Winter vacation plans don’t require fighting your way through airport crowds and traffic when you live in one of the Olympic National Park’s gateway communities. All you need for a memorable vacation is a tank or two of gas, a warm coat and your camera app.
Hurricane Ridge Road
Hurricane Ridge Road is about a three-hour drive from Aberdeen, and it’s scheduled to be open daily from Christmas though Jan. 1. It’s also open Friday though Sunday and some holidays (Jan. 20 and Feb. 17) though March 29.
Weather permitting, the road opens at 9 a.m. and closes to uphill traffic at 4 p.m. Winter storms can close or delay the opening of the road. Road and weather condition updates are available by calling (360) 565-3131 or following @HRWinterAccess on Twitter.
Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center
The Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on days that the ridge road is open. The Hurricane Ridge ski area is just a stone’s throw from the visitor center and offers a mountain view cafe, gift shop and rental shop for skis and snowshoes. Ranger-led snowshoe walks are offered at 2 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays and Jan. 1, Jan. 20 and Feb. 17. Visitors can sign up at the visitor center information desk starting at 1:30 p.m. The participation fee is $7 for adults, $3 for youths from 6-15 and free for 5 and younger.
Downhill Skiing, Snowboarding and Tubing
The hurricane ridge ski area is open to skiers, snowboarders and tubers from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays, Jan. 1, Jan. 20, and Feb. 17. More information about the ski area including skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing lessons for children four and up can be found at www.hurricaneridge.com or by calling (848) 667-7669.
Pacific Coast
If snow isn’t your thing or three-plus hours one way in the car is just too far, the park’s coastal destinations — Kalaloch, Mora and Ozette are open during winter, including all roads, campgrounds and trailheads. The Kalaloch Lodge is about an hour and a half drive from Aberdeen and offers cabins, lodge rooms, dining, a gift shop and a small store. For more information about Kalaloch Lodge, see thekalalochlodge.com or call (866) 662-9928.
Hoh Rain Forest
The Hoh Rain Forest Visitor center is about two hours and twenty minutes from Aberdeen, but you’d better hurry. The visitor center is closed in January and February. The Hoh Rain Forest Road is generally open 24 hours a day and carves a path through some of the lushest, greenest, rainiest spots in the Evergreen State.
