Tire chains required for Hurricane Ridge motorists . . . as of Nov. 15
Published 12:01 am Wednesday, October 31, 2012
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story has been corrected from its original posting to reflect that the requirement for chains goes into effect not this Thursday but Thursday, Nov. 15, and that the winter season begins Friday, Nov. 23, not this Friday.
OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK — Motorists traveling on the Hurricane Ridge Road above the Heart O’ the Hills entrance station are reminded they must carry tire chains in their cars as of Thursday, Nov. 15.
The requirement applies regardless of weather and road conditions.
With roads reaching 5,242 feet at Hurricane Ridge, weather and road conditions can change quickly.
All cars, including four-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive vehicles, must carry chains.
Park officials said there will be checkpoints to ensure that drivers are complying with the regulation.
Having a set of chains with you will save you a return drive to the nearest location selling chains.
Chains can be purchased at Les Schwab Tire Center, Napa Auto Parts, Port Angeles Tire Factory, O’Reilly’s Auto Supply, Baxter Auto Parts, Walmart and Carquest in Port Angeles.
Some locations allow chains to be returned, but the offers vary, so check before purchasing.
Park officials recommend drivers practice putting the chains on their vehicle before the trip, to make sure they fit.
Winter hours
The 17-mile Hurricane Ridge Road will continue to be open seven days a week during daylight hours as weather conditions permit through Thanksgiving, Nov. 22.
Beginning Friday, Nov. 23, and when the weather permits, Hurricane Ridge Road will be open Fridays through Sundays from 9 a.m. to dusk through the winter season.
The road also will be open Christmas through New Year’s Day week, Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Presidents Day.
After a two-year trial to study the economic impact of a daily road schedule, park officials have decided to return to the Friday-Sunday schedule this winter.
The nearby Obstruction Point Road closed for the season Wednesday.
On the park’s west side, the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center is open Fridays-Sundays through April 1.
The visitor center will be closed Christmas Day.
Before heading into Olympic National Park, visitors are advised to check the park’s 24-hour hotline which has the latest road and weather conditions — 360-565-3131.
