Each year on the first Sunday in August, cyclists have the extraordinary opportunity to ride the iconic Hurricane Ridge road when it is closed to all motor vehicles. Starting the round-trip ride at sea level from the Port Angeles City Pier, cyclists ascend through the Olympic National Park, past old growth fir, distant glaciers, and Alpine Meadows, to the stunning viewpoints of Hurricane Ridge.
For one special morning, the road belongs only to the cyclists
Ride the Hurricane
Sunday, August 6, 2023
Registration Opens Early Spring, 2023
A portion of the proceeds will go to the peninsula trails coalition and the Washington national parks foundation
THE ROUTE | The route starts at Port Angeles City Pier for a true Sea-level beginning, and ends at the Hurricane Ridge Visitors Center. It is a challenging round trip with a maximum grade of 11.2% and a thrilling downhill payoff after the climb to the top. The road to Hurricane Ridge will be closed to motor vehicles from 7 a.m. to noon, providing the unique opportunity to enjoy a summertime ride on a closed National Park Road.
Read theDetailed Route description to learn the different elements of the ride
Links to interactive maps, including mileage, grade percentages, elevation gains, and aid station locations
Donna Soder from the Bike Garage takes great care of cyclists at the Heart of the Hills aid station.
Aid stations will have the basics of fruit, energy bars, water, and Gatorade, but each station will also have its own unique snacks
Ride Start – mile 0, fruit bars, coffee, and donuts
Aid Station #1 – 7.2 miles from ride start, Sponsored by The Bike Garage. Snacks, Water, Portable toilet and handwashing sink. 3.8 miles to the next aid station, 12.9 miles to the top (closes at noon)
Aid Station #2 – 11.1 miles from the ride start, Sponsored by The Clallam County YMCA, Snack, Water, Portable toilet, EMT unit on standby at this location (closes at 11:45 am)
Aid Station #3 – 13.7 miles from the start, Sponsored by Port Angeles Chamber of Commerce (closes at 11:30 am)
Aid Station #4 – 17 Miles from ride start, Sponsored by Brown’s Outdoor (closes at 11:30 am)
Aid Station #5 – 18.3 miles from ride start, Sponsored by Dancing Hands Drumming Group (closes at 11:30 am)
Mile High Chocolate Milk Station – 19.8 miles from the ride start (closes at 11:30 am)
After Ride Party at the Pier – Ride finish, Taco Bar and Local, Craft Beer!
Detailed Route Description
Start – Port Angeles City Pier at the edge of the Port Angeles Harbor Segment 1 – Mile 0-.6 – Ride along the Olympic Discovery Trail – This is a short ride about half a mile along the scenic Waterfront Trail section of the ODT Segment 2 – Mile .6-2.1 – Ride through residential streets – After riding through the 9/11 Memorial park, head up Francis St., turn right on Race St. and ride to the beginning of lower Hurricane Ridge Road Segment 3 – Mile 2.1 – 7.2 – Lower Hurricane Ridge Road – This is the longest stretch between aid stations, and many say that it’s one of the toughest parts of the ride. This section of the road will be open to local traffic only. Segment 4 – Mile 7.2 – 20.1 – Enter National Park. Hurricane Ridge Road is closed to motor vehicles from here to the summit. The rest of the ride is a gorgeous ascent into Olympic National Park, winding past old growth forest as you climb deeper into the park. The views will get increasingly more stunning, with aid stations every two to three miles to help you fuel up.
The Tunnels: Segment #4 includes three short tunnels just past Aid Station #2. Lights are not needed. Click on the image below to view a video of a ride through the tunnels.
Ride the Hurricane is a challenging hill climb, and we recommend that only skilled and trained cyclists with experience at this level of performance attempt the ride.
A return of last year’s gourmet, handmade truffles
Chocolate milk and snacks at the top!
After Party on the Pier, featuring a taco bar from Little Devil’s Lunchbox, and Craft Local Beer from Barhop Brewery
Two photographers | One along the route for action shots, and one at the top for summit photos (purchased separately)
EMT services on standby
Portable toilets at every aid station
Two photographers: Action shots from the route and summit portraits
If you can’t ride, consider volunteering! Whether you live here or you came along with someone who’s doing the ride, volunteering is a great way to be a part of this amazing event. Visit theVolunteer page for more info.
Ebikes are not permitted this year in adherence to our permit
the 2022 jersey
This year's Sea to Summit Jersey is inspired by our unique, one-of-kind ride from the edge of Port Angeles Harbor to the summit of Hurricane Ridge. We wanted to capture the dramatic extremes of the route, from the saltwater's edge up into the sweeping Mountains of the Olympic National Park.
Jerseys can be purchased during the registration process, or purchased separately using the link below.
Enter your email below to be notified when updates or new information about RTH 2022 is added to the website. We will never sell or share your email address.
Join 703 other followers
Photo below photo courtesy of Richard Schneider
Panel 3
Volunteer
this is the most fun you’ll have as a volunteer!
Thank you to all our amazing volunteers this year! We couldn’t have done it without you!
Even if you can’t ride, you can still be a part of this vibrant and exciting energy of this event. Volunteers get a tee-shirt, and are invited to the After Party on the Pier for Tacos & Beer! Click the link to sign up, or for more information about the volunteer positions.
Pictures Courtesy of: 1) Richard Schneider 2) Cyndi Cross 3) Mike Moreland 4) Leslie Robertson 5) Cyndi Cross
Photo below by Alex Juan
Panel 4
Gallery
a very special ride
Pictures don’t do it justice, but perhaps looking at these images that participants have submitted from past rides can give you some idea of the grandeur and majesty that you’ll experience on this ride.
Courtesy of Ron Eccles
Courtesy of Larry Dean
Courtesy of Corrina Lorenz
Courtesy of Lydia McGranahan
Courtesy of Larry Dean
Photo Courtesy of Dave Toman (Prototype by Toussaint)
Photos courtesy of: 1) Julie Hoffman 2) Jeff Scooler 3) Jen Petersen 4) Carl Ringler 5) Dave Logan 6) Ron Eccles 7) Jan Snow 8) Cherese Timmer
