Hoh River Rainforest Trail - Olympic National Park, WA

Address:Trailhead at Upper Hoh Rd
Olympic National Park, Washington
Tel: (360) 565-3130

Hoh River Rainforest is located near the Pacific Coast on the western side of the Olympic National Park. This region enjoys relatively moderate temperatures and remarkable amounts of precipitation – up to 12 feet per year! – making it the wettest spot in the continental USA. Due to these conditions, we get to enjoy temperate dense evergreen rainforests that flourish along the Hoh River Valley!

The Hoh River Valley Rainforest is probably the most magnificent rainforest within all of Washington State. Trees in this forest – mainly Douglas fir, Sitka spruce, western red cedar, and western hemlock – tower 200 feet overhead and block the sunlight. The ground is covered by lush ferns and mosses that compete for space and cling to trees. Fallen trees (also known as nurse logs), provide extra room for plants to grow and eventually create a neat forest organized into columns and rows. Besides for enjoying beautiful greenery, hikers through the Noh River Rainforest trail may also be awarded sight of a Roosevelt elk herd that frequent the area – so keep your eyes peeled and try to keep the noise level down! During autumn salmon may be seen swimming upstream.

Various hikes are possible along the Hoh River Trail. Backpackers can hike through the valley up to the edge of the Blue Glacier on Mt. Olympus, a total distance of 38 miles (in and out). Elevation gain of this strenuous (but extremely rewarding!) hike is 3,700 feet; allow two to three days for the full experience. Others may walk only a few miles in and out along the lower portion of the Hoh River, and also only a short distance, will nevertheless find this hike highly rewarding. This trail is great for kids who will adore its jungle-like, exotic setting, so bring the kids along and make it a family adventure!

The turnoff to the Hoh River Valley Road is located 13 miles south of Forks on US Highway 101. From this intersection, it is another 18 miles to the Hoh visitor Center and the trailhead. Carry a raincoat and come prepared to get wet. The trail along the lower portion of the Hoh River is accessible most of the year. Have fun exploring one of the US's best jungles!