Riders to climb Hurricane Ridge this Sunday

Olympic National Park will host an exciting opportunity for cyclists to “Ride the Hurricane” on Sunday, Aug. 5.

The event is a 12-mile recreational climb up Hurricane Ridge Road.

The Port Angeles Regional Chamber of Commerce is organizing the ride, with sponsorship from several local businesses.

“We are excited to partner with the chamber again this year to provide this unique experience in Olympic National Park,” said Todd Suess, Olympic National Park acting superintendent.

“To ensure a safe and enjoyable event, the cyclists will have Hurricane Ridge Road to themselves all morning.”

Participants will have the option to start the ride from Heart O’ the Hills entrance gate or from Peninsula College, five miles north of the entrance gate.

All riders must register at Peninsula College before starting their ride. Participants opting to ride the longer route from Peninsula College may start as early as 6 a.m., however, the Heart O’ the Hills entrance gate to the upper section of Hurricane Ridge Road will not open to riders until 7 a.m.

From the Heart O’ the Hills entrance gate, riders will climb 12 miles and more than 3,300 feet to Hurricane Ridge, which stands 5,242 feet above sea level.

After completing their summit, riders will be allowed to descend at their own pace.

To provide a safe experience for the event, the road will be closed to all vehicle traffic between the Heart O’ the Hills entrance station and Hurricane Ridge, starting at 5 a.m. and ending at noon.

This applies to both uphill and downhill travel, as well as cyclists who are not a part of the ride.

The road will open to traffic at noon and all event riders should be off the road by this time.

Olympic National Park will waive entrance fees at the Heart O’ the Hills entrance station for the rest of the day on Aug. 5. Access to the Lake Angeles-Heather Park trailhead and Heart O’ the Hills campground will remain open throughout the day.