TLDR: Hurricane Ridge and Obstruction Point roads are closed, even though the park website doesn’t list any alerts—likely due to the government shutdown (details below). We didn’t hike Hurricane Hill, but I tagged this trail so others are aware.

We set out to hike the Lillian Ridge Way Trail, but when we reached Hurricane Ridge and tried to turn onto Obstruction Point Road, the gate was down and the road was closed. At the restroom area, there was a sign saying all cars had to be off the ridge by 4:15 p.m., and they were enforcing it strictly. We got back to our car at 4:10, just as NPS staff were driving around the lot with loudspeakers telling everyone they had five minutes to leave.

I checked the Hurricane Ridge webcam today and the parking lot is completely empty, so it looks like they may have closed it for the weekend or for the entire government shutdown. Once again, the park website hadn’t been updated with any notice.

Our backup hike was Klahhane Ridge, and it didn’t disappoint. About 9.8 miles round trip with 2,700 feet of elevation gain from Hurricane Ridge. The fall colors were beautiful, and the views of the Bailey Range were incredible. Trekking poles are recommended since the ridge is narrow, steep, and rocky in sections.

I’ve always overlooked the trails near PA, but they’re wonderful. We only saw three other hikers all day, and I’ll definitely be back for more.

Loop from the parking lot along the Cirque Rim Nature Trail to Sunrise Point.

Road Conditions. Paved road and parking lot at Hurricane Hill. Restrooms and gift shop were being run out of containers. Tap with potable water.

Trail Conditions. Except for the spur trail out to Sunrise Point, the trail was paved, and clear of obstacles.

Highlights. Marmots in the meadows below the parking lot, and overly tame deer along the trail. Too hazy to see across the strait to Vancouver Island, but clear view of Mt Olympus and the Bear Gulch fire.

Crowds. Expected a long line to get into the park on such a beautiful Saturday afternoon, but there was no wait at the entrance station. The parking lot was busy, but plenty of spots were available. The trails were busy, too, but no congestion.

Post-Hike. Hand-rolled ice cream at Mix-It Shack in Port Angeles.

We originally planned to hike just to Lake Angeles with some pack rafts, but after looking at the map, decided to make it a thru hike all the way through to Hurricane Ridge. We dropped a car the night before at Hurricane Ridge and then spent the night at Heart o Hills campground. We started at Lake Angeles Trail at 9am. The climb to the lake felt pretty gradual. We popped out of the clouds just before we hit the lake and could see the ridge above.

My friends paddled around in the lake for a while and then we started the climb to Klahhane Ridge. It was pretty steep and this section took us longer than we had hoped. Some of the trail is pretty lose scree, but it was all manageable. We finally got to the top of the ridge and were able to cross the ridge a little faster. Like most ridge line hikes there was some ups and downs, but nothing too steep or long. We descended on the Switchback Trail until the sign said to split off for the visitors center. The last two miles to the visitors center were so nice! Sweeping views on both sides of the ridge and Mt. Angeles towering behind us! Well worth all the effort.

We got to the car at Hurricane Ridge at 5pm. In all it was 10.3 miles of hiking and 5200 feet of elevation gain. After the lake there is no water, so plan accordingly. All trails are well marked and in good shape (aside from being on steep scree at times).

Quick trip around the trails at the top paved lot where the visitor center once stood. Got to the parking at about 4:45 pm and there were a lot of open spots.

The bathrooms were well kept and if you are looking to purchase some park clothes, magnets, etc, there is a small building toward the back of the parking lot that is selling some wares.

Started out on Cirque Rim Nature Trail (paved) and then decided to take a right up to Sunset Point. The trail to Sunset Point is dirt. After a few minutes of taking in the views, headed back down via High Ridge trail before getting back to the car.

Overall: 1.12 miles, 276 ft vertical, 0:25:55 rt including breaks

Added this in to our loop around the High Ridge Trail. Very easy hike with great views (especially northward)