Skip to main content
ForestMatters, LLC

Grand Ridge Trail

Olympic National Forest, Washington · 3 min read

Distance
8.8 mi
Elevation Gain
1,400 ft
Difficulty
moderate
Route Type
Out-And-Back
Best Season
July through October
Dog Friendly
No
Difficulty Score
6 / 10
Trailhead Amenities
Restroom
None
Parking
Fee Required
Cell Service
No Signal
Water
Nearby
Camping
Dispersed
Google MapsApple Maps

Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • High alpine ridge walk above 6,000 feet with panoramic Olympic Mountain views
  • Remote character despite starting from Hurricane Ridge complex
  • Olympic marmots, black-tailed deer, and raptors along the ridge
  • Connects to the Seven Lakes Basin backpacking route
  • Quieter than Hurricane Hill and the Heather Meadows area

Overview

Grand Ridge provides one of the most sustained alpine ridge hiking experiences in Olympic National Park. The trail follows a high spine of the Olympic Mountains, remaining above 5,800 feet for most of its length and offering continuous views of the park's interior. Unlike the more accessible Hurricane Hill trail, Grand Ridge requires driving an additional 8 miles on rough unpaved road to reach its trailhead at Obstruction Point, which results in significantly fewer visitors.

The ridge environment is genuinely subalpine: sparse krummholz trees, open rocky meadows, and the kind of broad visibility that comes from being physically above most of the surrounding terrain. The Olympic Mountains rise on multiple sides, and on clear days the Strait of Juan de Fuca is visible to the north with Vancouver Island beyond.

This trail sits within Olympic National Park; Olympic National Forest surrounds the park boundaries. The difference in fees and regulations applies here as with other park trails.

The Route

Miles 0 to 2.0: Initial Ridge Traverse

From Obstruction Point, the trail immediately enters open alpine terrain. The ridge walk is largely above treeline from the start, which is unusual for a non-technical trail in the Pacific Northwest. Views open in multiple directions within the first quarter mile.

The trail is generally well-marked but the terrain underfoot varies between packed earth, gravel, and rock. Wind exposure is typical on the ridge; bring layers regardless of weather at the trailhead.

Miles 2.0 to 4.4: Continuation and Viewpoints

The trail continues east along the ridge crest with several high points offering expanded views. Olympic marmots are common on the rocky slopes. The Needles formation, a series of rocky pinnacles, is visible from the mid-section of the ridge.

The conventional day hike turnaround point is at approximately 4.4 miles where the trail begins descending toward Grand Valley and eventually connecting with the longer backcountry routes.

When to Visit

July through October is the accessible season, with late July representing the typical opening after snow clears from the Obstruction Point Road. August and September offer the best combination of clear weather and accessible terrain.

The high exposure means lightning is a real concern during afternoon thunderstorm activity. Plan to reach the turnaround by midday and descend before afternoon cloud buildup.

What to Bring

  • Many hikers carry 2 to 3 liters of water given the limited sources on the ridge. Individual needs vary considerably.
  • Warm layers and wind protection for the exposed ridge.
  • Sun protection: the open terrain has minimal shade.
  • Offline map and GPS. Cell coverage is absent throughout.
  • Traction devices if attempting early season when snow may remain on north-facing sections.

Practical Details

Olympic National Park entrance fee applies ($35/vehicle for 7 days as of 2026) collected at Hurricane Ridge Road entrance. No restrooms at Obstruction Point Trailhead. No services; nearest facilities at Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center.

Dogs are not permitted. Follow Leave No Trace principles for waste management and camp selection on overnight trips.

Veterans and active military may qualify for a free Interagency pass; see veteran benefits for national forests. Check current conditions for Obstruction Point Road status before heading out.

Getting There

From Port Angeles, drive to Hurricane Ridge via Hurricane Ridge Road (approximately 17 miles). From the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center, take the unpaved Obstruction Point Road east for approximately 8 miles to the road's end at Obstruction Point. Total drive from Port Angeles is about 50 minutes. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for Obstruction Point Road.

Trailhead Parking

Obstruction Point Trailhead at the end of Obstruction Point Road, accessible from Hurricane Ridge. Gravel road, not suitable for low-clearance vehicles or vehicles with trailers. Olympic National Park entrance fee applies ($35/vehicle for 7 days, as of 2026).

← Back to Olympic National Forest

More Trails in Olympic National Forest

easyout-and-back

Elwha River Trail

9 mi200 ft gain
Year-round

The Elwha River Trail is a 9.0-mile out-and-back through the recovering Elwha River valley, tracing one of North America's most significant dam removal and river restoration projects through old-growth forest and regenerating riparian habitat.

4 min read

easyout-and-back

Hoh River Trail

5 mi100 ft gain
Year-round

The Hoh River Trail is a 5.0-mile out-and-back (day hike segment) through the Hoh Rain Forest, one of the largest temperate rainforests in North America, following the glacier-fed Hoh River through old-growth Sitka spruce and bigleaf maple.

5 min read

easy-moderateout-and-back

Hurricane Hill

3.2 mi700 ft gain
July through October

Hurricane Hill is a 3.2-mile out-and-back trail from Hurricane Ridge climbing to an open 5,757-foot summit with panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains, Strait of Juan de Fuca, and Vancouver Island.

5 min read

moderateout-and-back

Lake Angeles

7 mi2,100 ft gain
June through October

Lake Angeles is a 7.0-mile out-and-back trail climbing from sea-level Port Angeles into Olympic National Park to a remote cirque lake at 4,196 feet, passing through old-growth forest and subalpine terrain.

3 min read

strenuousout-and-back

Mount Storm King

4.4 mi1,700 ft gain
May through October

Mount Storm King is a 4.4-mile out-and-back trail on the north shore of Lake Crescent, climbing steeply through old-growth forest to a rocky viewpoint 1,700 feet above the lake with panoramic views of the Olympic Peninsula.

4 min read

strenuousloop

Seven Lakes Basin Loop

19.2 mi4,500 ft gain
July through September

The Seven Lakes Basin Loop is a 19.2-mile backpacking circuit through the subalpine heart of Olympic National Park, linking seven alpine lakes, high ridges, and old-growth forest in one of the peninsula's finest multi-day routes.

4 min read

easyout-and-back

Sol Duc Falls

1.8 mi200 ft gain
May through November

Sol Duc Falls is a 1.8-mile out-and-back trail to one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Washington, where the Sol Duc River plunges through a narrow basalt gorge in a four-channel cascade surrounded by old-growth forest.

4 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I reach the Obstruction Point Trailhead?
From Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center, take the unpaved Obstruction Point Road east for approximately 8 miles to its end at the Obstruction Point Trailhead. The road is rough and high-clearance vehicles are recommended. It is not suitable for vehicles with trailers or low-clearance cars. The road is closed in winter and spring.
Is the Grand Ridge Trail suitable for beginning hikers?
The trail is moderate in difficulty with manageable elevation gain, but the high starting elevation and exposed ridge terrain require good physical condition. Beginners should start with lower-elevation trails like Sol Duc Falls or the Hoh River before attempting high ridge routes.
How does Grand Ridge connect to the Seven Lakes Basin?
The Grand Ridge Trail eventually connects with routes into the Seven Lakes Basin via the Deer Park and other approaches. The connection requires navigation skills and significantly extends the route. Most day hikers on Grand Ridge turn around at the 4.4-mile mark.
Is there water on the Grand Ridge Trail?
Water sources on the ridge itself are limited and seasonal. Snowmelt feeds small tarns in some sections but these dry up by late summer. Many hikers carry all water from the trailhead. Individual water needs vary.
What time of year does the Obstruction Point Road open?
The road typically opens in late July. It is snow-covered through June and sometimes into July. Check Olympic National Park's website for current road status.