazing experience that I highly recommend!
These parks are what makes America truly great!
Love hurricane ridge. So beautiful. Probably one of my favorites places to visit. Annual pass is 80 dollars for all national parks and this park alone is 30 dollars so we got the annual pass. We have gone to this 2x already and looking forward to coming back to see all the seasons. We saw lots of deer and marmots which is only available in the Olympic national park area, no where else. They are in the squirrel family but they look like a mole. Anyhow, its a great place for kids or handicap bc u dont need to hike to get this view. Drive up and you see this. Amazing.
Great views with a small gift shop. There is food as well and a bathroom. Quite a long drive once you are on Hurricane Ridge road so make sure you dont have to pee!
So easy to get to and so worth the short drive! Its a national park, so entry is $30 per carload. Might as well get the annual pass for $80. Pro tip: Get there early and avoid fighting for the limited parking. Bring a lunch and eat at the outdoor picnic tables, rather than the pricey snack bar inside. Visitors center has a lot to offer, one of the best national park gift shops Ive ever seen, a neat 3D relief model of the Olympic peninsula, easy access reference plates to identify area plants and flowers. Dont forget to get your national park passport stamped.
Beautiful views
Beautiful views and well worth the drive. The VC has fairly clean restrooms, a little shop and small food offerings. A lot of people brought picnic baskets and set up camp on the numerous tables outside. We had to wait in line at the gate, because we were told the parking lot was full. But when we reached the top there was enough parking open to park without a problem. It was worth the wait for the beautiful views!
This place is very special. My sister brought me here, and we had a great time with the jaybird. These camp robbers were relentless in their pursuit of food. I loved every minute of it. We wanted to be there at sunrise but got there right after so no too much traffic or people so it was a great day to enjoy and take in Gods creation.
Amazing views if you’re lucky enough to go on a clear day! Make sure you get up there early enough to rent snowshoes. They require them to be returned at 3:30 and unfortunately we didn’t get there until 3. We did just fine with our yaktrax though! Awesome hike.
I only wish it was a little clearer the day we visited so that we could better make out the amazing peaks that reside in this park. It was not too crowded when we visited, had a nice visitors center, and lots of trails around to get a variety of different viewing angles of from the ridge. Be prepared to be patient as there is a lot of road construction getting into this side of the park.
Awesome views and nice food! Although it required a 30 minute wait due to a full parking lot, the trip was well worth it. Plenty of room to walk around and enjoy the view of the Olympic Mountains right next to the Visitor Center. Several ranger guided tours were announced while we enjoyed our lunch. Oh yes, there was actually pretty good food there which pleasantly surprised us! Be patient if there is a wait on the way - you would not be disappointed! And you may see some wild life right by the road (like the family of deers we saw)
To say this place is windy is a major understatement! It was a lot of fun to drive up there. Theres a lot of pull outs to take pictures but it is seriously windy. Ive never felt like my phone was going to be pulled out of my hand like I have at this place and the doors only allow you to exit and not return in because of the wind so be careful about that. It was beautiful early in the morning and the place is filled up by 8 a.m.
Absolutely stunning views! Great views of the mountain range and Canada
Magnificent views. Go early and enjoy!
The visitor center at Hurricane Ridge is great. It is often very windy and you can go inside and check out the gift shop, exhibits or get a bite to eat or something warm to drink. You can walk on the trails nearby which are good for all levels of ability and see a lot on both sides.
Wonderful views! Informative Ranger, stationed inside. Hands on learning center and a movie, playing in a darkened room with bench seating.Cafeteria and gift shop downstairs. Indoor and outdoor seating.Handicap parking and restroom access.Deer, marmot and Chipmunks can be seen on the grassy areas and even the walk ways. Most are use to humans so they dont run from you. Great photo ops!
Easy drive to get fantastic views of the Olympics and Mount Olympus. Lots of wildlife and easy walking trails. Go early or mid-week for less crowds.
It’s OK place, not the best scenic drive or best viewing place. It can’t beat Jungfrau, Swiss or Whistler, Canada. It was a bit of a waste of time to go all the way up to the winding road in my opinion.
We a nice hike. Path is under construction. It will be great when it finished. The weather was almost perfect. Not too crowded. View is amazing. Was cloudy when we got to the top, so I want able to see the anything. Someday, Ill go back when its clear skies.
Absolutely cannot beat the view of this visitors center! Located about a 30 minute drive from Port Angeles, this visitors center is unmatched for accessibility and breathtaking mountain views. On a clear day, you can catch a glimpse of Mt. Olymous rising above the other peaks. But even with the fog and clouds the views of Carrie Glacier and Steeple Rock are incredible. The building itself is very nice with public restrooms, a ranger/information desk, gift shop, and cafe. From the outside there is access to several trails, most of of which are ADA accessible and paved. Hurricane Ridge is also a convenient starting point for other trails like Obstruction Point and Wolf Creek which are located not too far from the center itself. Definitely worth the visit if you are spending time in the park.
Please visit it in December first week when its cloudy/snowing. Of course carry your tire chains, we dint have to put it on. It was Heavenly!! We drove through the clouds ( dont worry its not as scary as it sounds!) And the view throughout was mind blowing!!! I have been there in April, and October as well, but nothing can beat this. You will see the mountains coming out of the clouds. Checkout the pics, if u dont believe me :)
They are operating during COVIDTHEY ARE VERY HELPFULthe trails are openThe views are breathtaking
One of the best Drives and views you will ever see. Worth the quick hike to the top of the ridge for a 360 degree view.
Hands down one of the most beautiful places in WA and the visitor center has tons of great information on hikes, guided trail walks, even start gazing events in the summer. Go early to avoid long lines at the entrance
One of the best views out there around Olympic National Park. An absolute scenic panoramic view of the mountain range. The drive up to the top is beautiful as well and if youre lucky you can get a glimpse of Olympic wildlife.
Beautiful alpine 360 views from top. Lots of deer.
This is another breathtaking view of the mountains. Absolutely must visit if your going to the Olympic national park. The drive is totally worth it once you get there. We missed the sunset, so if you can get there for the sunset it would an icing on your trip
Beautiful views! Even in April. Quick drive up. Will be back!
The trail was unfortunately closed off, but the visitor center and trail across was beautiful. The trail is a walk perpendicular from the parking lot. You can pretty much see Canada. It was completely silent when I went and wonderful.
Great drive up and fantastic views all around. It really opens your heart and soul and your lungs.
Beautiful view at the top, especially if you biked all the way there.
Amazing visitor center. There is a couple of guided ranger tours, if you have time do it it was very informative. A must if visiting Olympic National Park
The visitor center folks were helpful in picking out a trail. The views are great! The hike up was steep for some, but didnt phase me. The hike that goes up is undergoing repair and will be closed some days. Also, the road up the mountain is being resurfaced and there can be a wait time.
Just beautiful. Plenty of hiking trails. GREAT views and a must visit if youre in the Port Angeles area.Usually plenty of parking. There is parking past the visitor center. The park service does post information on parking availability if busy at the entrance of the park so you can decide before making the drive up
Incredible view and awesome trails with a short mountain drive through the forest, what more could you want?You will need a park pass. Ours cost $30 for the week.
Such a beautiful place. Loved the hikes and being above the clouds. Would love to come back in the winter or early spring.
Great view, nice amenities. You are able to log in to a real-time camera before you make the drive up to see the weather conditions. I was most impressed with the support staff gave me over the phone- not only did they know that the road was backed up with potential visitors, but they gave me a better time to come and other information on top of that. Very helpful and made our trip that much more enjoyable.
Breathtaking views all around. We came here on the last day of ourv3 week roadtrip. Wow! The Olympic Mountain Range on one side & on the other was Victoria, BC. Lots of fabulous viewpoints on the drive up too. Make sure you go on a sunny day to enjoy the views.