Olympic National Park WA

Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center

OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK

On Washington State's Olympic peninsula, is one of the most dramatic and pristine wilderness areas in the national park system.   Although it is one park, it has several unique zones that seem completely different from each other.   Alpine, sub-alpine, and even a rain forest.

If you are an avid hiker you could easily spend weeks exploring the scenic trails throughout the park, however, most people are limited to only a week or perhaps just a weekend to explore this very special corner of Western Washington.

One of the most popular places to begin exploring the Olympic National Park is from Port Angeles on the park's northern side.    Visitors can take in the unspoiled wilderness and magnificent vistas during the day and retreat to their comfortable hotel room down by the water's edge.   Port Angeles has a wide range of accommodations available to fit any budget.   From simple roadside motel to luxury properties with golf course and fine dining.       Port Angeles is also the Olympic peninsula's gateway to Victoria British Columbia, with both auto and passenger ferries departing daily.

 

The Road To Hurricane Ridge Has A Number Of Interesting Tunnels Along The WayRoad To Hurricane Ridge

The road to the Hurricane Ridge visitor center begins right in the middle of Port Angeles and is well marked.

Just a short ways up into the park you encounter a pay station staffed with several attendants.  Entrance to the park is $ 15.00 per car for a one week pass.   Unfortunately, the fee is also $ 15.00  even if you're only there for the day but what are you going to do?  You might be tempted to calculate in your mind the savings of having only half as many personnel but don't bother.

You may be tempted to use all of the turnouts along the way to take in the magnificent views, however, you may want to consider visiting the viewpoints  on your way back down the mountain because the road is a series of blind curves and all of the vista viewpoints are on the left side of the roadway.  

Olympic National Park -Scenic Viewpoint

 
Parking Area At Hurrican Ridge Visitor Center
LARGE MODEL MAP OF OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK PENNINSULA

Patos Island LighthouseLink To Orcas Island WAPORT ANGELES IS THE GATEWAY TO THE OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK

When visiting Victoria British Columbia it isn't necessary to have a car. Most attractions are centered around the inner harbor and there are convenient tour busses to Buchart Gardens and other local attractions. Consider leaving your car in Port Angeles and take a passenger ferry across-- don't forget your passport.

  Hurricane Ridge Viewpoint - Looking across the strait of Juan De Fuca You Can See Victoria British Columbia
Washington State Ferry System Guide At Bellinghamster.com Visit Bellingham's Historic Fairhaven District At Bellinghamster.com Port Angeles Washington Visitor Guide Skagit County Tulip Festival Photos & Information