Hurricane Ridge to Elwha River - June 28, 2023

A 13-mile dayhike from Hurricane Ridge to the intersection of Highway 101 and Olympic Hot Springs Road in Olympic National Park.
Used the Clallam Transit shuttle to arrive at Hurricane Ridge on the first day of reopening after a fire destroyed the 70-year-old day lodge in May 2023.
Hiking the road to Hurricane Hill up to the beginning of the Elwha - Hurricane Hill Trail, then 6 steep miles down to the Elwha River near the beginning of Whiskey Bend Road and continuing down Olympic Hot Springs Road to Highway 101.

[@kenporter5288]

Thanks Dan for your video. As a Peninsula geezer and geezerette, we've been talking a lot today about chances this season of getting up to the Ridge, so this was timely and helpful. Plus I've always been drawn to the trail to the Elwha (descending or ascending), so your video was visceral and appreciated. Looking forward to your future adventures.

[@dankari1730]

I'm glad you enjoyed the journey and appreciate your comments. Hope you are able to get up there soon!

[@feelthesteel5173]

The views from that ridge are breathtaking thanks for taking us along for the ride that looks like an awesome hike. That river is just amazing I could sit beside that all day that noise is all you need for an afternoon! Thank you

[@dankari1730]

Glad you enjoyed it! That ridge would be a good place to watch the sunset and camp, if only water was closer.

[@jaymontgomery3330]

Have always wanted to do that hike, will have to make it happen. Using Transit Bus sounds like great way to access Hurricane Ridge. Thanks for sharing Dan.

[@dankari1730]

Thanks Jay! Have a great summer!

[@Steven-Stucker]

Most ambitious hike yet Dan. Thank 😊you for sharing, i enjoyed every mnute of it.

[@dankari1730]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@hopnhike]

Great hike. Loved the diversity of trail from sweeping views to dense forest.

[@dankari1730]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@hillarys.k8518]

Go put your feet up. That was a beautiful hike. Thank you .

[@dankari1730]

Thank you! My legs definitely need the rest!

[@mkrolikiewicz88]

Thank you for posting this! Back in 2021 my brother and I tried to do this and could not find where it breached into the forest. I have been dying to know where it was and you finally solved the mystery for me. I will have to go back and try again

[@dankari1730]

It’s a fun trip, but very steep downgrade. Eventually lost two toenails after that day. Now wearing shoes a half size larger.

[@tailgunnerhikes4703]

Beautiful trip and lots of information for those who might follow. Glad to see you are still getting out hiking after all the bike videos.

[@dankari1730]

Thanks for watching!

[@peterdorn5799]

thank's for this update, the hike is now on my list, physically not able yet, but when I am. I'll be there

[@dankari1730]

Hope you’ll be able next summer!

[@hopnhike]

Thanks for the update and good info!! Did you notice if the Obstruction Point Rd is closed off to vehicle access? We're coming there in late Aug and Grand Valley is one of our planned hikes.

[@dankari1730]

Obstruction Point Road is open. I read on Twitter that entrance station rangers will honor passes for hikers going to Obstruction Point even after the Ridge has reached its daily limit of 315 vehicles. Hope you have a great trip!

[@hopnhike]

@@dankari1730 Thank you! I really enjoy all your trail reviews and good advise.

[@Btstaz]

Dang the parking is really reduced up there now, it would be nice if they just made it bus only at this point and ran more buses (if they hadn't started more already). Probably would be good for business in town as well. We hiked down wolf creek trail last summer, it was nice and was pretty tame, a fair amount of shade so good for warmer days, I don't recall any steep sections as it follows the old road up, probably a bit longer route. This does seem to have more views though. Always enjoy your videos, thanks!

[@dankari1730]

The reduced parking seems to be filling up fast and they've been reaching the limit by late morning. Probably will be worse over the holiday weekend. Wolf Creek definitely has a more gentle incline than the Elwha - Hurricane Hill Trail. I'd walk the extra 5 miles for the easier journey. Have a great summer!

[@peterdorn5799]

would be nice if they could improve and maintain this trail

[@dankari1730]

It looks to be seldom used. It was cleared in the first couple of miles from the bottom, but rugged between there and the transition to the meadow.

[@peterdorn5799]

could I park the car at elwha ranger station, walk back to 101 and catch a bus to port Angeles then shuttle up to the hurricane ridge then do this hike, would make a great loop

[@dankari1730]

Good idea except the Olympic Hot Springs Road is closed to vehicles at the Madison Falls trailhead because of the washout. Park at Madison Falls instead when the shuttle resumes in the spring.