Ride West Sound: Conquer Hurricane Ridge (Self Paced)

We'll meet at the northwest part of the Safeway parking lot in Port Angeles. Look for my white Sprinter van, your beacon at the start line. Be there, ready to go, at the time listed above. We will begin with a required safety briefing and roll out once that's complete. All riders must attend the safety briefing to participate.

A 42-mile loop with 5,800+ feet of climbing, from sea level to the Hurricane Ridge summit and back, starting and ending at the Port Angeles Safeway. That’s an average of more than 138 feet of elevation gain per mile, a grinding climb that will test your legs, lungs, and determination. The Ride Leader will maintain a steady pace (12-14 mph) to help riders manage their effort over the long ascent and improve the chance of a strong, steady summit. Along the way, you’ll ride beneath towering firs, past glacier-fed vistas, and into sweeping alpine meadows before reaching the dramatic views at the top. Riders are encouraged to go at their own pace with periodic regrouping, culminating in a summit lunch to celebrate the effort and the views. Scenic pullouts offer chances to rest and take it all in, but come prepared: the summit can be 15–20°F colder than Port Angeles, and past years have seen descents that chilled riders to the bone.

The Hurricane Ridge Day Lodge was tragically destroyed by fire in 2023, and no food services are available at the summit. For lunch break at the summit, riders should bring lunch or grab supplies at Safeway before we roll out.

NOTE: 1) A park pass must be presented or purchased at the entrance station (click here for Olympic National Park fee details); and 2) Riders should be prepared to tackle nearly a vertical mile of climbing over 17+ relentless uphill miles; this route demands both physical readiness and mental grit.

This 42-mile loop will take about five hours, though the duration may be shorter. Restrooms are available at the start inside Safeway and again at the summit. A convenient water bottle fill station is also located beside the portable toilet at the summit parking lot.

Bonus Fun Fact
Hurricane Ridge lives up to its name; with winds that often roar past 80 mph, this alpine route frequently sees hurricane-force gusts. Fortunately, those winds aren’t expected this month. But that’s only part of the story. It is one of the few U.S. rides that climbs from sea level to alpine tundra, in just 19 grueling miles. It's brutal, beautiful, and unforgettable!

Be sure to bring plenty of water, snacks, lunch, a spare tube, and the tools needed to fix a flat. Don’t forget your phone, ID, cash, or credit card. Full fenders are required if the roads are wet, or you may be asked to ride at the back. Plan, pack smart, and ride ready!

Note: If weather conditions meet the weather cancellation criterion listed in the Weather Status or if there are unforeseen hazardous riding conditions or other unexpected events, the Ride Leader will cancel the ride, and all registered riders will be sent a notification email. If the ride is canceled at least two hours before the start, the Ride Leader(s) will not be at the start location. Please check before leaving for the ride.

We hope you can join us!