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Whether you’re an expert or a first-timer, Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park is one of the most spectacular places to snowshoe in Washington state—and on clear days you’ll be treated to bird’s-eye views of Mount Olympus in all her winter splendor. Beginners can wander the lower-level ridge lines and meadows, while more advanced—or ambitious—snowshoers can go for Hurricane Hill.
One thing to note, the road to access this trailhead is closed during the week in winter. Visit Olympic National Park's website to get more information on whether the Hurricane Ridge Road is open.
From the visitor center, start westward on fairly level grade, following the ridgeline. You’ll pass through winter-coated forest and have nice views of the valleys below. At 1.5 miles the “road” comes to an end in a broad meadow. This makes a good turnaround point for beginners.
Extend Your Route: To tackle Hurricane Hill, continue west up the ridgeline, past two avalanche chutes, to the top. From the summit, take in 360-degree views of the Olympic Range, Puget Sound, Mount Baker, Glacier Peak, and the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
WTA Pro Tip: During high traffic periods like holiday breaks or New Years, call ahead and ask about wait times. Parking is limited due to snow coverage (not all lots remain open) and there can be 1-3 hour wait at times.
Trailhead
