Hurricane Ridge Guided Snowshoe Tour in Olympic National Park

Explore the serene, snow-capped landscapes of Olympic National Park on the Hurricane Ridge Guided Snowshoe Tour. Venture into the heart of this natural wonder, where towering peaks and pristine forests await. Experienced guides lead the way, ensuring a safe and memorable adventure tailored to all skill levels. With roundtrip transportation, top-notch equipment, and a small group size, this tour promises an unparalleled opportunity to learn about the park’s winter wonderland. From breathtaking vistas to the tranquility of the snow-covered trails, this guided excursion offers a unique chance to discover the true beauty of the Pacific Northwest during the colder months.

This experience made our list of the 9 Best National Park Tours In Port Angeles.

Contents hide

5 Additional Information

6 Guides and Safety

7 Packing and Preparation

8 Booking and Reservations

9 Frequently Asked Questions

Key Points

The Hurricane Ridge Guided Snowshoe Tour offers a guided snowshoe excursion through the breathtaking scenery of Olympic National Park.
The tour includes roundtrip 4WD transportation, snowshoe and trekking pole rentals, and is suitable for those with a moderate fitness level.
The tour starts and ends at the Port Angeles Wharf, with a shuttle bus transporting participants to the tour starting point.
The tour is led by experienced, commercially authorized guides who provide safety briefings and adjust the pace to suit the group’s abilities.
Participants should dress in warm, layered clothing and bring essentials like sunscreen, lip balm, and a camera to enhance the snowshoe experience.

Tour Overview

The Hurricane Ridge Guided Snowshoe Tour in Olympic National Park offers an exhilarating winter adventure for visitors, providing a unique opportunity to explore the park’s stunning alpine landscapes blanketed in snow.

Led by a commercially authorized hiking guide, the tour takes guests on a guided snowshoe excursion through the breathtaking scenery of Hurricane Ridge. Participants will enjoy roundtrip 4WD transportation, as well as the use of snowshoes and trekking poles.

With a maximum of 10 travelers, the tour allows for a more personalized experience. Suitable for those with a moderate fitness level, the tour is a great option for both beginners and experienced snowshoers alike, offering a chance to immerse in the natural beauty of Olympic National Park during the winter months.

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Pickup and Dropoff

The tour begins at the Port Angeles Wharf, located at 115 E Railroad Ave, Port Angeles, WA 98362, where a shuttle bus stages in the load zone in front of the Port Angeles Wharf and Visitor Center to transport participants to the tour starting point.

Travelers will be picked up from this central meeting location before being whisked away on their guided snowshoe adventure in Olympic National Park.

At the end of the tour, the shuttle bus will return participants back to the same Port Angeles Wharf meeting point where the experience began.

This convenient pickup and dropoff ensures a seamless and hassle-free journey for all guests.

Inclusions

Roundtrip 4WD transportation, snowshoe and trekking pole rentals, and gratuities are all included in the Hurricane Ridge Guided Snowshoe Tour in Olympic National Park.

This ensures that participants are able to fully enjoy the guided snowshoe adventure without worrying about additional costs.

The roundtrip transportation from the meeting point in Port Angeles provides a convenient and seamless experience, while the included snowshoe and trekking pole rentals allow guests to explore the snowy terrain without the need to bring their own equipment.

On top of that, gratuities for the guide are covered, allowing participants to focus on enjoying the tour without the concern of tipping at the end.

These inclusions contribute to an all-inclusive and hassle-free snowshoe experience in the beautiful Olympic National Park.

Tour Details

The Hurricane Ridge Guided Snowshoe Tour typically starts in Port Angeles, Washington, approximately 3 hours one-way from Seattle.

The tour has a maximum group size of 10 travelers, ensuring a personalized and intimate experience. Confirmation is provided at the time of booking, and infants must be seated on laps during the tour.

While the tour is located near public transportation, it isn’t wheelchair accessible, so participants should have a moderate level of physical fitness to fully enjoy the snowshoeing adventure.

The tour takes place in the stunning Olympic National Park, where participants can explore the snowy landscapes and scenic vistas under the guidance of a knowledgeable and experienced hiking guide.

Additional Information

Restrooms and a water refilling station are available at the Port Angeles Wharf meeting point, providing convenient amenities for tour participants.

Reviews indicate the Hurricane Ridge Guided Snowshoe Tour offers a great experience for beginners, with the guided nature of the excursion helping to ensure an enjoyable and safe outing in the snowy landscapes of Olympic National Park. The tour is well-suited for those with a moderate level of physical fitness, ensuring that even those newer to snowshoeing can participate comfortably.

Key benefits of the guided tour include:

Knowledgeable, authorized guides to enhance the experience
Snowshoe and trekking pole rentals included in the tour
Roundtrip transportation from the meeting point

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Guides and Safety

Experienced, commercially authorized guides lead the Hurricane Ridge Guided Snowshoe Tour, ensuring participants’ safety and enhancing their overall experience in Olympic National Park’s winter wonderland.

These knowledgeable guides are well-versed in the park’s terrain, weather conditions, and emergency protocols, allowing them to navigate the snowy trails with confidence and care.

They provide thorough safety briefings, adjust the pace and difficulty to suit the group’s abilities, and remain vigilant throughout the tour, ready to provide assistance or guidance as needed.

With their expertise, guests can fully enjoy the stunning natural beauty of Hurricane Ridge without worrying about the challenges of winter hiking, making for a truly memorable and safe adventure.

Packing and Preparation

Proper preparation is key to a successful and enjoyable Hurricane Ridge Guided Snowshoe Tour. Participants should dress in warm, layered clothing suitable for cold, snowy conditions, including waterproof boots, gloves, and headwear.

Bringing along a small backpack to carry personal items like snacks, water, and extra layers can enhance the overall experience.

Essential items to pack for the tour include:

Sunscreen and lip balm to protect against the sun’s glare
Camera or smartphone to capture the stunning vistas
Sunglasses to combat the bright, reflective snow

Booking and Reservations

Reserving a spot on the Hurricane Ridge Guided Snowshoe Tour can be done conveniently online or by contacting the tour operator directly. The tour has a maximum capacity of 10 travelers, so early booking is recommended, especially during peak seasons.

Confirmation is received at the time of booking, and the meeting point is located at the Port Angeles Wharf, where a shuttle bus stages in the load zone in front of the Port Angeles Wharf and Visitor Center.

The tour includes roundtrip 4WD transportation, snowshoe and trekking pole rentals, as well as gratuities. Travelers should have a moderate fitness level, as the tour involves snowshoeing in Olympic National Park.

Reviews indicate the tour is suitable for beginners, making it an excellent choice for those new to the sport.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Weather Like on the Tour?

The weather on the tour can be quite cold and snowy. Temperatures typically range from around freezing to below freezing, and significant snowfall is common. Proper winter gear is essential to stay warm and comfortable throughout the outdoor activities.

Can I Bring My Dog on the Tour?

Unfortunately, no, most guided snowshoe tours do not allow dogs to accompany participants. The tour operator likely has policies in place to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all guests, and bringing pets along could disrupt the experience.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

There are no age restrictions for the tour, though infants must sit on laps. The tour is suitable for travelers with a moderate physical fitness level, but children should be able to walk on their own.

How Difficult Is the Terrain on the Snowshoe Hike?

The terrain on the snowshoe hike is generally described as moderate, suitable for beginners. Reviews indicate it’s an accessible experience even for those with limited snowshoeing experience, thanks to the guided nature of the tour.

What Is the Cancellation Policy for the Tour?

The cancellation policy typically allows for full refunds up to 24 hours before the scheduled tour. Most operators have flexible policies to accommodate unexpected changes in plans. Customers should review the specific terms when booking to understand the cancellation guidelines.