Pros & cons
PROS
- Interconnected nature trails let you add or shorten the outing on the fly
- On clear days you can see the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Vancouver Island
CONS
- Final ridge spur has airy drop-offs that can bother those with vertigo
- Popular area near Hurricane Ridge—expect crowds in summer and on weekends
Park at the Hurricane Ridge area near the ski area/visitor facilities along Hurricane Ridge Road. The trail starts on the paved path above the parking. There are designated accessible spaces in this lot.
Narrow ridge with drop-offs near the viewpoint; stay on trail to protect fragile alpine vegetation. Weather changes fast and Hurricane Ridge Road can close unexpectedly.
Why hike it
If you want big Olympic Mountain scenery for very little effort, this is your move. The Sunrise Viewpoint sits on a narrow crest above Hurricane Ridge, delivering sweeping looks across deep valleys and out to the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Vancouver Island on clear days. Expect a quick outing with a huge payoff—and summer wildflowers add bonus color.
The route
From the Hurricane Ridge area (near the ski area), start uphill on the paved path and take the High Ridge route to the signed Sunrise spur. The outing is about 0.9 miles round trip via the High Ridge Nature Trail with roughly 219 feet of gain, ending on a short ridge-top spur to the viewpoint. Surfaces are a mix of early pavement and natural tread higher up. If you want to make it a loop, return via Cirque Rim; if you want a touch more mileage, briefly sample Klahhane Ridge from the junction, then turn around.
What you'll see
The panorama takes in serrated Olympic peaks and steep, forested valleys. On clear days, look north to the Strait and Vancouver Island. In summer, watch for patches of lupine, paintbrush, and avalanche lilies along the ridgeline meadows. The ridge environment is fragile and dry—plants struggle here—so staying on-trail really matters.
Difficulty and exposure
It’s easy overall, but the final spur runs along a narrow ridge with drop-offs on both sides. Most hikers are fine, yet those with vertigo may not love the last stretch. Stick to the Sunrise spur and High Ridge loop to avoid the more exposed terrain farther along Klahhane Ridge.
Tips
- Stitch nearby short paths (High Ridge, Cirque Rim, Big Meadow) into a custom mini-loop without losing the views.
- Go early or on a clear day; clouds can erase the panorama. Sunrise light here lives up to the name, and sunset is great too.
- Check Hurricane Ridge Road status before you go; weather can shut it quickly, even in shoulder seasons.
- No dogs on this trail.
Best time to hike
Late June through September is prime: usually snow-free, wildflowers blooming, and the road reliably open. Weekday mornings beat the crowds. Aim for clear skies for Strait and island views; bring a layer—the ridge can be breezy even on warm days.
Elevation
0.9 mi · 30 minWhere it starts
47.9692, -123.4985Wildlife on this trail
Near Sunrise Viewpoint Nature Trail
All places →All trails →
0 mi awayMount Angeles TrailShort ridge hike to a true scramble summit with huge Hurricane viewsChallenging · 6.2 mi · 5 hr
0 mi awayHigh Ridge TrailShort ridge loop with huge views and a spur to Sunrise PointEasy · 0.6 mi · 30 min
0 mi awayHurricane Ridge Visitor CenterDrive-to alpine vistas and trailheads; services limited post-fireVisitor Center · Restroom
0.1 mi awayCirque Rim TrailPaved ridge stroll to big Strait and Port Angeles viewsEasy · 0.5 mi · 20 min
0.1 mi awayHurricane Nature TrailShort, scenic loop with views, wildflowers, and interpretive signsEasy · 0.8 mi · 30 min
0.2 mi awayHurricane Ridge Ski AreaTiny, throwback ski hill with huge views and natural powderParking · Restroom
2 mi awayHurricane HillShort paved climb to sweeping Olympics and Strait viewsTrailhead · Parking
2.6 mi awayHumes Ranch CabinHistoric homestead cabins in a meadow above the Elwha RiverCampground
