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A classic, more direct route to Hurricane Ridge than driving, it just takes a little longer.


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Map Key

7.4

Miles

11.8

KM

Point to Point

5,076' 1,547 m

High

971' 296 m

Low

4,258' 1,298 m

Up

233' 71 m

Down

12%

Avg Grade (7°)

34%

Max Grade (19°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · River/Creek · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Need to Know

Discovery Pass required at trailhead.

Description

Assuming you're starting at the bottom trailhead, you'll find a designated parking lot on your left 0.25 miles down Little River Road from the turn off Black Diamond Road. The trail starts across the street from the parking area with a short drop to the river, then another short climb, before leveling off through State Forest Land.

*Technically bikes and dogs are allowed on this trail while you are on State Land (DNR). You enter Olympic National Park at approximately 1.2 miles, there is usually a sign marking this transition but it is on you to turnaround at this point if you have your dog or bike. Trail is patrolled.*

The trail winds around giant rock outcroppings called "Goblins," fantastic walls teeming with plants, moss, and fungi. The river is always present, noisily making its way downhill, and providing plenty of great views. Fun log bridges cross the river many times for the first 2.5 miles and then you start climbing. And climbing, and climbing

Dense forest gives way to sub-alpine terrain as the going gets really steep and all but the hardiest of mountain goats will slow their pace drastically here. In the warmer months, you'll make your way through fields of avalanche lilies. If you want to avoid snow, the best time to complete the trek to the Hurricane Hill Nature Trail is July through September (although, always check weather conditions before heading out and be prepared for anything!).

Flora & Fauna

Coyote, cougar, black bear, and of course the industrious mountain beaver.

Contacts

Shared By:

Josh Sutcliffe with improvements by Sam Morgan and 1 other

Trail Ratings

  4.7 from 9 votes

#2

in Port Angeles

#870

Overall
  4.7 from 9 votes
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Trail Rankings

#2

in Port Angeles

#55

in Washington

#870

Overall
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7,355 Since Apr 9, 2015
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Photos

Everything grows huge on the Little River Trail, especially the slugs.
Apr 7, 2015 near Port An…, WA
Checking out one of the Little River Trail's many basalt outcroppings, some of which have hidden caves under the ferns and moss.
Apr 7, 2015 near Port An…, WA
Crossing a bridge over the Little River.
Apr 7, 2015 near Port An…, WA
Little River is awe-inspiring. Wonderful trail.
Jul 20, 2019 near Port An…, WA
The Backcountry Horsemen completed this bridge in late 2014. This is about 5K from the lower trailhead. Good spot for lunch before heading back.  Little River Trail
Apr 7, 2015 near Port An…, WA
Trail runners crossing one of approximately eight bridges along the Little River Trail.
Apr 7, 2015 near Port An…, WA

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Check-Ins

Jul 6, 2019
Richie Ahuja
Dec 30, 2018
Lauren Cuff
We did an out and back with food for some backcountry lunching. It was pretty snowy and lots of down branches before we got to the Hurricane Ridge. 14.3mi
Oct 1, 2017
Armando Gonzales
Aug 13, 2017
Cap Tcha
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