The Hoh Rainforest is one of the finest remaining examples of temperate rainforest in the lower 48. Located in Olympic National Park on the Olympic Peninsula, Washington, the rainforest is a popular destination for wilderness explorers. And for good reason.
The ever-flowing Hoh River carries water to the rainforest, but the true source of moisture is the 140 inches (12 feet) of precipitation the area receives each year. The result is a vibrant and lush canopy of both coniferous and deciduous plant species. The assortment of mosses and ferns add to the otherworldly beauty.
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How to get there
The Hoh Rain Forest is located in the stretch of the Pacific Northwest rainforest which once spanned the Pacific coast from southeastern Alaska to the central coast of California.
The Hoh Rain Forest is accessed by the Upper Hoh Road, off of Highway 101 (directions), which circumnavigates the peninsula. The park itself has multiple entrances, and the Hoh Rainforest is located on the western side of the park.
The park is located on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington. From Seattle the drive is about four hours, and from Portland it’s about five hours. The nearest town with accommodations is Forks, which is just under an hour from the forest. Port Angeles, which is a larger town, is located about two hours away.
Where to stay
The peninsula has multiple small towns, but there aren’t tons of options for accommodations. Your best bet when looking for a place to stay is Forks or Port Angeles. (If those town names sound familiar, you can thank Stephanie Meyer’s Twilight series).
There are also a number of camping options both in and out of the park. The Hoh Rain Forest has a campground that is open year round, with 88 sites located in the old growth forest along the river. Reservations are available online six months in advance at recreation.gov.
The camping sites are available year round and are equipped with fire pits with grates, picnic tables, potable water, accessible restrooms and animal-proof food storage lockers.
When to go
The best time to see the rainforest in all its green glory is after a great rainfall. The rain rejuvenates the moss and really brings the colors to life.
The weather is typically drier in the summer, and longer days mean more daylight to explore. But you do run the risk of visiting during a dry spell, when the colors of the forest are more dull and can even turn yellow. Its average summer temperatures don’t reach above the mid 70s F or low 20s C.
A good medium is planning a trip in May, just as the rainy season begins to abate. If you want a truly Washington experience, you can visit in the rainy winter season.
What to do
The Hoh Rainforest area is home to a great visitor center that is open daily in summer. Hours vary in shoulder seasons, and the center is closed January and February.
There is no food or gas available in this area of the park, but there are picnic areas and accessible restrooms.
There are a handful of trail options that will take you into the heart of the rainforest. All trailheads are accessible from the visitor center parking lot.
- The Hall of Mosses Trail (.8 miles/ 1.2 km) takes hikers on a loop through an especially old and dense area of the forest. The trail is famous for a grove of maple trees draped with moss. The trail is rated as easy and provides educational signage along the way.
- The Spruce Nature Trail (1.2 miles/ 1.9 km) is slightly more open than the Hall of Mosses. The trail loops through old and new growth forest along Taft Creek and the Hoh River.
- The Hoh River Trail is the area’s main hiking trail. The 18.5 mile out-and-back trail allows plenty of opportunities for both casual day hikers and backcountry camping. The end of the trail takes hikers to the Blue Glacier moraine with a great view of Mt. Olympus. You can also link onto the Hoh Lake Trail, which branches off just after the ranger station and ascends to Bogachiel Peak.
- First River access (0.9 miles/ 2.9 km one way)
- Mineral Creek Falls (2.7 miles/ 4.3 one way)
- Cedar Grove (4.0 miles/ 6.4 km one way)
- 5 mile Island (5.0 miles/ 8.0 km one way)
Wildlife in the forest
The Olympic Peninsula was once isolated by massive glaciers and other geological barriers. This created a unique ecosystem with many endemic species, such as the Olympic marmot.
It is common for visitors to the rainforest to spot large mammals such as Roosevelt elk, black bears, and river otters. If you’re really lucky, you might also spot signs of more elusive animals such as bobcats or mountain lions.
The park is home to the largest herd of unmanaged Roosevelt elk. If you visit during September or October, you’ll be able to hear the male elk bugling during the mating season, called a rut.
The treetops are filled with over 300 species of birds, including the endangered Northern Spotted Owl. You’re likely to see American robins, barred owls, and Canada grey jays.
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