Hoh Rain Forest

Level of Difficulty

Distance: 0.08 miles round trip, Elevation gain: 100 feet, 

At the Hoh Rainforest Ranger Station are trails for every skill level. If you're looking for a longer hike, consider the Spruce Nature Trail, a moderate 3-mile loop that winds through towering spruce trees and alongside the rushing Hoh River. For a more strenuous adventure, embark on the 17-mile hike to Upper Hoh Falls. The journey itself is rewarding, with stunning views of the rainforest, but the payoff at the end is truly spectacular. Upper Hoh Falls, a cascading masterpiece plunging 260 feet, is a sight that will leave you speechless.

Finding the Trailhead

Driving distance from the home: 43.3 miles, 1 hour, 10 minutes

Lands: Olympic National Park

Google Maps Turn right from the driveway and return to Highway 101, turn right again and head south to Upper Hoh Road. Turn left and follow the road to the ranger station.

Hiking the Trails

Here, on the west slopes of the Olympic Mountains, temperate rainforests flourish. Imagine towering Sitka spruce trees draped in emerald moss, sunlight filtering through a verdant canopy, and the ever-present sound of cascading waterfalls. The Hoh Rainforest holds the title of the wettest rainforest in the contiguous United States. An average of 12 feet of rain falls here annually, creating a lush, almost mystical environment. This moisture nourishes a rich ecosystem teeming with diverse plant life. As you explore the forest trails, keep an eye out for ferns reaching for the sunlight, delicate wildflowers carpeting the forest floor, and towering ancient trees that have stood witness to centuries of change.

The crown jewel of the Hoh Rain Forest is the world-famous Hall of Mosses Trail. This short, 0.8-mile loop trail is an absolute must-do for any visitor. As you walk along the path, sunlight filters through the dense canopy, illuminating a breathtaking display of emerald moss blanketing every surface. Imagine the soft crunch of moss beneath your feet and the fresh, clean scent of the rainforest filling your lungs. It's a truly unforgettable experience.

Keep your eyes peeled for the creatures that call the Hoh Rain Forest home. Roosevelt elk graze in clearings, their bugling calls echoing through the trees. Black bears lumber through the undergrowth, while elusive marmots peek out from behind rocks. The forest is also a haven for diverse birdlife, from the flitting of colorful songbirds to the majestic cry of bald eagles soaring overhead.

Restrictions and Tips

This is Olympic National Park so no pets, weapons or vehicles.