Hurricane Ridge Winter Use Area
Open
November - March Weather permitting, open Friday through Sunday
Phone
360-565-3131 (recording)
Location
The Hurricane Ridge Road leads approximately 17 miles south of Port Angeles to an elevation of 5,242 feet above sea level.
Closures
Severe weather may delay or prohibit the road from opening or may force an early closure.
Special Programs
Beginning on December 31, guided snowshoe walks will be offered at 2:00 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays and Monday holidays, through March 26. 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. (Organized groups must make advance reservations by calling 360-565-3136.) A $5 donation from each snowshoe walk participant helps the park provide snowshoe walks and repair and replace snowshoes.
Exhibits
Exhibits and a slide program shown on request provide an introduction to the high country of Olympic.
Available Facilities
Accessible restrooms and a warmed seating area are available at the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center, whenever the road is open. A snack bar and ski shop are open on Saturday and Sunday throughout the winter from December 17 through March 26.
VISITOR CENTERS
Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center
Open
Fall & Winter Friday - Sunday; 10am - 4pm
Phone
360-374-6925
Location
Hoh Rain Forest
Available Facilities
Exhibits, information desk, accessible restrooms. Self-guided nature trails.
Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center
Open
Fall and Winter 10 am - 4:00 pm when road is open
Location
Hurricane Ridge
Closures
Barring heavy snows or winter storms, the Hurricane Ridge Road is scheduled to open 9 a.m. to dusk, Friday through Sunday through March 26, 2006. The road will be closed Monday through Wednesday. If road and weather conditions permit, the road may also be open late in the day on Thursdays, once plowing is completed. Weather permitting the road is scheduled to be open daily from December 23 through January 2, with the exception of Sunday, December 25, when the road will be closed. The road is scheduled to be open on Monday holidays (January 16 and February 20). Call (360) 565-3131 for current road status and weather conditions.
Special Programs
Guided walks and talks will be offered several times weekly from late June through Labor Day. Guided snowshoe walks are offered during the winter. A 20-minute orientation video is available.
Exhibits
Exhibits explore the Olympic high-country ecosystem.
Available Facilities
Accessible restrooms and exhibits. Nearby short trails, often snow-covered well into May, are accessible with assistance. Snack bar and gift shop on Visitor Center"s lower level will be open on Saturdays, Sundays and holiday Mondays December 17 through March 26, with the exception of Sunday, December 25 when the road will be closed. Food service and equipment rentals will also be available daily from December 26 through January 2.
Olympic National Park Visitor Center
Open
Open All Year Fall & Winter Thursday through Monday; 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Phone
(360) 565-3130 (recorded)
Location
3002 Mount Angeles Road, Port Angeles, 98362
Special Programs
A 25-minute video is available on request.
Exhibits
Exhibits on the park"s natural and cultural history, including a forest diorama, Native American canoe and pioneer cabin, and a hands-on "Discovery Room" just for kids.
Available Facilities
Information and trip planning help, exhibits, a hands-on Discovery Room especially for kids and two nature trails. The visitor center is accessible; one trail accessible with some assistance. Call 360-565-3131 for 24-hour recorded road and weather information.
WILDERNESS INFORMATION CENTERS
Port Angeles Wilderness Information Center
Open
October 16 through December 31: closed
Phone
(360) 565-3100
Location
The WIC is located one mile from Hightway 101, behind the Olympic National Park Visitor Center at 3002 Mount Angeles Road in Port Angeles.
Closures
Permits are available by self-registration when WIC is closed.
Available Facilities
Thinking of a wilderness trip? Call or write the Wilderness Information Center (WIC) for current trail reports, trip planning, safety, weather and Leave No Trace tips. For current trail conditions visit the park"s wilderness pages at www.nps.gov/olym/wic Email us at olym_wic@nps.gov Stop by the WIC for more information, to make reservations for quota areas, or to obtain a Wilderness Camping Permit for any park location. Bear canisters are available for loan for a suggested $3 donation.
Wilderness Information Center in Forks
Open
Fall & Winter Friday - Sunday; 10:00am to 4:00pm
Location
Located on Highway 101 in the town of Forks.
Available Facilities
Wilderness visitors can obtain Wilderness Camping Permits and food containers as well as trip planning assistance at the Forks WIC.