This route covers 5.1km return.It involves around 213m of cumulative elevation gain.
The route reaches roughly 1,754m at its highest point.
Technically, the Hurricane Hill (Hurricane Ridge) standard trail is non-technical. The walk is generally straightforward, with varying conditions depending on the immediate environment.
Overview
Technical Summary
Hurricane Hill is the most popular day hike in the Hurricane Ridge area of Olympic National Park, offering one of the highest effort-to-reward ratios in the state. Because the winding access road does the heavy lifting, delivering visitors to an elevation of over 5,000 feet, this relatively brief hike transports you instantly into the high alpine.
The Ocean and Ice Contrast. The 'X-Factor' is the wildly contrasting views. From the exact same spot on the summit, you can look one way and see a treacherous, icy, forbidding mountain range (Mt. Olympus), and then turn your head and look down at freighters and cruise ships sailing the ocean inlet toward the Pacific.
Hazard Assessment
It is called 'Hurricane' Ridge for a reason. Wind gusts at the summit can be sustained, dangerously cold, and capable of knocking over small children.
Deer and marmots here are habituated to humans. Mountain goats (though mostly relocated) can be territorial.
Route Summary
This is a scenic and highly accessible route.Check the local forecast and plan your schedule to allow ample time to enjoy the views.
Stage Breakdowns
The Ridge Walk
Leaving the trailhead at the end of the road, walking the paved incline through the subalpine meadows.
Summit Panorama
Reaching the end of the trail, exploring the viewpoints overlooking the Strait and the interior mountains, and returning.
Route
Geometry
Topographical Data & Reference Points
- Route Typehiking
- Highest Pointpeak elevation on route1754m
- Lowest Pointvalley floor elevation1541m
- GPS Location47.9866°N 123.5152°W
Technical Profile
Vertical Ascent Profile
An easy but steady, continuous climb. The trail is paved for the first half, transitioning to a wide dirt path. It is entirely exposed to the sky with zero shade.
Terrain Characteristics
The Hurricane Hill (Hurricane Ridge) is primarily non-technical (Class 1), with optional technical variants. It is classified as Moderate terrain based on cumulative vert and exposure.
The physical demand is defined by the 5.1km distance and local environmental conditions rather than vertical gain.
Data referenced from regional park authority sources and topographic surveys.
Technical
Matrix Profile
The HikeMetrics Global Matrix provides an objective, multi-dimensional assessment of technical difficulty, exposure risk, and environmental load.
Risk Summary
Professional evaluation of route mechanics and environmental stress factors. Recommended for participants within specified technical scope.
This profile uses the HikeMetrics v1.0 risk matrix, prioritizing environmental stress and movement complexity over simple elevation metrics.
Technical Specs
Access & Logistics
Regulations
No hiking permit required for this day trip.
Seasonality
Summer offers wildflowers and clear views. In the winter, the road is only open Friday-Sunday (weather permitting), chains are often required to drive up, and the area becomes a popular destination for snowshoeing. Regulations change; verify with the official park or local authority before departure.
Safety Index
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Cross-Reference Analysis
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Next Operational Phase
Get Field Ready
Logistics & Permits
Verify all permit requirements and regional park access rules. High-season routes often require advance coordination for logistics.
View Requirements Protocol 02Field Preparation
Ensure equipment matches the technical demands of the specific terrain. Check current trail reports and humidity/wind variables.
View LoadoutExplore Similar Journeys
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Direct Comparison
Compare with Lake Agnes Tea House
Compare terrain metrics, intensity scores, and physical demands side-by-side.
Core Concepts
Comparable Technical Routes
Topic grouping based on geography, physical exertion profile, and technical movement typology.
Route Questions
Is the trail wheelchair accessible?
The first 0.5 miles are paved and technically accessible, but the grade is quite steep and requires a strong assistant. After the paving ends, it is a dirt trail.
Do permit rules stay constant year-round?
Not always. Permit and guide requirements can change by season and region. Verify the latest rules with the official park office or local authority before departure.
What is the safest start-time strategy?
Start early and plan to clear exposed sections before midday. This reduces heat, storm, and visibility risk on most mountain routes.
How much water capacity is usually needed?
For exposed hiking days, carrying 2-3 liters is common. Increase capacity when refill reliability is low or temperatures are high.
Is mobile signal reliable on route?
Coverage is often patchy outside towns and major valleys. Treat phones as secondary tools and carry offline navigation resources.
Dossier Verification & Sync
Data points indexed in this dossier are cross-referenced against authoritative land management records and regional mapping. HikeMetrics maintains independent verification protocols for all primary route geometry.