By Pepper Fisher

PORT ANGELES – It wasn’t easy, but after a year full of challenges, Olympic National Park officials announced Wednesday that Hurricane Ridge Road and recreation area will open for a full winter season on the day after Thanksgiving.

A lot of work has gone into making this happen since the Day Lodge burned down in May. Work crews have installed a restroom trailer and visitor contact station and connected them to utilities. Park officials say by opening day, crews will have completed utility trenching and the demolition and removal of the Hurricane Ridge Day Lodge debris.

Here’s how it’s going to work. Weather permitting, Hurricane Ridge Road is scheduled to be open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through March 31. It will be closed Christmas Day, which is a Monday, but they’ll open it up on Tuesday, December 26 through January 1.

The contact station will be staffed intermittently Fridays through Sundays. Visitors should be prepared to use their vehicles as a warming area and pack extra food, water, dry clothing, and blankets or sleeping bags. There will be restrooms, but no indoor warming area, food service, potable water, or gear rentals available.

Hurricane Ridge Road will open at 9:00 am, weather permitting. The road will close to uphill traffic at 4:00 pm and all vehicles must exit the Heart O’ the Hills entrance station by 5:00 pm.

The folks with the Hurricane Ridge Ski and Snowboard Area announced on Wednesday they will begin operations on Sunday, December 3.

Winter storms can close or delay the opening of Hurricane Ridge Road; strong winds and sudden blizzard conditions are not uncommon. Road and weather updates will be available on the Road & Weather line – (360) 565-3131 – and the park’s website on nps.gov.

(Photo courtesy of Hurricane Ridge Ski and Snowboard Area’s Facebook page)