Hurricane Hill, Hurricane Hill Trailhead, Olympic National Park, Washington
Hurricane Hill - 3.2 miles
Hurricane Hill Trailhead
| Round-Trip Length: | 3.2 miles |
| Start-End Elevation: | 5,105' - 5,757' (5,757' max elevation @ top of Hurricane Hill) |
| Elevation Change: | +652' net elevation gain (+668' total roundtrip elevation gain) |
| Skill Level: | Moderate |
| Dogs Allowed: | No |
| Bikes Allowed: | No |
| Horses Allowed: | No |
| Related Trails: |
Hurricane Hill - 3.2 Miles Round-Trip
Hurricane Hill (5,757') is a short but steep hike with stunning panoramas across Olympic National Park. The Hurricane Hill Trail follows a short segment of the Pacific Northwest Trail across alpine meadows and ridges to a spur for the summit.
The trailhead is located one mile past the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center in a high expanse named for its susceptibility to hurricane-force winds.
The trail begins near treeline on a paved path lined by windswept fir and white pine trees. Adjacent meadows support a diverse collection of wildflowers and attract deer, goats and the occasional bear. Views across the Olympic Mountains are unending and improve with each step.
Grades steepen through treeline with emerging views of the Cascades and Puget Sound (.5 miles : 5,110'). The trail briefly levels out at the base of Hurricane Hill's glaciated cirque (1.0 miles : 5,365'), where switchbacks resume on a steep push to the top of Hurricane Hill (1.6 miles : 5,757').
Panoramic views include Vancouver Island, the Cascades, downtown Seattle, Mount Rainier and an endless line of peaks and valleys in the Olympic Mountains.
Hurricane Ridge is one of (if not the) most visited destinations in Olympic National Park. Expect congestion, especially on summer weekends. Arrive early to secure parking and avoid crowds.
Interactive GPS Topo Map
Key GPS Coordinates - DATUM WGS84
- N47 58.600 W123 31.052 — 0.0 miles: Hurricane Hill Trailhead
- N47 58.906 W123 31.438 — 0.5 miles: Trail begins steep climb
- N47 59.186 W123 31.837 — 1.0 miles: Final push to summit
- N47 59.395 W123 31.726 — 1.6 miles: Hurricane Hill summit (5,750')
Worth Noting
- Keep an eye out for mountain goat, Olympic marmot and black tailed deer - all of which frequent the Hurricane Hill area. Bears are also spotted from time to time in alpine meadows around Hurricane Hill.
- Rangers lead guided snowshoe walks on winter weekends - call to learn more.
Camping and Backpacking Information
The nearest campground is the Heart O The Hills Campground located 12 miles north of Hurricane Ridge. There are 105 campsites at the Heart O The Hills Campground and it is open year-round.
Fishing Information
There is no fishing available at Hurricane Hill.
Rules and Regulations
- There's a $25 fee to enter Olympic National Park ($50 annual pass).
- Pets are not permitted on trails in Olympic National Park, including Hurricane Hill. Pets are permitted in campgrounds and must be leashed at all times.
- Obey speed limits on Hurricane Ridge Road - the road is windy with many blind curves and drop-offs. Pay attention and drive safely.
Directions to Trailhead
From Port Angeles: Take Race Street south from the Olympic National Park Wilderness Information Center (WIC) in Port Angeles and bear right onto Hurricane Ridge Road.
Take Hurrican Ridge Road 17.5 miles to the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center - then continue 1 mile past the Visitor Center to the Hurricane Hill Trailhead and Parking Area. The trail leaves from the main Hurricane Hill parking area and there are two additional overflow parking lots.
Hurricane Ridge Road is road is open throughout summer. During the winter season, the road is scheduled to be open from 9:00 a.m. until dusk, Friday through Sunday, holiday Mondays, and additional days during the Christmas holiday, weather and road conditions permitting. All vehicles must carry tire chains during the winter. Always check road conditions in advance.
Contact Information
Olympic National Park
600 East Park Avenue
Port Angeles, WA 98362-6798
Visitor Information: 360.565.3130
Road & Weather Hotline: 360.565.3131
Wilderness Information Center and Backcountry Permit Office (WIC)
360.565.3100
Hoh Rainforest Visitor Center
360.374.6925
Forks Information Station
360.374.7566 or 360.374.5877
Quinault Wilderness Information Office
360.288.0232
Follow ProTrails®