For those who wish to participate in the Strava segment challenge for the ascent, here’s the link to the official route. NOTE: Review the beginning and end of the segment carefully before starting. The start is slightly AFTER the starting line to be sure cyclists are fully under way, and the end is at the apex of the climb as you enter the parking lot. Also be aware that the tunnels may very rarely affect the signal. This is for the ASCENT ONLY as the Olympic National Park requires descending cyclists to follow posted speed limits.
Route Information
For a breakdown of elevations, climbing grades, and other technical route information, please visit the route map on RidewithGPS.
Another look at elevation gains, distances, and an overhead view of the route on this Garmin map, courtesy of Ron Eccles
RTH: Five Unique Segments
Start: Port Angeles City Pier at the edge of the Port Angeles Harbor
Segment 1: Mile 0-.6 Olympic Discovery Trail – This is a short ride about half a mile along the scenic Waterfront Trail section of the ODT
Segment 2: Mile 0.6-2.1 Residential streets – After riding through the 9/11 Memorial park, head up Francis St., turn left on 8th St, 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. Absolutely NO cyclist drop-offs at the park after 7am.
Segment 4: Mile 7.2 – 19.5 Enter National Park -Hurricane Ridge Road is completely 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. Scroll down for info about the tunnels in segment #4.
Segment 5: Mile 19.5-20.1 This is the final stretch before the top, where every curve seems to be the final one until another curve appears. Just when it seems you’ll never get there, Dancing Hands drums will be there to drum you up and around that last corner to the top.
Photo below courtesy of Louis Carriere
How long will the climb take?
Google Maps Cycling Estimate. This is an average estimate with NO STOPS.
Ascent times for our participants range from 2 hours to more than 5 hours.
Food & aid stations
Aid Station Locations
Ride Start – mile zero, coffee, bananas, and protein bars.
Aid Station #1 – Mile Marker 2 of Hurricane Ridge Road, sponsored by Olympic Springs. Water Station Only. No tools, food, or support services. This aid station will be located in the middle of the climb up to the park entrance, which many say is one of the hardest parts of the ride.
Aid Station #2– 7.2 miles from ride start, at the ONP entrance. Sponsored by The Bike Garage. Bike Mechanic. Snacks, Water, Portable toilet. 3.8 miles to the next aid station, 12.9 miles to the top (closes at noon)
Aid Station #3– 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 #4 – 13.7 miles from the start, Sponsored by Port Angeles Chamber of Commerce, Snacks, Water, Portable toilet (closes at 11:30 am)
Aid Station #5 – 17 Miles from ride start at the Switchbacks Trailhead, Sponsored by Brown’s Outdoor. Snacks, Water, Portable toilet (closes at 11:30 am)
Aid Station #6 – 18.3 miles from ride start, Sponsored by Dancing Hands Drumming Group, Water Station Only (closes at 11:30 am)
Mile High Summit Support Station – 19.8 miles from the ride start (closes at 11:30 am), sponsored by the Port Angeles Chamber of Commerce. Bike Mechanic, Chocolate Milk, water, heartier snacks, sinks and toilets. Please note that the Day Lodge is no longer there due to a tragic loss from a fire.
After Ride Party at the Pier – Turn around and go back down to the ride finish at Port Angeles City Pier. If you respond to our RSVP (going out shortly before the ride) , we’ll treat you to a reward of a Taco Bar and Local, Craft Beer, along with other refreshments.
Available services
- Gear check at the ride start
- Coffee, fruit, and water bottle refills at the start
- Water Station (no services) halfway between start and the park entrance
- Five Aid Stations – Water, Gatorade, Snacks (with a special treat at each), small tools, and a bike pump will be available at all aid stations except where NO SERVICES are noted
- Bike Mechanic at Heart of the Hills aid station
- Portable Toilets at each aid station
- Hearty Snacks and Chocolate Milk, toilets, handwashing sinks at the Summit,
- Bike Mechanic at the Summit
A Cyclist’s View of the Ride
Want a look at exactly what it’s like? Click on the Best Side Cycling logo below for Vlogger Hanoch Yeung’s 2024 ride up the mountain.
Another one of Hanoch Yeung’s episodes of Best Side Cycling featuring Ride the Hurricane 2023,
Cycling up Hurricane Ridge on Brompton Folding Bike
