On Sunday, May 7, the Hurricane Ridge Day Lodge, a popular destination in the Olympic National Park, burned to the ground.
The lodge was under construction and was fully engulfed in flames, according to a news release from the Olympic National Park. Fortunately, no one was in the lodge during the fire, and there were no reported injuries.
Both Clallam County Fire District 2 and Port Angeles Fire Department responded to the fire and are currently in the mop-up phase.
The Day Lodge, located in the most easily accessed high alpine area of the park, had been closed to visitors since March 27, when construction began. The 17-mile mountain road leading up to the building has also been closed since then.
The building was constructed in the 1950s and housed interpretive exhibits upstairs and a gift shop, and a small café run by Aramark, a park concessionaire. Unfortunately, park officials say the structure appears to be a complete loss.
The Hurricane Ridge Day Lodge was a popular destination for park visitors, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding area and a variety of amenities. The loss of this iconic building is a blow to the park and to the many visitors who have enjoyed its beauty and history over the years.
Park officials have not yet announced the cause of the fire, and it is unclear when the area will be reopened to visitors. The park is asking visitors to stay away from the area while cleanup efforts continue.
Despite the loss of the Hurricane Ridge Day Lodge, the Olympic National Park remains open and offers a wide range of recreational opportunities for visitors to enjoy.
The park is home to some of the most breathtaking scenery in the country, including rugged coastlines, pristine lakes and rivers, and stunning mountain vistas. Visitors can still explore the park’s many hiking trails, go fishing, or take a scenic drive through the stunning landscape.
The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, black bears, and bald eagles. Visitors are encouraged to practice safe wildlife viewing practices and always to keep a safe distance from all animals.
As the park works to rebuild and recover from the loss of the Hurricane Ridge Day Lodge, visitors can continue to enjoy the natural beauty and recreational opportunities that have made the Olympic National Park a beloved destination for generations.