
Hurricane Ridge Road is Washington's Best Driving Road
Usa, north-america
32 km
1,549 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, road-trippers, because Hurricane Ridge Road in Washington's Olympic National Park is calling your name! This 20-mile stretch of pure driving bliss climbs to a whopping 5,082 feet above sea level.
Starting near Port Angeles, this totally paved beauty, sometimes called Heart o’the Hills Road, winds its way up into the heart of the Olympic Mountains. Think lush forests and breathtaking views – seriously, keep your camera handy!
Give yourself around an hour to drive it straight through, but trust me, you'll want to stop and soak it all in. The road is steep, and you'll even pass through a few tunnels, making the journey super exciting.
Now, a word of caution: Mother Nature rules up here! Always check the weather before you go. This area gets a TON of snow (over 400 inches a year!), and the road can close without warning. In winter, it's usually open weekends and holidays, but always double-check. Tire chains are a must in the winter months. As you climb nearly 5000 feet from Port Angeles, you'll see the plant life morph around you, a sign you're getting higher and higher. Get ready for some seriously epic scenery!
Where is it?
Hurricane Ridge Road is Washington's Best Driving Road is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 37.1950, -96.7293
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 32 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,549 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 37.1950, -96.7293
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