Seattle to Hurricane Hill, Olympic NP
 

Hi all. How long of a drive would it be from Seattle to hike Hurricane Hill in Olympic NP?

We are planning a trip to Seattle for a few days and would like to do this hike.

I know there are weather concerns - we are planning on being there around June 25 or so. I recall someone telling me that Seattle weather is best in mid-July to mid-Aug? the last time we were in Seattle in July it rained but had a few sunny breaks in Olympic. We didn't get a chance to go up to Hurricane Ridge and would like to see it.

k.

It's about a 2.5-3 hour drive up to Hurricane Ridge from Seattle.

Do you mean July 25 (next week)? Or are you talking about June 25 next year?

Generally the weather is best during the time period you reference and June can be cloudy and rainy up to and including 4th of July--we have a joke here in Seattle that 4th of July is the last weekend of winter. But there are always exceptions, both ways, so while statistically you're better off coming in late July, there's certainly no guarantee.

Hi NWW. I did mean June 25 - we are looking for next summer. We are thinking of doing a cruise to Alaska from Seattle. I want to explore some of Seattle with my kids before the cruise.

Seattle weather is impossible to predict. It could be gorgeous, cool, a heatwave, clear, raining... any of the months of June, July or August. Absolutely impossible to say, especially a year in advance!
:-)

I know, suze. In a perfect world, you would tell me the weather would be gloriously sunny while we are visiting.

I've just heard that the top of Hurricane Ridge is often rainy or foggy. We'll have to check the weather forecast closely before driving 2.5-3 hours only to find a fogged in view.

k.

The weather will be glorious when you are visiting
;-)
(could happen!)

The opposite is true as well--the lowlands can be foggy/cloudy and up there, it'll be clear and sunny. So best to check with the visitors center before setting out (you can find the number on the Olympic National Park website).

Another issue that hasn't been mentioned yet is snow. This year the snow melted very late and I'm not sure if the road from the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center to the trail head was open by June 25th This section of the road is the cross country ski trail and is not plowed during the winter. You will need to keep this in mind when planning your trip.

One more question: Is the 2.5-3 hr. drive estimate including the ferry?

Last time we visited Seattle, we drove around the bottom of the lake to get out to ONP.

Which way is recommended? We'll probably be doing this drive on a Sat., if the weather cooperates.

Thanks,k.

<i>One more question: Is the 2.5-3 hr. drive estimate including the ferry?</i>

Ferry to Bainbridge, 40 min. Road from Bainbridge to Port Angeles, allow 80-90 min. Road from PA to Hurricane Ridge, allow 45 min. Total 165 - 175 min.

<i>Last time we visited Seattle, we drove around the bottom of the lake to get out to ONP...We'll probably be doing this drive on a Sat.</i>

Saturday wait for ferry? Could be 10 min, could be 120. It can have an impact on total timing.

Lake??!!

I think the OP may mean Hood Canal...

OK, I got my atlas out.

Last time we were in Seattle (which had to be at least 10 years ago), we drove to Forks and ONP via highway 5 around PUGET SOUND and through Tacoma, and up what appears to be highway 16.

I was told at the time the driving was about the same as waiting for the ferry.

I've heard a lot about Seattle traffic.

Definitely take the ferry. It is pretty and it is not in traffic.