The Hoh Rainforest is magical. It’s like walking through the Amazon with massive surrounding trees cloaked in emerald green moss and ferns. You can find it on the western side of Olympic National Park with miles of hiking trails through the woods and along the Hoh River. Take a few hours (or a few days) sometime this spring to fully explore this enchanting area and these maintained paths that wind through it.
Photo by NPS
1. Hall Of Mosses Trail
Distance: 0.8 miles
When most people visit the Hoh Rainforest they hike the Hall of Mosses Trail. Not only because it’s short and easy, but the lush mossy scenery is otherworldly. It spans for just 0.8 of a mile from the Hoh Visitor Center with interpretative signs and minimal elevation gain. Look out for the arched tree over the trail and giant yellow banana slugs across the ground.
2. Spruce Nature Trail
Photo by Bob The Camper
Distance: 1.2 miles
Like the Hall of Mosses Trail but much less traveled, the Spruce Nature Trail offers a quick loop with surreal views. It’s also a level route (with only about 100 feet in elevation gain), leading down to the Hoh River and back around through the moss-laden rainforest.
3. Mini Trail
Photo by Jimmy G on Yelp
Distance: 0.1 mile
There’s a little something for everyone in the Hoh. The previous two trails are short and family-friendly, but there’s also an ADA-accessible Mini Trail that only goes for 0.1 of a mile through the old-growth forest.
4. Hoh River Trail
Photo by wsiegmund on Wikipedia
Distance: 17.3 miles
The Hoh River Trail is an experienced hiker’s dream. It spans for 17.3 miles all the way up to Glacier Meadows on the shoulder of Mount Olympus (the tallest of the Olympic Mountains) – but obviously you can always turn around if you’re not looking to hike the entire route.
Photo by Flickr/Kurt Thomas
If you do take on the entire hike, the elevation totals about 3,700 feet and requires backpacking and a wilderness camping permit. You can find more info on obtaining a permit from the National Park Service’s website here.
It’s a wonderful place to relax, unwind and reconnect with nature. Check out this amazing footage from Youtube for a closer look:
For more information on planning your next visit to the Hoh Rainforest, check out this informational PDF from the National Park Service.
These trails are so beautiful. Have you hiked any of these routes in the Hoh Rainforest before? We’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below.