Port Angeles, the northern gateway to Olympic National Park, had a 50% chance of daytime rain and a forecast overnight low of 35°F for October 29. Hurricane Ridge Road was listed as closed in the NPS road report updated October 28, and the park’s conditions notice attributed the closure to snow. The availability of camping at lower elevations did not mean travelers could drive to the mountain overlook.
Areas Affected
The NWS point forecast for Port Angeles was updated at 11:26 p.m. PDT on October 28 and took effect at 5 a.m. on October 29. It called for a daytime high of 48°F and light winds. The rain chance fell to 30% overnight, but the forecast low of 35°F meant campers could not base their preparations solely on daytime coastal temperatures.
Hurricane Ridge is a mountain destination 17 miles south of Port Angeles along Hurricane Ridge Road. NPS notes that the road can open or close at any time depending on weather and road conditions. The road report also listed Deer Park Road and Obstruction Point Road as closed.
Vehicle restrictions matter even on open roads. The same NPS report listed Upper Hoh Road and Mora Road as open, but prohibited RVs and trailers on Graves Creek Road despite its open status. The unpaved section of South Shore Road at Lake Quinault has a rough, uneven surface and is not recommended for RVs or trailers.
What RV Travelers Need to Know
Heart O’ the Hills, the closest campground to Hurricane Ridge, was listed as open on the official campground page, with sites available first come, first served. Sites generally accommodate 21-foot RVs, with some suitable for 35-foot vehicles, but there is no dump station. Heavy snow can make the campground walk-in only, so year-round operation should not be confused with guaranteed vehicle access on a particular day.
Hoh Rain Forest and Mora campgrounds were also listed as open. Outside their reservation seasons, both operate first come, first served, with sites generally accommodating 21-foot RVs and some 35-foot vehicles. Hoh has no dump station; Mora has a fee-based facility. Choose a campground with vehicle length and wastewater plans in mind. An open campground is not a promise of an available site.
For a mountain visit, first check the NPS road report and the recorded information at 360-565-3131 on the day of departure. Easing rain or clearing skies in Port Angeles do not mean Hurricane Ridge Road has reopened. Plan low-elevation camping separately from higher-elevation sightseeing, and leave the mountain section out of the route while the closure remains in place.
Sources: NWS Port Angeles point forecast · NPS road conditions · NPS camping information · NPS visiting Hurricane Ridge · NPS park alerts and facility conditions
Photo: NPS / C. Bubar · Agency photo description dated August 3, 2014 · Original photo page · Public Domain Mark / PD US NPS. Original or supplied proportionally reduced image used.
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