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Building 36, originally uploaded by sanyam.

Olympic Mountains, originally uploaded by sanyam.

Hurricane Ridge is a mountainous area in Washington’s Olympic National Park. It can be accessed by road from Port Angeles and is open to hiking, skiing, and snowboarding.

At an elevation of about 5,200 feet, Hurricane Ridge is a year-round destination. In summer, visitors come for views of the Olympic Mountains, as well as for superb hiking. During the winter months the small, family oriented Hurricane Ridge Ski and Snowboard Area offers lift-serviced downhill skiing and snowboarding.

Hurricane Ridge is named for its intense gales and winds. The weather in the Olympic Mountains is unpredictable, and visitors should be prepared for snow at any time of year.

Location
Hurricane Ridge Ski and Snowboard Area is located in the Olympic National Park, 17 miles south of Port Angeles, Washington, one of only three remaining lift operations in the National Parks. Rising a mile high, Hurricane Ridge offers winter recreation and activities and features winter vistas unmatched anywhere in the Pacific Northwest. It is a small, family oriented ski area, offering to residents and visitors alike a quality winter sports experience, without the high cost or congestion of most ski areas. The Ridge boasts some groomed areas, but for the accomplished skier or snowboarder the steeps, bowls and glades are well worth the effort it takes to get there. With a summit elevation of 5,240 feet, the average annual snowfall is 400-plus inches.

Directions
From Seattle, follow Highway 101 into Port Angeles, turning south onto Race Street, watch for the sign, and make a slight right onto the Hurricane Ridge Parkway. The National Park charges an entrance fee, $15 per car, or purchase a yearly pass for $30. The road generally opens to uphill traffic at 9am and closes to uphill traffic at 4pm.