RTH FAQs

Bike Etiquette

  • Always keep to the right side of the road and ride single file.
  • Always observe the posted speed limit.
  • Call your passes
  • Only registered cyclists can use the aid stations and the designated portable toilets along the route.
  • Keep your bib visible at all times
  • Watch for volunteers heading up and note that lower aid stations may not be set up if you depart early.
  • Depart the summit no later than 11:30 am to ensure that you will be completely off Hurricane Ridge Road by noon.
  • Follow proper bike etiquette. Participants ride with the expectation that they will be sharing the road with equally skilled cyclists operating under their own power. If you do not have a good comprehension of bike rules and etiquette you do not belong on this ride.
  • Please stick to the established route

Registration and Jersey Purchases

Are Ebikes allowed?

No. At this time, only standard, human-powered bicycles are permitted on the route.

More about the Ebike Policy:

Ride the Hurricane is a human-powered hill climb, and the experience is built around that shared challenge. We recognize that many e-bike riders are strong, responsible cyclists, and that some models still require significant effort. However, there’s no practical way to verify different types of e-bikes, including those that require little or no pedaling, so we apply a consistent policy.

This decision is not meant to exclude anyone. We have riders in their 70s and 80s each year and truly wish we could accommodate everyone. We’ve explored a separate e-bike ride, but current road closure and staffing limitations make that unfeasible.

Safety is also a factor. With no vehicle support on the course, a disabled e-bike can be difficult to move, creating potential hazards.

Ride the Hurricane has a long history as a challenging climb, and many participants train specifically for this experience. Our goal is to preserve that spirit while prioritizing safety.

When is Early Check-in?

Early check-in is on Friday, Aug. 1st and Sat. Aug. 2nd from 6-8 pm, near the ride start at Port Angeles City Pier. The address is 315 N. Lincoln St.

If I do early check-in, do i need to check with anyone the morning of the ride?

No. We’ll have volunteers at the start to help maintain a smooth flow of cyclists for the first short section of the ride on the ODT but you can start anytime. Remember to leave enough time to get up to Ridge and back down through the park gate by noon.

I need to cancel my registration. What should I do?

If you purchased the offered ride insurance at registration please refer to your confirmation email from the insurance company for next steps. If you did not purchase insurance your entry is nonrefundable. However, if you let us know that you’re not coming you’ll be offered an Early Bird registration next year at the 2026 price.

Can I transfer my registration to somebody else?

It is against ride policy to sell your registration to another cyclist. If you’d like to transfer your registration to a friend or family member, please use the contact form on this website.

Will jerseys be available for purchase at the ride?

We will have some jerseys available for purchase at the ride while supplies last, but they will go quickly and will certainly sell out. Your best bet is to order ahead of time so it will be ready for you on ride day. Jerseys purchased by June 1st will be available at ride check in. We will also have some past jerseys available for sale at the ride.

The Ride

What time does the ride start?

Participants can start anytime they’d like, as long as they begin the ride in plenty of time to get up the mountain and back down again by noon, when the road opens to motor vehicles.

Where should i park?

Visit our Ride Day Information page for this and other helpful information that you’ll need to know.

What’s the ride difficulty & distance?

Ride the Hurricane is approximately 40 miles round trip, with the summit of Hurricane Ridge at the midpoint. Visit our ABOUT THE RIDE page for a Ride with GPS breakdown, and more details.

How long will it take?

The time varies widely depending upon fitness level, and how much time is spent at aid stations or at the top. Visit the About the Ride page for examples of ride finishing times.

what kind of support will I find along the ride?

Five aid stations and one unsupported restroom and hydration stop along the route for registered cyclists. Each has a portable toilet except for station #6. Emergency EMT Unit on standby along the route, Park Rangers stationed at top and bottom of Hurricane Ridge Road. Each aid stations 2 through 5 will have snacks, water, and Gatorade. Professional photographers will be taking action shots along the route and at the summit, available for purchase shortly after the ride. Visit our ROUTE PAGE for more info.

Do I need a headlamp for the tunnels?

The route has three tunnels that are very short, and do not require a light. Visit the Route Page to see a video of the ride through the tunnels.

What is it like at the summit?

Sadly the Day Lodge burned down in 2023 (see Updates page for more info) so there will not be a building at the top. There are trailers with flush toilets and sinks, a snack and welcome station, and several volunteers to help celebrate your accomplishment and answer questions about the area. There will also be a professional photographer taking summit photos against the backdrop of the stunning Olympic Mountain range. If you’ve left yourself time you can take a short walk up Sunrise Hill to view the Straits of Juan de Fuca and Canada beyond. Just remember to depart the summit by 11:30-11:45 am to ensure that you’ll be off Hurricane Ridge Road by noon.

can I park at Heart of the Hills and ride from there?

No. Attempting to park and start the ride from this location may result in being turned around by a Park Ranger. Cyclists can be dropped off here but the vehicle must be completely off Hurricane Ridge road by 7 am when the road closes to motor vehicles.

Do i need a park pass?

No, your ride bib will serve as your entrance to the park

The ride is sold out. If I show up on the morning of the ride, is there a chance I can register day-of?

No. We will not have the ability to register cyclists on the day of the ride. Please do not inconvenience all our hard-working volunteers by attempting to do so.

can I ride during the road closure even if I’m not registered for the ride?

The registration fees for the ride pay for the permit to close the road, as well as the cost recovery fees that we pay to Olympic National Park for entrance fees missed during the road closure. Unregistered cyclists have not contributed to any of this. Your lack of bib will indicate to other cyclists that they paid for your chance to ride on the closed road, while you did not.

THE AFTER PARTY

What will be available at the After Party?

The After Party will have a taco bar from Little Devil’s Lunchbox, local craft beer from Barhop brewery, and other treats and snacks. Soft drinks will also be available. You must have a bracelet to attend, which will be in your ride packet. The After Party is part of the Ride the Hurricane Experience, and included in the cost of your entry. We were not awarded an all-ages permit this year, so beer must be kept within the beer garden area, and minors are not allowed beyond the barricades.

Can I bring someone with me to the After Party who didn’t do the ride?

We have a limited number of tickets available for non-cycling After Party guests which can be purchased during registration. We do not make a profit on these additional tickets as funds go to cover the food, supplies, and staffing needed for the additional attendees.

Are minors allowed at the After Party?

Yes. We have applied for an all-ages permit, but if we aren’t granted that we’ll have to have a designated beer garden for alcohol.