HURRICANE HILL LOOKOUT TRAIL Length 1.4-mi/2.3 km Access Hurricane Ridge Road USGS Map Hurricane Hill Agency Olympic National Park Hurricane Ridge extends in a northwest-southeast direction from Hurricane Hill to Obstruction Peak and has an average elevation exceeding 5000 ft/ 1524 m. The first road to the ridge, built by the Forest Service in the 1930s, climbed from the Elwha River via Wolf Creek. Upon attaining the ridge, the road forked. The right or main branch went southeasterly along the ridge to Obstruction Point; the left branch followed the ridge in a northwesterly direction to a lookout cabin on Hurricane Hill. The last 1.4 mi/2.3 km of the left branch was closed to automobile traffic in the late 1950s and converted into a footpath. This is an easy but scenically rewarding hike for persons who drive up to Hurricane Ridge. In fact, it is an excellent walk for both the beginner and the experienced hiker, and it is not unusual for people to picnic near the summit while they enjoy the views. The trail does not cross any streams; therefore one should carry water-or perhaps some kind of beverage. A grove of trees just below the summit can be used for protection when the wind is blowing, but on warm, sunny days almost any spot in the meadows is suitable. The trail begins at the parking area (5000 ft/1524 m) and follows the old right of way, which cuts through deposits of sandstone and shale. Here the country is mostly meadowland with groves of subalpine fir. The route climbs steadily, with continuous views in all directions, especially up the Elwha. Beyond the junction with the Little River Trail (0.2 mi/0.3 km; 5125 ft/1562 m), the trail ascends the south slopes of Hurricane Hill through open meadows dotted with clusters of hoop-skirted subalpine firs. Near the summit, the path intersects the Hurricane Hill Trail (1.2 mi/1.9 km; 5640 ft/1719 m), the old route that ascends from the Elwha River. The merged trails then climb to the top of Hurricane Hill (1.4 mi/2.3 km; 5757 ft/1755 m). The fire lookout cabin that stood on the summit has been gone for years; only the concrete footings remain. Nearby, the National Park Service has laid out a little nature trail through the meadows. Because Hurricane Hill lies on the edge of the mountains, it provides a superlative vista not only of the interior Olympics but also of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Vancouver Island. The mountain panorama is splendid-snow-capped peaks slashed by the deep canyons of the Elwha and its tributaries. Although Mount Olympus can be seen to better advantage elsewhere, the Bailey Range stands in full view. Mount Constance and Mount Anderson dominate the southeastern skyline;] The Needles tower above the snow-flecked peaks of the northeastern Olympics. Mount Angeles and Klahhane Ridge are nearby; beyond them, Port Angeles lies virtually at the hiker's feet, only 10 miles distant. The city resembles a toy town, and one's hand held at arm's length covers it. The sharp-eyed observer can discern Victoria, 30 miles away, across the strait. Ships sailing the Inside Passage to Alaska are often visible. The San Juan Islands, little more than hazy purple splotches, lie far to the northeast; beyond them, the Cascades, topped by Mount Baker, mark the horizon. An "owl hike" to Hurricane Hill is recommended, especially when the moon is full. One should carry a flashlight, but in all probability it will not be needed. The snow-clad peaks cast silvery reflections, and the lights of Port Angeles and Victoria flicker faintly, adding an aura of mystery to the loneliness and quiet charm of this high lookout.