Fire destroys Hurricane Ridge Day Lodge in Olympic National Park

The Hurricane Ridge Day Lodge, a popular destination in Olympic National Park, caught fire Sunday, May 7. Park officials say the structure appears to be a complete loss.

The lodge was still smoldering a day after flames tore it apart.

“We're just now in the process of organizing an outside investigator, a certified fire investigator will come and figure out the origin and the cause of the fire," said Lee Snook, spokesperson for Olympic National Park.

At about 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, park officials say a law enforcement ranger on patrol reported that the Hurricane Ridge Day Lodge was fully engulfed in flames. Snook said no one was in the structure at the time of the fire and no injuries have been reported.

The building was constructed in the 1950s and housed exhibits on an upper floor, with a gift shop, and a small café below.

In a statement, Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Washington) said, “The loss of the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center is devastating for the Olympic Peninsula and for the more than 300,000 travelers who visit the iconic visitor center every year.”

Cantwell said she is working with U.S Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland and the National Park Service to make sure the historic lodge is rebuilt.