Hurricane Ridge, a high mountain area in Olympic National Park about 18 miles from Port Angeles, is among the park’s most visited destinations for sweeping Olympic Mountain views and year-round recreation. Named for its strong winds, it has highly changeable weather, heavy winter snowfall, and trails that can hold snow into July. Access expanded in the 1950s with the dedication of Hurricane Ridge Lodge in 1952 and the opening of Hurricane Ridge Road in 1958, alongside ski development. Winter access later became controversial. In 2023, fire destroyed the 1952 Day Lodge and visitor center, and rebuilding plans were later put on hold.