In late June this year, we hit the trail on a perfect day for another hiking adventure with our friends Pam and John. The sun was shining, the colors almost blinding, and we had a crystal clear view of the Olympics. As promised, the wildflowers were beautiful. But even better was the wildlife, which we didn’t expect.
Hurricane Ridge is the most easily accessed mountain area in Olympic National Park. A gently winding 17-mile road from Port Angeles climbs 5,242 feet to the visitor center. From there, we hiked the Hurricane Hill Trail (1.6 miles one way) to the top of Hurricane Ridge. It’s a beautiful trail, with grand views all along the way. If you’re lucky enough to have a clear day, from the crest of the ridge you’ll be treated to a panorama of snow-capped mountain ranges, islands, and the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
Pam and John at the Hurricane Hill Trailhead
A stunningly gorgeous day on the trail
We were hoping to see Olympic marmots, a species that lives only on the Olympic Peninsula. We saw them last time we were here, and sure enough, they made a repeat appearance. Apparently, Hurricane Hill is one of the best places to see these engaging creatures. They whistle to one another across the meadows, sun themselves on rocky outcroppings, and occasionally scamper across the trail. “Back in Pennsylvania, we call those groundhogs,” said John. (He’s right—they are groundhogs. But they are exotic groundhogs.)
A rare Olympic marmot crosses the trail (“Looks like a groundhog to me,” says John)
Trying to capture a photo mid-step as the marmot speeds by
Safely across the trail and striking a pose in the sun
As we hiked, we enjoyed displays of the colorful alpine wildflowers that thrive in the rocky, wind-buffeted landscape. Hurricane Ridge gets its name from the hurricane-force winds that assail the mountain, but we lucked out with nothing more than a gentle breeze. It couldn’t have been a more ideal day—once at the top, we had views of the Olympic and Cascade mountains, Canada’s Vancouver Island, and the San Juan Islands. We could even see Lopez, our island destination for the summer.
Alpine wildflowers on Hurricane Hill Trail
Lovely pasque flower (Pulsatilla spp.) on the mountainside
At the top of Hurricane Ridge
We love seeing wildlife in the wild, in their natural environment. We even enjoy seeing black-tailed deer, which are a nuisance in our hometown in southern Oregon. There’s a thriving population of “city deer” in Ashland, and they annihilate everything. We tried planting deer proof plants, only to discover that the deer do not read the Sunset Garden Book. The deer are not cute when they’re mowing down your vegetable garden, emptying your bird feeders, killing your Japanese maples by rubbing their antlers on them, and spreading disease via ticks. An eight-foot tall cedar fence solved our problems.
Out here on the trail, where there isn’t an overpopulation of deer, we enjoy seeing them. A few joined us at our lunch spot at the top of Hurricane Ridge. And one popped out from behind a tree when Eric left the trail for a quick rest stop. (Yes, he takes his camera everywhere. You never know when a photo opportunity might come along, right?)
Lunch spot on Hurricane Ridge with deer (and Pam and John’s famous boots)
Not sure who was more surprised, Eric or the deer
Hills covered with sweetly-scented spreading phlox (Phlox diffusa) on a side trail
Sharing a fun moment with good friends
Pam, Queen of the Mountain
There was still snow on parts of the trail in late June
Hiking back down the trail, we spotted a small gathering of people. We knew there was something interesting going on, and quickened our pace. The “something interesting” was a tiny black dot on the hillside. Up close (through our binoculars and camera lens) it was a big black bear.
A bear draws a small crowd of hikers
A better view through the magic of a zoom lens
We returned to the visitor center, thinking we were finished hiking—until we heard that mountain goats were hanging out near the Sunrise Point Trail. Mountain goats have been high on our list of critters that we’ve wanted to see, and our group unanimously agreed to try to find them. As it turns out, it would have been nearly impossible to miss them.
Heading back down the Hurricane Hill Trail
Hiking back up another trail; the view from Sunrise Point Trail
We hustled up the steep, partially snow-covered trail. Just before we reached the crest, we spotted a small herd grazing on the mountainside. When the goats decided to move in our direction, they used the trail, and we gave them right-of-way. Later, we learned that the goats are not native to the park, and have become problematic.
Mountain goats grazing near Sunrise Point Trail
The goats start making their way toward us
We backed up as far as we could on the narrow ridge
A mama goat and baby trotting by
I’m separated from our herd, and waiting for the goats to pass by
Local sportsmen introduced goats for hunting near Lake Crescent in the 1920s. In 1938, Olympic National Park was established, and the goats were off-limits to hunters. Since then, the goat population has increased by leaps and bounds. They damage native plant communities, seek out hikers for salt (from perspiration and urine), and although it’s unusual, they can be aggressive toward people.
When we returned to the visitor center after our hike, the ranger told us about a tragic incident a few years ago where a goat in the park killed a hiker. He advised that when we encounter goats on the trail, that we should stand our ground and not allow the goats to dominate. (“Right,” I thought. “You first!”)
Next Up: A Lighthouse Hike, Lavender Fields, And More: Sequim, WA
What an absolutely gorgeous hike! Must say I really enjoyed having the photos in amidst the text as well. Lovely reading and great pictures! I haven’t been to Hurricane Ridge in a couple of decades.
Thanks so much, Sue — I’m glad you’re enjoying the photos in the text. Hurricane Ridge is definitely a special place, and worthy of a return trip!
The wildflowers sure beat Butchart Gardens. What an idyllic hike. I wonder how many others get such clear days, and variety of wildlife each year?
Sheila, I think we were really lucky in every respect on our hike that day. And you’re right, wildflowers beat a micromanaged garden any day, in my opinion. :-)
How nice to relive this day through your eyes this time:) This is one of those occasions where you can’t repeat the spectacular events of the day. We certainly lucked out with a small crowd, wildflowers, wildlife, snowy trails, clear sky, and wonderful friends to share the joy of the day. This day is high in my memory bank. Thanks for taking us back! Beautiful photos!
Pam, we were so happy we experienced this special day with you two. Every bit of it was gorgeous! Isn’t it great that we lag behind so that you can revisit places? :-)
thanks for sharing! lovely reminder of a gorgeous area.
Thanks, Robbin. So glad you enjoyed the post. Sounds like you have some good memories of your own from Hurricane Hill!
Another WOW posted by you guys. The photography is beautiful and the scenery breathtaking. Your writing is every armchair travelers dream…. and fortunate are we that are able to hit the road. I always look forward to your posts. We leave tomorrow for Maine and our return will coincide with the fall foliage. Thanks for an awesome adventure…
Julie, we always appreciate your kind comments. :-) So exciting that you’re leaving for Maine! Happy and safe travels…how wonderful that you’ll be there for the fall foliage. That’s high on our wish list of future adventures.
Oh wow! Loved all of this, but especially the marmot! Used to see them at the ski valley in Taos. I’m sure they’re mean or stinky or something, but I love them anyway!
Haha! We love seeing the marmots, too, Kim. I doubt that they’re mean, not sure if they’re stinky….I do know that they torture gardeners and farmers, but out here in the wild, they’re mighty cute!
That was one exceptional day on the trail! Wildlife and flowers in abundance, it doesn’t get any better than that!
Lisa, it truly was an exceptional day on the trail. Any day on the trail is a good one, but this was special with the variety of wildlife and beautiful scenery, plus, of course, good friends to share it with.
Love mountain goats. Very interesting tidbit about them from the ranger. Wildflowers, wildlife, gorgeous views, and fun company … doesn’t get much better. Thanks for taking us along!
Ingrid, we were so happy to finally see mountain goats up close. Our previous sightings were just tiny little dots on the horizon in the mountains of Nevada. But we didn’t expect to get quite so close at Hurricane Ridge!
Fantastic pictures captured a fantastic day with friends. The colors are not to be believed! Wish we were there.
I love the pantaloons on the mama goat, she looks quite fashionable!
Glad you didn’t have to stand your ground though….I don’t think I’d like to tangle with those horns or hooves.
Sue, we wish you could have been with us, too! It really was a technicolor day, and the company was excellent. :-)
The mama goat did look like she was wearing pantaloons! The goats were beautiful to see, but I’m happy they weren’t interested in us. I wouldn’t want to get into a confrontation with those hooves and horns.
Wow! The mountains and the trees and the snow and the flowers. Just wow. Stunning photos!
Thanks, Laura. It was a “wow” day, for sure.
Awesome! Eric and the deer was hilarious!
Brenda, I thought the tale of Eric and the deer was hilarious, too! He will do anything for a photo. :-))
Certainly a spectacular day in a beautiful place – and great friends make it perfect. I think that’s all the adjectives I need for one sentence……
That marmot looks huge! Glad the bear was far away but close enough to enjoy with the zoom. And of course the goats were the highlight – no, you certainly didn’t need to look too hard for them :-)))
Love the pic of you and Pam having fun and Eric’s startled friend around the tree!
Jodee, I don’t think you used too many adjectives at all! It was that kind of day. I agree, the goats were the highlight — well, along with Pam and John as our hiking companions, of course. :-)
Goats and flowers and bears oh my!!! Missing you but feeling your presence in your tales and stunning photos!
Diana, I always feel like you’re with us when I look around our little home-on-wheels and see all of the artwork we created together. We need to meet up for an adventure on the road somewhere soon. oxoxox
I loved those trails, but we missed the goats, bears, and marmots. You all sure had a great day!
Gayle, we were definitely excited about all of our wildlife sightings! We certainly didn’t expect the bear or the goats. Now we just need to see moose — hopefully in Glacier.
Oh sheesh, I can’t even get out to the PNW and now I need to be at Hurricane Ridge in both the spring and the fall. I was surprised to see the 4 of you on such a short trail. Stunningly gorgeous is putting it mildly. We saw marmots on our marmots in Glacier the year we were there. I’m with John. They ate my garden-groundhogs that is. They and the “white tailed” deer. Not cute is right. Really cute picture though Eric. Love black bears anywhere they are but especially on the trail with me in Shenandoah. I take it they are rare in Olympic NP? Sounds like a broadcasting system for wildlife. Those goats were definitely making their way toward you. Great pictures but stand your ground with those pointy horns? Hmmmm really???
Sherry, my thoughts exactly — I wasn’t about to “stand my ground” against the hooves and pointy horns! It was a short trail for us at just over 3 miles round trip, but it’s the best hike on Hurricane Ridge. We also probably added a couple of miles with our steep hike up the Sunrise Point trail.
I think we saw that same bear when we were there. ;) All of that sunshine and critters. Perfect kind of day. I guess peeing on the side of the trail is not a good plan.
Yeah, the rangers definitely discourage peeing on the side of the trail — or letting the goats lick perspiration from your skin. (Can you imagine??)
Looks like a great hike! Seeing wildlife in the wild is just the best. I’ve seen my share of mountain goats in the wild but never get tired of seeing them. On a backpacking trip in Colorado a few years ago the mountain goats would run by our tents early in the morning to try and wake us up because they knew about the first thing we would do is get up and pee!
That’s hilarious, Henry! Those goats are obviously smart. We never tire of seeing wildlife in the wild, either. The only thing I don’t want to see are cougars in the wild. And grizzlies up close.
We did not have any wildlife during our hike but still it was beautiful out there. You guys are making me jealous with all your hiking! Great photos of smiling friends having fun.
Thanks, MonaLiza. We were wishing you and Steve were with us on our hikes! We really lucked out with so much wildlife on Hurricane Ridge.