These tall, dead, silver-colored, barkless trees were left standing to weather away. Visitor tip: purchase lunch and snack items from the deli in the visitor center gift shop and soak in the breathtaking views of the Olympic mountain range on the outdoor patio. Gods gift. Hurricane Ridge is the most easily accessed mountain area within Olympic National Park. During the spring, wildflowers cover the ground of the subalpine meadows and blacktail deer are often spotted grazing. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. Hurricane Ridge has a number of hiking trails, from ridgetop traverses to steep trails that descend to subalpine lakes and valleys. more information on current conditions Read park rangers' top ten tips for visiting Hurricane Ridge this winter, Visit our keyboard shortcuts docs for details, Hurricane Ridge Mountain View Caf, Gift Shop & Rental Shop. WA (Operated by Aramark, an authorized concessioner), The Mountain View Caf, Gift Shop & Rental Shop on the lower level of the Visitor Center will open for the 2022-2023 winter season on December 9, 2022, and will have the same hours as the Visitor Center, described above. The snow impeded the view for the most part. A gift shop, restaurant (not open currently bc of Covid) and restrooms. Bathrooms and a small Cafe are here as well as a gift shop. Hurricane Ridge Road:During the winter season, Hurricane Ridge Road is open to uphill traffic. Temporary facilities will serve visitors to Hurricane Ridge during this closure. Ranger-led snowshoe walks begin at the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center on Saturdays from January 7 to March 25 at 1:30 pm. Sol Duc Road is closed due to snow. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Sunrise and sunset on a clear day provide magnificent panoramic views of the park. Just dont. Didn't know if we'd make it to the top before dark because the roads were icing up. Port Angeles After two more miles and an additional 720 feet of elevation gain, the geology becomes interesting. When you approach the top-on a clear day you can see for miles and it is gorgeous. See the weather for yourself at Hurricane Ridge! For more information, visit the Pillow LavaHeart O the Hills Road, Olympic National Park page on the Northwest Geology Field Trips website. Consult a trail map for more challenging hikes and backpacking routes. Between these islands of conifers exists ever-widening expanses of open meadow. Powered by WordPress and Sliding Door theme. We provide tools and tips to discover new adventures through a one-stop shop for inspiration and ideation, trip planning . Participants should prepare for cold, snow, wind, or even rain. 600 E. Park Avenue Walks last 1.5 hours and cover less than a mile. See map below. However, the road can open as early as 8 am or as late as 12 pm depending on road conditions. Snow melts high on the ridges and mountains, the water seeps into the groundwhich is composed of loosely compacted rock debrisand follows the laws of physics as it is transported underground. Severe weather, icy or snowy roads, changing snow conditions, and winter rains can quickly alter any winter trip. Easy paved trail crosses open meadows with views of the Olympics. . The dimensions of the flag of the municipality shall be those of the national flag. Exceptions: Closed December 24 and 25; open daily December 26 to January 2; open holiday Mondays January 16 and February 20. There are two options to get to Hurricane Ridge in winter: one is to drive yourself and the second is to take the Hurricane Ridge Winter Shuttle, which departs from Port Angeles Wharf. From September 16 to October 21, 2022, Hurricane Ridge Road will be closed to vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists while critical road repairs are underway. 10. Dismiss View all alerts NPS.gov Park Home Plan Your Visit Things To Do Winter Activities Hurricane Ridge in Winter That makes it nice if you are trying to avoid the summer crowds. Learn more about traveling in snowy areas and avalanche safety athttps://go.nps.gov/OlympicSnow. Highly recommend bringing a lunch and having a picnic there, its breathtaking and worth every penny and windy road! For more information about visiting the park this winter, please go to https://go.nps.gov/OlympicWinter22-23. As altitude is gained, fewer deciduous trees are present among the conifers and there are fewer Western Red Cedars. 4. Discover all that you can see and do in Olympic National Park! Its these wintery conditions that demand that vehicles traveling the road in the winter season carry tire chains. Lots of people at the visitor center checking out the great views of the valleys. This was our last day in the area before heading back to Seattle. The Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center is a great place to start. If youre visiting Hurricane Ridge in winter, you may have to wait in your car at the Heart O the Hills entrance station if the parking lot is full. Needless to say we thought 30 dollars was a little steep for a few hours visit so we turned around and left. Obstruction Point Road (weather and snow permitting, open from July 4 through October 15), branches off right before the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center, and provides access to a variety of trails as well. The mountains are spectacular with their white blankets silhouetted against the sky. A 17-mile drive from Port Angeles, at sea level, ends at the Ridge at ski level. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. The foyer and restroom are always open. Weather and snow permitting, the Downhill Ski, Snowboard, and Tubing Area is open weekends, 10 am to 4 pm and open holiday Mondays January 16 and February 20. Welcome to the Taquara google satellite map! It is open daily in the summer, and on Saturday/Sunday when the Hurricane Ridge Road is open during the remainder of the year. Amazing vistas with great photo ops. (It is the largest drainage in the Park and one of the largest ecosystem restoration projects in the country.) 98362, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. 600 E. Park Avenue Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. The Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center is open daily in the summer, and usually Friday through Sunday in the winter. Ranger-led snowshoe walks which are both fun and informative. Be prepared to use your vehicle as a warming area and pack extra food, water, and dry clothing. They were all extremely kind and helpful. At milepost 11, the road winds first to the left and then sharply to the right, just before it crosses a small bridge. We're introducing our newest way to experience the splendor of Hurricane Ridge - 360-degree virtual tours! When visiting Hurricane Ridge in winter, all vehicles, including four-wheel drive, must carry tire chains orapproved traction control deviceswhen traveling above the Heart O the Hills entrance station.Winter storms can close or delay opening of the Hurricane Ridge Road; high winds and blizzard conditions are not uncommon. Created by JayRay. There are several small trails you can hike to get better views. Learn more at https://go.nps.gov/hurricaneridge2022 Hurricane Ridge Webcam No matter the season, you can enjoy the amazing views and fresh air! There were nine feet of snow at the visitors center, but roads to get there were scraped and clear and we thoroughly enjoyed the views. Bring a blanket to stay cozy and a book or podcast to pass the time. Its a spectacular place in a magnificent setting and one can hardly say enough about it. Olympic National Park Visitor Center and Hurricane Ridge Road are closed Thanksgiving and Christmas. The Black Ball Transport four-wheel-drive shuttle bus will depart from Port Angeles Wharf at 8:30 am (load zone in front of Port Angeles Visitor Center) and return by 3:30 pm. Get inspired with tips about where to go and what to see on your national park vacation, delivered right to your inbox. It is a small lot but we were able to find a spot. Hurricane Ridge is named for its intense gales and winds. The Hurricane Ridge Day Lodge, pictured here, is a great place to begin a visit to Hurricane Ridge. Shaped as a double arc, the Crescent Formation roughly follows the Park Boundary from Mt. Hurricane Ridge Olympic National Park Gift T-Shirt $21.20 $16.96 ( Save 20%) Mountain Vista of Hurricane Ridge Postcard $1.35 $0.68 ( Save 50%) Vintage Olympic National Park Washington Souvenir Dart Board $75.25 $60.20 ( Save 20%) UNESCO - Olympic National Park - Hurricane Ridge Postcard $1.50 $0.75 ( Save 50%) Black Ball Transport and Olympic Hiking Co. look forward to working with Olympic National Park to have priority access through the entrance fee station. But, temporary road closings can happen at any time dependent on snowfall. Nearly all of the major peaks in the Park east of Mt Olympus are made of Pillow Basalt. Had I known that the other visitor centers had fewer selections of t-shirts, souvenirs, books, etc., I would have purchased more here. When that happens, the melt-out can be delayed by a month or more. Help preserve the meadows by staying on snow or designated trails. Cross-country skiing on Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park, www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/hurricane-hill-trail-project.htm, www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/current-road-conditions.htm, Park your RV on the Waterfront Next to Olympic National Park. The ski area is scheduled to operate on weekends, December 4, 2022, through March 26, 2023. Hurricane Ridge has many options for winter activities. Drive carefully, minding the speed limit; not just to avoid the enforcement rangers, but also the deer that think they own the road. On the drive up to the toll booth we did see a couple of deer lying down in a field. During the summer, the road is open 24 hours a day and nighttime is a perfect chance to stargaze from the Ridge. Nice trail up to the top. We came on Friday 7/30 and had amazing views. Looking south the sight is enhanced to the west by Mount Olympus (the highest summit in the Park at 7980 feet) and the Elwha river valley stretching to the south. Weather permitting, the Hurricane Ridge Winter Sports Club operates two rope tows and a Poma lift. Call 360-565-3131 for updates. When a storm event occurs, the road closes as a safety precaution for visitors and the road crew. Saw a baby dear on the way. The last day of summer operations at the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center will be September 15, 2022. A nice sized visitor center. On a long list of Olympic National Parks places not to be missed, Hurricane Ridge is at the top. Call 360-565-3131 for a 24- hour road and weather recording. After the drive up the hill or a long hike or bike ride, it's a welcome sight. Visit the Hurricane Ridge Ski and Snowboard Area website for additional information. Bring breakfast or dinner and make it a table for two with a world class view. The road is open throughout summer. , A favorite moderate hike that includes epic views of the Olympic Mountains along the way and ends with an aerial view of Port Angeles and the Strait of Juan de Fuca, is Hurricane Hill, a 3.2-mile roundtrip out and back trail. View all hotels near Hurricane Ridge Visitors Center on Tripadvisor, View all restaurants near Hurricane Ridge Visitors Center on Tripadvisor, View all attractions near Hurricane Ridge Visitors Center on Tripadvisor, Pet Friendly Hotels in Olympic National Park, Olympic National Park Pet Friendly Beach Hotels, Olympic National Park Pet Friendly Campgrounds, Hotels near Hurricane Ridge Visitors Center, Hotels near Seattle-Tacoma Intl Airport (SEA), Motels near Seattle-Tacoma Intl Airport (SEA), All things to do in Olympic National Park, Geologic Formations in Olympic National Park, Hot Springs & Geysers in Olympic National Park, Nature & Wildlife Areas in Olympic National Park, Hiking & Camping Tours in Olympic National Park, Scenic Walking Areas in Olympic National Park, Points of Interest & Landmarks in Olympic National Park, Olympic National Forest: Tickets & Tours, Fairholme Campground Loop: Tickets & Tours, Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Mexican History, Coffee Plantations and Waterfalls Tour from Puerto Escondido, Pamukkale and Hierapolis Full-day Guided Tour from Bodrum, The Golden Circle & Northern Lights Combo tour, Wadi Shees and Al Rafisah Dam Private Full-Day Tour, Paradise City Theme Park WonderBox Ticket in Incheon, Private Trabzon, Rize, and Artvin Butiqueu Tour, 88' Ferretti Boat Rental with Jacuzzi and Jet Ski in Miami. WA Snowshoes and instructions are provided. Hotels near Hurricane Ridge Visitors Center: Restaurants near Hurricane Ridge Visitors Center: Attractions near Hurricane Ridge Visitors Center: Hurricane Ridge Visitors Center, Olympic National Park: Address, Phone Number, Hurricane Ridge Visitors Center Reviews: 4.5/5. Privacy Policy and The first five miles of itbetween the city and the Heart O the Hills entrance stationwas donated to the Park to increase a connection to Port Angeles. We got few stuff to eat and it was good . If you keep going past the visitor center there is a 2nd parking lot that will take you to the Hurricane Ridge Hill trail. Hurricane Ridge: Fabulous views from the top, nice walks/hikes, nice visitor's center - See 1,849 traveler reviews, 1,861 candid photos, and great deals for Olympic National Park, WA, at Tripadvisor. You may want something dry to change into after playing in the snow. Not much shade on the trails, so be prepared. There are also backcountry snowshoe and cross-country ski trails for self-guided recreation. Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. 99% of travelers recommend this experience. In any season, however, the heart-stopping view, the sheer number of peaks and glaciersbig, small, near, and faris the crown of the Parks glory. Aramark 2023 Aramark 345 South Shore Road, Quinault, WA 98575PO Box 7, Quinault, WA 98575. We then leave 9/1 to meander to Kalaloch Lodge, thinking doing the Hoh rainforest en route, or back track, leaving 9/4 to Lake Quinault, then 9/6 to Astoria. This is characteristic of many mountain streams all over the Park. The exhibits in the visitor center are open year-round, but limited to Friday through Sunday during the winter months. The Elwha Valley and Deer Park are within a one-hour drive from Hurricane Ridge. The Hurricane Ridge Winter Sports Club operates the Downhill Ski, Snowboard, and Tubing Area. Go tohttps://go.nps.gov/HRwinterto see what services are open at Hurricane Ridge. Offers great views of Mount Olympus, Bailey Range and Mount Carrie. There are some easy paths to follow for that group. Hurricane Ridge is a popular spot for snowshoeing and skiingwith an average of 30-35 feet of snow in the winter. Bring your own tube or sled; sleds with runners are not allowed. During the, the road is scheduled to be open Friday through Sunday and holiday Mondays, weather and road conditions permitting, and closed all other days. Hurricane Ridge in Winter Twitter account, https://www.hikeolympic.com/hurricane-ridge-winter-shuttle, Holiday Festivities on the Olympic Peninsula, Holiday Festivities on the Olympic Peninsula, Open & Closure Status of Recreational Lands, Less-Crowded Alternatives on the Olympic Peninsula, 10 Uncrowded Beaches Around the Olympic Peninsula. Brake slowly, turn slowly, accelerate slowly, drive slowly. Hurricane Ridge is a popular place for winter recreation at Olympic National Park and is close to Port Angeles and Sequim. Dress in layers, wear warm, waterproof boots and bring hats, mittens, sunscreen and sunglasses. Dirt trail descends 8 miles to Whiskey Bend in the Elwha Valley. Enjoy a peaceful slumber near scenic nature. Enjoy your visit! and cultural destinations in your zip code and across the country. There's restrooms, cafe & gift shop. Backcountry skiers can explore several slopes and bowls in the area. We've gathered a list of gear that'll keep you happy no matter the season. Scroll down on this page to see more information about the services and hours of operation of facilities at Hurricane Ridge. The ski area includes two rope tows, a poma lift, and a tubing park. The Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center is an iconic landmark in Olympic National Park. Paved trail climbs to a panoramic view of mountains and saltwater. What restaurants are near Hurricane Ridge Visitors Center? But I would call the Visitors Center to make sure. Sliding is permitted at no cost for children ages eight and under at the Small Children's Snowplay Area west of the visitor center and parking lot. As its name implies, it marks avalanche chutes. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. A restroom is open in the foyer. Its a great time to immerse in the peacefulness of a snowy landscape and best of all, its the quiet season with fewer visitors. more. Article 2. Find up to date information on winter road conditions on our Hurricane Ridge Winter Access Twitter page. Its a beautiful winding drive up to the top of the mountain. 6. Hurricane Ridge is located 17 miles south of Port Angeles on Hurricane Ridge . Starting from sea-level in Port Angeles, a scenic 45 minute, 17-mile drive leads you to the well-positioned Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center at 5,242 feet. Located just before the end of the road, stop here for brochures, maps, snacks, and tips regarding your stay. Hurricane Ridge Road may be closed at any time due to weather-related conditions. In a normal year, the south facing meadows usually begin to melt out in late April to early May. Hurricane Ridge's winter season is generally late November through the end of March. At the entrance station, a line is crossed that is very evident as trees jump in size and Grand Firs begin to be replaced by Silver Firs. During the winter season, Hurricane Ridge Road is typically open to uphill traffic from 9 am to 4 pm, Friday through Sunday and some holidays, weather and road conditions permitting. GUEST UPDATES: Please read for the latest information, CLICK HERE. Pillow LavaHeart O the Hills Road, Olympic National Park. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Nearing the top, the trees begin to grow in protective clusters, and so look less like the contiguous forest around Heart O the Hills. Any directions or guidance so we can optimize our limited time, would be appreciated. Sunrise and sunset on a clear day provide magnificent panoramic views of the park. Well, at least it does in the winter. Check current road conditions by calling (360) 565-3131, on Twitter@HRWinterAccessor online atwww.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/current-road-conditions.htm. The foyer and restroom are always open. The movie is a good overview, but nothing spectacular. Wear warm layers and bring along extra clothing and emergency supplies like food, water, and first aid gear. The rest of the year it opens (weather permitting) primarily on weekends. Check the weather because you may need a coat. 97% of travelers recommend this experience. Three more miles up the road, with a gain of 1080 feet, another unexpected sight may come into view. Participants should prepare for cold, snow, wind, or even rain. The original septic system for the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center was constructed in 1951. Hurricane Ridge is open year-round and is a popular destination for hikers, skiers, and snowshoers. All framed prints are professionally printed, framed, assembled, and shipped within 3 - 4 business days and delivered ready-to-hang on your wall. Visitor tip: purchase lunch and snack items from the deli in the visitor center gift shop and soak in the breathtaking views of the Olympic mountain range on the outdoor patio. Visitor center has a cafe which serves good food . Recreation.gov is your gateway to explore America's outdoor Visitor tip: purchase lunch and snack items from the deli in the visitor center gift shop and soak in the breathtaking views of the Olympic mountain range on the outdoor patio. Snowshoes and instruction provided. Food service will be take-out only. Hurricane Ridge Road Open 24 hours a day from mid-May into October. They do sell food and beverages in the visitor center. The center's focus is on the Park's mountain environment. We had a clear day with great views, but I can see how you wouldn't be able to see anything otherwise. We provide tools and tips to discover Visit the Hurricane Ridge Ski and Snowboard Area website for additional information. This continues until it finds an opportune outlet, in this case the side of the ridge. Educational programs and guided walks start in late June. This requirement applies to all vehicles (including 4-wheel drive), regardless of tire type or weather conditions. All vehicles must carry tire chains during the winter season. , Hiking to Sunrise Point on the High Ridge Trail at Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park Photo: Justin Bailie. An additional mile on the Switchback Trail climbs 800 ft. to Klahhane Ridge. Its only one of three U.S. national parks with a ski lift. Not accessible from Hurricane Hill Trail from August 15-26. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. You never know when the road will be closed due to snow. A nice sized visitor center. The Hurricane Ridge Road is open 24 hours a day from mid May into October. Other park roads may close with short notice due to road and weather conditions. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. You can also follow@HRWinterAccesson Twitter.Hurricane Ridge Road closes temporarily when the parking lot becomes completely full. Walks may be canceled at any time due to weather, operational priorities, and/or safety concerns. The Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center is open daily in the summer, and usually Friday through Sunday in the winter. A number of activities are available at the Ridge, which vary by season. The first 2.8 miles of this trail is on a ridge to a junction with the Klahhane Switchback trail. Winter season operations for Hurricane Ridge are set to begin on Friday, November 25, 2022, and end on March 26, 2022. We look forward to welcoming you to the Olympic Peninsulas winter wonderland in Olympic National Park. The road is narrow but well paved. 5. Enjoy benefits such as a $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3x on dining and 2x on all other travel purchases, plus . Food service will be take-out only. There is a short, steep trail to take you to the top of the mountain, which makes for a great pic and great time. Nice trail up to the top. Call 360-565-3131 for the current road status. Loved it . Olympic National Park, Near Port Angeles, Washington. Once on Hurricane Road, the views improve dramatically as the road climbs a gentle and twisting grade to the Visitor Center, every bit as big and interesting as the one in Port Angeles. Today this type of rock forms the Crescent Formation in the Park. Port Angeles Many of the trail hikes are long/strenuous for younger children or older people. The flag of the municipality of Taquara is composed of a blue panel charged in the center with the coat of arms of the municipality in full colors, covering 1/5 (20%) of the flag's area. The Hurricane Ridge Ski, Snowboard & Tubing Area is a small, family-oriented ski area operated by the Hurricane Ridge Winter Sports Club. The Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center is an iconic landmark in Olympic National Park. A restroom is open in the foyer. Sign up starts at the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center front desk at 1 pm. 95% of travelers recommend this experience. more information on current conditions Easy paved trail with views of Port Angeles and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. They are doing construction near the tourist area but even with all of that we got amazing pictures without the machines/dirt piles/cones. Sol Duc, Lake Crescent, and Hurricane Ridge Guided Tour in Olympic National Park, Hoh Rain Forest and Rialto Beach Guided Tour in Olympic National Park, Hurricane Ridge Guided Snowshoe Tour in Olympic National Park, Viator Exclusive Tour- Olympic National Park Tour from Seattle, Olympic National Park Luxury Small-Group Day Tour with Lunch, BEST Olympic National Park Day Tour from Seattle, Viator Exclusive Tour - Mt. Atop Hurricane Ridge, there is this visitor center which houses a restaurant, lookouts, gift shop, information center, restroom, and a seating area to relax. Call 360-565-3131 for a 24- hour road and weather recording. If Hurricane Ridge Road is closed, walks are cancelled. Visiting Hurricane Ridge in winter can be a unique and rewarding experience. Hurricane Ridge is one of the most popular places in Olympic National Park, but making it safe to drive there in winter is quite an undertaking! Saw a baby dear on the way. Adapted to withstand cascading tons of snow and ice, their spindly flexible trunks are almost always bent or bowed downhill, evidence of their tenuous and tenacious hold on life throughout the winter. Sol Duc Road typically closes for the winter due to snow and icy road conditions. All Right Reserved. The concessioner-operated Mountain View Caf, Gift Shop & Rental Shop on the lower level of the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center will open on December 9, 2022, and will have the same operating hours as the visitor center, described above. and reservations. Dirt trails descends from Hurricane Hill through meadows and steep forested switchbacks to the start of the Whiskey Bend Road. We plan to arrive Lake Crescent Lodge 8/29, spending 8/30, 31 and 9/1.in that area. Wheelchair accessible with assistance. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. The constant threat of bad weather and its associated whiteouts, blizzards, extreme wind, drifting snow, and avalanches are good reasons for caution. Olympic National Park is magical throughout the year, but especially in the winter. . Explore different ways to experience this place. Food service will be take-out only. Location: 45 minute drive from Port Angeles. Picnic Areas: Picnic Areas A and B (summer only), one mile beyond the visitor center, have restrooms, water and paved trails to tables. Traveling to the Olympic Peninsula? i would recommend starting your trip here if possible. In addition, there are a few good hikes that start right at the Visitor Center. In the winter, on weekend and holidays, the gift shop area adds ski and snowshoe rental to its offerings, and the patio is buried under ten feet of snow making it really difficult to findlet alone getan outdoor table. The foyer and restroom are always open. If you're planning to visit the Olympic Wilderness during the fall, winter, or spring, be prepared for inclement weather! Recreation Let them be wild. Where to go, what to do, and what you need to know when visiting Olympic during the winter season. What are the hours this visitor center is open? Its just a 17-mile drive from the Port Angeles to the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center with restrooms, information desk, exhibits, movie about the park, gift shop and snack bar. 3. All vehicles are required to carry tire chains when traveling above the Heart O' the Hills entrance station November 1 through April 1. In spring and summer, the meadows are covered with wildflowers, and clear-day views of the parks peaks are fantastic. Check the webcams before you go for visibility and accessibility, especially in the fall/winter when snow can close the visitor center and roads. Please take a look at the area details below for more information about visiting this location. Copyright Olympic Hiking Company LLC | All rights reserved, Strait of Juan De Fuca & Vancouver Island, Sol Duc, Lake Crescent, & Hurricane Ridge. Dont feed theCanada jays, even if they ask you to. You can see several mountain peaks in the Olympic National Forest, beautiful flowers & fields this time of year. The exceptions are large swaths of slide alder. Always have a backup plan! Winter activities include: Downhill skiing and tubing are available only on weekends (Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and holidays, usually mid-December through March), when the road is open. Hurricane Ridge is the most easily accessed mountain area within Olympic National Park. Check theHurricane Ridge in Winter Twitter accountto see if the road to Hurricane Ridge is currently open. See Taquara photos and images from satellite below, explore the aerial photographs of Taquara in Brazil. Though winter explorers of all abilities can enjoy the area, flat, easy, beginner ski terrain is limited to the meadows above the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center. Information about ski and snowshoe routes and trails is available at park visitor centers,the park website, or the park newspaper,The Bugler. Open year-round, Heart O' the Hills has 105 campsites in the old-growth forest. The views are worth the drive, but there was no staff onsite when we were there in May. On the left side of the road is a large gravel area where the snow plows, used to keep the road open in winter, are often parked. Winter storms can close or delay opening of Hurricane Ridge Road; high winds and blizzard conditions are not uncommon.