Hurricane Hill

We drove up to Hurricane Ridge at Olympic National Park to do two short hikes today. First, we hiked up to Hurricane Hill (3.2 mile round trip hike with 650 ft of gain), we would also hike the trail to the viewpoint on the east end and a short way down the trail to the Elwha for a 4 mile round trip hike. The main trail up to Hurricane Hill is being improved to make it ADA accessible. It was very easy to social distance here.

The wildflowers were in bloom along the hillsides, so beautiful!

We walked slowly, enjoying the colors along the way.

Hurricane Hill beyond this short ridge line.

Mount Angeles to the east

There were many avalanche lilies in bloom

Lots of phlox

There were thousands of prairie smoke in bloom on the slopes of Hurricane Hill

silky phacelia among the prairie smoke

After reaching the summit of Hurricane Hill, we followed the trail to a viewpoint to the east, there are several boot tracks. I think we meandered most of them. A small tarn in the melting snow on the north side of Hurricane Hill. Vancouver Island across the Salish Sea to the north.

Even on this cloudy day, we enjoyed the local views in front of us as we meandered along the trails.

Doe in the meadow, and Olympic peaks peeking through the clouds.

Not far down the trail that eventually goes to  the Elwha, we saw a couple of bucks in a meadow.

The skies were a little clearer as we returned down the trail.

Lots of onion in bloom

I have been up to Hurricane Hill several times in the winter and spring on snowshoes. What a transformation, from snow covered to these vibrant colors!!!

Lots of natural rock gardens along the way!

We also saw several marmots, most were too fast for me to catch a photo.

some of the wildflowers seen along the trail today: