Entrance fees to Olympic National Park’s Hurricane Ridge will be waived during the last two weekends of March, March 20 – 21 and March 27 – 28. Entrance fees will still apply at other park entrances; camping fees will remain in effect at the Heart O’the Hills campground.

“We understand the importance of Hurricane Ridge to our local and regional community, including anyone interested in snow sports, and we recognize the impact caused by the recent landslide and road closure,” said Olympic National Park Superintendent Karen Gustin. “To celebrate the road’s reopening and coincide with special events planned by Hurricane Ridge Winter Sports Club, we are providing fee-free entry for the last two weekends of March.”

The Brad Stenger Memorial Citizen Races for downhill skiers and snowboarders will be held on March 20 and 21, followed by the Strapless Weekend snowskate event on March 27 and 28. More information about these events is available on the Hurricane Ridge Winter Sports Club website, http://www.hurricaneridge.com/events.

The Hurricane Ridge Road was closed on January 18 when a slope below the roadway slid downhill, taking with it most of both travel lanes along a 100-foot long section of road. The contract to repair the Hurricane Ridge Road landslide was awarded to contractor Port Angeles contractor Bruch & Bruch Construction Incorporated on January 22 and the road reopened on February 26. The total repair cost was initially estimated to reach $2.8 million. The final price is considerably less, at approximately $1.8 million. “Not only was the project finished a week early, it came in under budget,” said Gustin.

Weather permitting, Hurricane Ridge Road is open Friday through Sunday each week during the winter; the downhill ski area and snack bar/ski shop are scheduled to be open Saturdays and Sundays. The Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center information desk will be staffed and a guided snowshoe walk will be offered at 2:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays; anyone interested in participating in the snowshoe walk should sign up in advance at the information desk.

For information about visiting Olympic National Park, people may consult the park’s website at www.nps.gov/olym or call the Olympic National Park Visitor Center at 360-565-3130. The recorded Road and Weather Hotline is updated throughout the day with changes and can be reached by calling 360-565-3131.