Hoh Rainforest
Hoh Rainforest, Olympic National Park
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Hoh Rainforest, Olympic National Park.
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Hoh Rainforest
The Hoh Rain Forest is one of the most popular areas in Olympic National Park and one of the best places to experience a temperate rain forest. Located on the west side of the Olympic Peninsula, this remarkable forest receives more than 12 feet of rain during many years. The heavy rainfall creates a thick green landscape filled with towering Sitka spruce, western hemlock, Douglas fir, mosses and ferns.
The Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center is the main starting point for exploring the area. Inside, you can talk with park rangers, learn about the rain forest through interpretive exhibits, browse the bookstore and receive current information about trails and conditions. Restrooms and picnic tables are located nearby.
Several popular trails begin near the visitor center. The 0.8-mile Hall of Mosses Trail travels through an impressive section of old-growth forest. The 1.2-mile Spruce Nature Trail passes through the rain forest and along the Hoh River. The much longer Hoh River Trail leads deep into the Olympic wilderness and can be enjoyed as a short day hike or extended backpacking trip.
The Hoh Rain Forest is truly one of the most incredible places in Olympic National Park. Its towering trees, thick mosses, green ferns and steady sounds of the Hoh River create an experience unlike anywhere else. Whether you take a short nature walk or hike farther into the wilderness, the Hoh Rain Forest is a place you may remember long after your visit.
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Hoh Rainforest, Olympic National Park.
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Hoh Rainforest, Olympic National Park.
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The Hoh Visitor Center should be your first stop at the Hoh Rainforest.
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Hoh Visitor Center, Olympic National Park.
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The list of trails displayed at the Hoh Visitor Center.
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Hoh Rainforest Trails
The Hoh Rain Forest offers several hikes, ranging from short nature trails to long wilderness routes. Most visitors begin at the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center, where three of the area’s most popular trails are located.
Mini Trail
The Mini Trail is a paved 0.1-mile loop near the visitor center. This short trail travels through the old-growth rain forest and is a good choice for visitors with limited time or mobility.
Hall of Mosses Trail
The Hall of Mosses Trail is an easy 0.8-mile loop with approximately 100 feet of elevation gain. This is the most popular hike in the Hoh Rain Forest. The trail passes through large old-growth trees covered with thick mosses, ferns and other rain forest vegetation.
Spruce Nature Trail
The Spruce Nature Trail is a 1.2-mile loop that begins near the visitor center. This easy trail travels through the temperate rain forest and includes a section along the Hoh River. The elevation gain is less than 100 feet, making it another good hike for families and visitors looking for a relatively short walk.
More Difficult Trails:
Hoh River Trail
The Hoh River Trail is the main wilderness trail in the area. The complete trail is approximately 17.4 miles one way to Glacier Meadows, but day hikers can simply walk as far as they want before turning around. The first 13 miles are generally fairly level as the trail follows the Hoh River through old-growth forest.
Hoh River Trail Turnaround Points
Popular turnaround points along the Hoh River Trail include Tom Creek, about 2.9 miles one way, Five Mile Island, about 5 miles one way, and the Olympus Guard Station, about 9 miles one way. Beyond this point, the trail begins climbing toward Elk Lake and Glacier Meadows.
Blue Glacier Overlook
Experienced hikers can continue from Glacier Meadows another 0.9 mile one way to the Blue Glacier overlook. This final section climbs approximately 700 feet and provides views of Blue Glacier and Mount Olympus. The entire trip requires several days and wilderness camping permits.
Hoh Lake Trail
The Hoh Lake Trail branches away from the Hoh River Trail and climbs steeply toward Hoh Lake and the High Divide area. Hoh Lake is approximately 14.7 miles one way from the Hoh trailhead. This is a strenuous wilderness hike with roughly 3,500 feet of elevation gain from the Hoh River Trail.
South Snider-Jackson Trail
The South Snider-Jackson Trail begins just west of the Hoh Rain Forest entrance station. This trail is 11.8 miles long and climbs approximately 2,700 feet before descending toward the Bogachiel River. It is a much more demanding hike, and river crossings can become hazardous following heavy rain or snowmelt.
Something for Everyone
Whether you are looking for a short walk through the moss-covered forest or a multi-day trip toward Mount Olympus, the Hoh Rain Forest provides hiking opportunities for nearly every ability level.
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Hoh Rainforest, Olympic National Park.
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Hoh Rainforest, Olympic National Park.
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Hoh Rainforest, Olympic National Park.
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How much rain does Hoh Rainforest receive each year?
The Hoh Rain Forest receives an average of about 140 inches of precipitation each year, which is nearly 12 feet. Most of this rain falls during the fall, winter and spring, creating the thick green landscape the area is known for. The heavy moisture supports towering Sitka spruce and western hemlock trees, along with mosses and ferns that cover nearly every surface. The Hoh is one of the finest remaining temperate rain forests in the United States.
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Hoh Rainforest, Olympic National Park.
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Hoh Rainforest, Olympic National Park.
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Hoh Rainforest, Olympic National Park.
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Where is Hoh Rainforest located?
The Hoh Rain Forest is located on the west side of Olympic National Park, about 31 miles south of Forks, Washington. From Forks, drive south on U.S. Highway 101 for approximately 13 miles, then turn east onto Upper Hoh Road. Follow Upper Hoh Road for about 18 miles to the park entrance station, Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center and main trailheads. The road follows the Hoh River through thick forests and private land before entering Olympic National Park. Allow extra travel time during the busy summer season because parking is limited and long waits may develop near the entrance station.
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Hoh Rainforest, Olympic National Park.
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Hoh Rainforest, Olympic National Park.
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Hoh Rainforest, Olympic National Park.
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The Hoh Rainforest is one of our favorite places in Olympic National Park.
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Hoh Rainforest Area map. Credit: NPS
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Hoh Rainforest is open all year round.
The Hoh Rain Forest area is generally open throughout the year, and the road, trails and campground may be visited during every season. Summer is the busiest time, with the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center typically open every day and most services available. During spring and fall, visitor center hours may be reduced. The visitor center is generally closed during January and February and may only open on selected days during the rest of winter. Heavy rain, flooding, fallen trees or road damage can occasionally affect access. We recommend checking current Olympic National Park road conditions and visitor center hours before your trip.
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