Ridge Road
Open to: nonmotorized
Surface: forest roads
Rating: more difficult
Round trip: 3 miles
Skiing time: 2 hours
Elevation gain: 200 feet
High point: 5,200 feet
Best: January - mid-April
Avalanche potential: none
Map: Custom Correct Hurricane Ridge
Hilltop
Open to: nonmotorized
Surface: trails
Rating: backcountry
Round trip: 6 miles
Skiing time: 4 hours
Elevation gain: 760 feet
High point: 5,757 feet
Best: January - mid-April
Avalanche potential: moderate
Map: Custom Correct Hurricane Ridge
Description:
Don't expect to be alone amid the scenery that led the United Nations to designate Olympic National Park a World Heritage Park. In good weather, throngs of Nordic skiers swarm the unplowed road from Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center. Once the road ends, backcountry skiers continue cross country to the summit of Hurricane Hill for more views and glorious telemark descents of the steep bowls.
Access: From Port Angeles, drive 17 miles up the Hurricane Ridge road to Hurricane Ridge. Register your trip destination at the visitor center (5,200 feet).
The Tour:
Ridge Road: Ski west from the lodge, skirting the downhill ski area, following the route of the snow covered road. The road is easy to follow once it enters the trees and begins its descent along the ridge crest. At 1 mile the road levels, passes the picnic area, then climbs a bit to end at 1 1/2 miles.
Hilltop: An information board at the end of the road marks the turnaround point for skiers. Beyond here it is a difficult 1 1/2-mile climb to the crest of Hurricane Hill, and competence in telemarking and backcountry travel is essential. Also, skiers need to keep an eye on the weather, which can change from balmy sunshine to a blinding blizzard in a very short time. Be prepared for a quick retreat.
Part of the way is on a very narrow ridge with a knife edge crest. Stay atop the ridge and climb over a small knoll rather than trying to traverse its very steep and dangerous sides. Ski down the far side of the knoll, wary of cornices on the north (right), then go around a second knoll to the foot of Hurricane Hill.
A rock outcrop amid stunted, wind blasted trees marks the 5,757 foot summit. Gaze over Port Angeles, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Victoria, Vancouver Island Mountains, the British Columbia Coast Range, and, of course, Mount Baker. Reach for another sandwich and turn to gaze over the Elwha Valley and Bailey Range to Olympus.
Copyright © 2002 Mountaineers Books
