Hurricane Ridge Grand Winter Opening - Dec. 17, 2010
“Contributions from communities, organizations and individuals across the North Olympic Peninsula provided the additional funding necessary to hire the eight new staff needed to keep the Hurricane Ridge Road open seven days a week this winter,” said Karen Gustin, Olympic National Park Superintendent. “Our new employees will complete their training over the next two weeks, getting ready for daily access to the Ridge beginning on December 17.”
To celebrate the new seven day a week schedule, and the community-park collaboration that is making it possible, the public is invited to a Grand Winter Opening celebration at Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center at noon on Friday, December 17.
“We hope the public will join us and our many partners in celebrating the beginning of winter on the Ridge,” said Gustin.
Details about the range of winter activities and services provided on Hurricane Ridge are outlined below.
Hurricane Ridge Road
Weather permitting, the Hurricane Ridge Road will be open daily 9 a.m. to dusk through the winter season, except for December 25, Christmas Day. For road and weather condition updates, call the park’s Road and Weather Hotline at (360) 565-3131 or visit the park’s website http://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/hurricane-ridge-current-conditions.htm
Hurricane Ridge Shuttle Van
All Points Charters and Tours will provide twice-daily van service from downtown Port Angeles to Hurricane Ridge Wednesday through Sunday, beginning on Friday, December 17.
Shuttle vans will depart from the Port Angeles Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center on Railroad Avenue at 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. and will pick up passengers at the Vern Burton Center at 9:05 a.m. and 1:05 p.m. before the 45-minute drive to Hurricane Ridge. Vans will depart Hurricane Ridge at approximately 11:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
Advance reservations are strongly recommended and can be made by calling All Points Charters and Tours at 360-565-1139 or 360-460-7131. Round trip tickets are $10 per person.
Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center The Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center will be open beginning on December 17. The information desk will be staffed daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., except when rangers are outdoors leading snowshoe walks or assisting visitors.
Snack Bar and Ski Shop The Hurricane Ridge snack bar and ski shop, with both ski and snowshoe rentals, will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Ranger-Led Snowshoe Walks Ranger-led snowshoe walks for individuals and families will be offered at 2:00 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Monday holidays from December 10 through March 27. The walks last 90 minutes and are less than one mile in length. Space on walks is limited, so people should register at the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center information desk 30 minutes before the scheduled walk.
Downhill Ski and Snowboard Area Weather permitting, the downhill ski and snowboard area will operate from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays from December 11 through March 27 (closed Christmas Day.) More information about the Hurricane Ridge downhill ski and snowboard area is available at www.hurricaneridge.com.
Tubing and Sliding Tubing and sliding are permitted only for children eight years of age and younger, at the Small Children’s Snowplay Area just west of the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center.
Overnight Wilderness Camping Overnight wilderness camping is permitted in the Hurricane Ridge area with advance registration. More information is available by calling the park’s Wilderness Information Center at 360-565-3100.
Avalanche Information Up-to-date information about weather and avalanche risk is available from the Northwest Avalanche Center on the web at www.nwac.us/ or by calling 206-526-6677. Anyone planning to venture beyond the maintained downhill ski area or the immediate Hurricane Ridge area should always check with the Northwest Avalanche Center or a ranger for current conditions.
For full details on the Hurricane Ridge winter schedule, view the Park's news release.
