Hiking Olympic National Park
By Erik Molvar

Hurricane Ridge Complex

This network of walking trails wanders through the timberline meadows atop Hurricane 
Ridge. This popular area receives more visitors than any other spot within the park, 
and because of the heavy foot traffic, most of the trails have been paved. The sole 
exception is the High Ridge Loop, which is graveled and has a more challenging grade 
(moderate) than the other trails, which are easy. All of the trails offer outstanding 
views of the mountains, including Mt. Olympus when the weather cooperates. A 
startling diversity of wildflowers offers a different combination of blossoms with 
each passing week. Mule deer and Olympic marmots are abundant here, and they are 
unafraid of humans (do not feed them!). There is a visitor center across the parking 
lot, and guided ranger walks are offered on a periodic basis. Each trail within the 
network will be discussed separately.

Big Meadow Loop

This 0.2-mile loop wanders through the lush meadows beside the parking lot. Though 
crowded, this trail offers the best viewing opportunities for wildlife and alpine 
flowers. A broad panorama of the Olympic Mountains spans the horizon to the south.

Cirque Rim Trail

This 0.4-mile trail follows the northern edge of Hurricane Ridge, passing through 
copses of subalpine fir and secluded glades. A spur path descends from its 
westernmost point to reach an overlook of the Little River valley, which is guarded 
by Hurricane Hill, Unicorn Peak, and Griff Peak. As the main trail follows the rim of 
a glacial cirque, openings reveal northward vistas that encompass the Strait of Juan 
de Fuca and Vancouver Island rising beyond it. During clear weather, both Port 
Angeles and Victoria, British Columbia is visible. Mt. Angeles is the prominent 
summit to the east, while below the trail is a ski lift that serves skiers during the 
winter months. Upon reaching it, the Cirque Rim trail turns south, follow it downward 
through the meadows to return to the parking lot.

High Ridge Loop

This 0.5-mile hike begins at the northeast corner of the Big Meadow 
Loop and ascends a steep ridgeline. It soon reaches a level overlook that commands 
excellent views. The Lillian River valley stretches southward, far below, with snow-
dappled peaks on both sides. The next valley to the west bears the Elwha River, and 
beyond it are the Bailey Range and Mt. Olympus itself. The pavement ends here, and 
now a gravel walkway completes the moderate ascent to the crest of a rocky knoll. The 
path then descends to a junction with the Sunrise Point and Mt. Angeles trails. Take 
a hard left to continue the loop hike, which descends rather steeply through 
subalpine woodland. Turn left at the top of the ski lift, where a paved path leads 
across the Big Meadow and back to the parking lot.

Sunrise Viewpoint Spur

This short side path ascends from the High Ridge Loop to the top of a stony knob. 
With a little jockeying for position, one can have views in all directions, featuring 
the Bailey Range and Mt. Olympus to the southwest, Unicorn Peak to the west, and 
Steeple Rock to the southeast with the broad and snowy massif of Elk Mountain beyond 
it.