PORT ANGELES – Olympic National Park officials announced Tuesday that Hurricane Ridge winter operations will begin this coming Friday, November 29. Weather permitting, the road is scheduled to be open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through March 30. The area will also open for a maximized holiday schedule: December 20-January 5 (Except closed on Christmas Day), January 17-20, and February 14-17.

The restroom trailers and visitor contact station that were installed in 2023 will continue to serve winter visitors. This winter’s La Niña pattern is expected to bring tougher conditions than the mild winter of 2023-2024.

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 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.

Hurricane Ridge Road closes temporarily when the parking lot is full. Additional vehicles will be admitted as space becomes available.

All vehicles, including those with four-wheel drive, are required to carry tire chains when traveling above the Heart O’ the Hills entrance station during the winter season.

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

(Above photo shows plenty of snow at Hurricane Ridge on Tuesday, November 26)