We’d heard a lot about Hurricane Ridge in the Olympic National Park. Waking up to clear skies this morning, we knew this was the day to make the trip. It exceeded our expectations.
Hurricane Ridge is so named because of the heavy winds, but on a beautiful summer day like today, there was little more than a stiff breeze. The trip to Hurricane Ridge in itself is beautiful: a ferry ride, a drive along the coast of the peninsula, and some stunning views as you ascend toward the ridge. However, as you round a final corner into the ridge’s parking lot, it is clear why you’ve spent all the time in the car. I pasted together five pictures above to create a panoramic, and unfortunately, it doesn’t begin to do it justice. Before you lies a stunning array of rocky peaks, glacier ice, and evergreen carpeted valleys.

There are also a few short little trails right around the visitor center which take you through the wildflowers and wild life. If nothing else, make you way to the overlook from which you can see across the Strait of Juan de Fuca to Victoria, BC.
To get to Hurricane Ridge, take the ferry from Edmonds to Kingston. Follow 104 out of Kingston to 101. Take 101 into Port Angeles and look for the signs directing you to Hurricane Ridge. It will take you about two hours once you get off the ferry…depending on traffic, of course. Not including gas expect to spend upwards of $50 for ferry fares and entrance to Olympic National Park. It’s worth every penny.