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Olympic Peninsula North Hikes

Big Meadow, Cirque Rim and High Ridge Trails

Parent Category: Hiking
in North
Created: 17 July 2014
Location: Olympic Peninsula, Olympic National Park
GPS Coordinates: 47°58'13.4"N 123°29'51.7"W
Season: All year round

Photo from Olympic Peninsula, Big Meadow, Cirque Rim and High Ridge TrailsPictures below will take you on a virtual tour along the hikes, enjoy the wildlife and gourgeous scenery!

Description:

Photo from Olympic Peninsula, Big Meadow, Cirque Rim and High Ridge Trails

Hurricane Ridge is the must see of the Olympic National Park. It is an easy trip that will take visitors to 5, 200 feet elevation. Numerous trails open great views on spectacular Olympic Mountains and their white glaciers, breathtaking view on the Strait of Juan de Fuca and stunning alpine meadows. Some of these trails are very easy and others are very difficult, but all of them give the opportunity to feel the real beauty of this region.

Big Meadow and Cirque Rim Trails

Photo from Olympic Peninsula, Big Meadow, Cirque Rim and High Ridge Trails

Big Meadow Trail and Cirque Rim Trail are well-maintained and paved meadow trails. The length of the trails is about ½ mile. Both of these trails are considered to be easy, because they are relatively flat. The routes take the beginning from the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center offering wonderful views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Olympic Mountains.

These trails have abundant wildlife, marmots and deer can be seen here very often. Big meadow and Cirque Rim Trails allow wandering through meadows, which are filled with wildflowers and through sub alpine green forests. Both of the trails are well-marked and have interpretive signs along the way.

Hurricane Ridge Trail

High Ridge Trail is a short 1-mile route, which is also full of educational and interpretive exhibits. High Ridge Trail is also accessed from the Cirque Rim Trail; you just need to turn onto the High Ridge Trail. The path provides stunning views especially when you gain altitude.

Photo from Olympic Peninsula, Big Meadow, Cirque Rim and High Ridge Trails

At the end of the trail, there are several options. You can turn back to the parking lot, to proceed further along the unpaved path to Sunrise Point, or you can choose to wander along the Klahhane Ridge Trail. But be prepared to hike for about 3.8 miles.

Additional Info:

The Visitor Center at Hurricane Ridge provides a map of Olympic National Park, exhibits, emergency first aid, potable water, accessible restrooms and a small restaurant. The upper level of the visitor center features very nice and in-depth exhibits and provide great views.  The exhibits tell about Olympic Mountains’ habitats and a 20-minute orientation film can be shown on request. The lower level is known for a cafeteria and a gift shop. Educational programs and guided walks start in late June. An elevator and ramp provide access to lower level terrace with picnic tables, gift shop, and snack bar.

Directions:

From Port Angeles

Follow US 101, turn south onto Race Street. Continue1 mile to Heart O’ the Hills Parkway and follow for about 5 miles to the entrance station and continue on Hurricane Ridge Rd for 12 miles to Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center.

View the embedded image gallery online at:
https://beautifulwashington.com/olympic-peninsula/hiking/north/229-big-meadow,-cirque-rim-and-high-ridge-trails.html#sigProIda3a79e7c44

These pictures were taken on June 12, 2014

In order to get the directions click on the link below:

Photo: Roman Khomlyak

Photo Editing: Pavlo Petryshyn

Information: Marina Petrova

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