Hurricane Hill Trail

Start at the northwest corner of the trailhead parking area. The path first dips for about 400 feet, then rises; for the first 2,700 feet, most grades stay under five percent, with one short steeper pitch. You get views of the Bailey Range almost immediately, then follow a wide paved trail through open pines and low shrubs. The hillside opens into golden grass as the route bends around the south face.

Around 1,400 feet from the start, the path cuts across a steep bank above a considerable drop. Keep to the inside edge if heights bother you. This is a short section, but the exposure is more noticeable than the smooth pavement might suggest.

Near the half-mile mark, the trail drops around a curve. That is a good place to turn back if the steep upper climb is not for you. Past it, the route gets strenuous: grades reach roughly 10 to 18 percent, with some very steep pitches, before easing and steepening again on the way up. Three broad switchbacks climb through open grass, and the wide tread makes the main trail easy to follow.

At the first upper junction, stay on the main route toward Hurricane Hill. The side path marked for Elwha leads to a much longer and steeper backcountry connection, not this summit hike.

The mapped route continues from the paved trail over a short, informal footpath to the named high point. That upper strip is not described consistently: the park presents the hike as paved, while route mapping marks the final connector as a natural path. If a continuously paved surface matters, stop at the end of the pavement; the main trail still reaches a strong viewpoint.

From the open top, turn south for the craggy Bailey Range, often still streaked with snow into summer. To the north are Griff Peak, Port Angeles, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and Vancouver Island. Interpretive signs help identify the peaks, towns, and older burn areas; on a clear day, ferries can be visible across the water. Haze and cloud can take away that long view, so the ridge is most rewarding when visibility is good.

This is a windy, snowy part of the Olympics. Gusts can exceed 75 miles per hour, and the ridge receives roughly 30 to 35 feet of snow in a year, with snowpack lingering into summer. That weather helps keep the upper slopes open and gives the hike its exposed, high-country feel. It also explains the name: wind is part of the place, not a rare surprise.

The trailhead is at the end of Hurricane Hill Road. Its lot is small and can fill; overflow parking is available at Picnic Area B. The road beyond Hurricane Ridge is seasonal and weather-dependent, so check current access before driving up. Pets are not allowed on this interpretive trail.