When a dicey detour appeared along the northwest corner of Washington’s Olympic National Park, we decided to cancel our plans, turn around, and adventure up to Hurricane Ridge instead.

hurricane ridge webcams
hurricane ridge visitor center (currently needs rebuilding)
hurricane ridge bus (how did we miss this?!)
national park entrance passes (compare the best deals)
visiting hurricane ridge
olympic national park summer visits
olympic national park ranger-led programs
skiing hurricane ridge

But, first, we stopped by Country Aire Natural Foods in Port Angeles, to ensure we had water and sandwiches. I love any excuse to purchase their filling and tasty gf vegan deli sandwiches.

This unplanned trip would deliver us to Hurricane Ridge—located more than 5,200 feet above sea level—during the hottest part of the summer day.

That was not ideal, as there would be little cover from the elements at Hurricane Ridge. Not only was it a mountaintop, but its lodge burned down last year and has yet to be rebuilt.

Thankfully, we’d worn loose comfy clothing, had hats, plus neck gaiters on us.

Upon entering Olympic National Park, we found that my boyfriend qualified for a senior lifetime park pass, which made us both smile. I look forward to such discounts in the future.

Driving the winding road that spans Port Angeles to Hurricane Ridge, wildflowers were bursting, with alpine vegetation and glimpses of snow-capped mountaintops.

I’m afraid of heights, so while driving up the mountain I (of course) noticed that the cliffs weren’t on my side of the road (happiness welled inside). Coming down, it was easy to drive slowly.

We lingered at the top of Hurricane Ridge, enjoyed the sweeping views, took photos, and hiked the trails with many international visitors (successfully avoiding mountain lions and bears).

I might have eaten my sandwich first. I might not have hiked as much as my boyfriend. I might have used the searing noontime heat as an excuse. But I still loved this beautiful experience.