May Hikes: 3 to 5.5 miles, 300 to 1,250 feet gain - Hurricane Hill

Field trip: GoHike: Beginner Hiking Course

May Hikes: 3 to 5.5 miles, 300 to 1,250 feet gain - Hurricane Hill

Experience some of the amazing views that the Olympics can offer on this moderate 3 mile hike with 650 feet of elevation gain up to rocky open ridge with views of the Elwha Valley, sometimes even Mount Baker. This hike can apply toward your GoHike Series graduation!

  • For Beginners (Getting Started Series)
  • Mileage: 3.2 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 650 ft
  • Pace: 1-1.5 mph

Meet at 9AM at the parking lot at the end of the road past the Hurricane Ridge visitor center.  Google map location https://goo.gl/maps/j5Nq67TSpiUp16wS7

Hurricane Ridge is a very popular destination in the warmer months, so some planning is necessary. I recommend that you arrive the day before this hike and camp at Heart O' The Hills campground (first come/first serve). This will also allow you to already be in the park the morning of the hike and not having to wait in line at the visitor gate (this is what I plan to do). 

We will be hiking from the parking lot at the trailhead to the top of Hurricane Hill where we'll take a short break for a snack and photos, after which we'll return to our starting point.

Because of the elevation gain, I will going at a slow pace with lots of breaks to catch breathe so this is a good hike if you are unsure how you will do at a higher altitude with a big elevation gain over a short distance. I'm right there with you! I don't do well with altitude and elevation, but I've tried not to let it stop me from enjoying my hikes!

I recommend trekking poles since they will help you with the elevation gain and a big help when going back down hill.

Afraid of blisters? Try coating your feet with vaseline and/or wearing wool socks.

Cloth face coverings are required and must be worn when passing others or when closer than 6' to others in the party.

All group members must carry either alcohol-based  hand sanitizer or biodegradable soap.

This activity will be structured to maintain 6' whenever possible (brief periods closer than 6’ are acceptable).

Route/Place

Hurricane Hill


Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

  • Navigation
  • Headlamp
  • Sun protection
  • First aid kit
  • Knife
  • Fire
  • Emergency shelter
  • Extra food
  • Extra water
  • Extra Clothes
  • Sturdy shoes
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