The Only Guide to Hiking in the Hoh Rainforest You’ll Ever Need 

Picture weaving through landscapes flush with tropical plants and wildlife as you embrace the feel of discovery in the air that only a few places can evoke. A place where towering, moss-laden trees and ancient forest pathways bridge the gap between the beaten path and uncharted territory. 

Sounds absolutely perfect, doesn’t it?

Welcome to the Hoh Rainforest, a slice of Amazonian-esque paradise nestled along the mountainous slopes of Washington’s Olympic National Park. Known for its lush, old-growth trails, crystal-clear streams, and vast biodiversity, there aren’t many destinations in the country that could compare.

The only thing missing from your next incredible journey is a carefully curated hiking guide. Luckily, you’re right where you need to be for everything you need to know, from how to get there to trail information and insights you won’t want to miss.

The forest is calling. Let’s get going.

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Quick Hoh Rainforest Hiking Info & Stats

As one of the few remaining intact rainforests along the Pacific Ocean coastline, the Hoh Rainforest is a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site. As a result, its terrain is a vibrant and glorious showcase of captivating natural beauty.

The rainforest’s environment has a unique character, home to a variety of tree species, from the imposing Sitka spruce to the western hemlock. Unsurprisingly, there are a million and one things to do in a place as enchanting as this, and there are plenty of chances to step into a real-life fairytale. 

Speaking of stepping, few experiences are as memorable as hiking through the jungle, with several rave-worthy trails you shouldn’t skip. That said, why not combine the forest’s three trails into one epic day hike? Well, that’s exactly what you’re in for. 

Lace up your hiking boots. It’s about to get fun!

Spruce Nature Trail and Hall of Mosses Loop Trail

Like any thrill-inducing hiking trail, there are some essential details you need to know. Here’s a quick breakdown of some must-know trail stats.

• Distance: 2.1 miles loop
• Elevation Gain: 95 feet
• Difficulty: Easy
• Timing: 45-60 mins
• Pets: Dogs are not allowed on the trail
• Permits: While no specific permit is needed, you must pay a park entrance fee when entering Olympic National Park.
• Trail Guide: Link

Read More: The Only Guide to Hiking in the Hoh Rainforest You’ll Ever Need 

Hoh River Trail to Mineral Creek Falls

If the two previous short nature trails served as appetizers, then the Hoh River Trail is definitely the main course of the Hoh Rainforest. While the trek to Mineral Creek Falls is just 5.5 miles long, this trail officially stretches for 35.1 miles. So you can easily turn this into a multi-day hike.

Keep reading for the nitty-gritty details about the trek.

• Distance: 5.5 miles out and back (with possible extensions)
• Elevation Gain: 213 feet
• Difficulty: Easy (If extending the hike, it will be hard)
• Timing: 2+ hours, depending on personal preference
• Pets: Dogs are not allowed on this trail
• Permits: While you do not need any permits to tackle this trail, you’ll have to pay an entrance fee when entering the park.
• Trail Guide: Link

Hoh Rainforest Hiking Guide | What to Expect

Within the forest’s borders is a world waiting to be discovered. Filled with hiking excursions that cater to everyone from beginners to experts, these trails share in the beauty of its lush temperate forestry. So, let’s get to the good stuff.

Venturing Along the Spruce Nature Trail

One of the Hoh Rainforest’s two short nature trails, the Spruce Trail, is a must-do, and below is every bit of need-to-know info to help you get and keep on track. Promising mesmerizing scenes of some standout Olympic Peninsula features within a more secluded setting, few nature trails in the country come close to the Spruce Nature Trail. 

Some say it’s among the best hikes in Olympic National Park, and you’ll quickly realize why, from your first to last footstep. Starting at the trailhead, located behind the Rain Forest Visitor Center, this is an easy-to-do trek that dazzles with even more striking fauna and flora native to the wilds.

Kicking things off, the route sets out, heading southeast; the pathway eventually leads to a lookout point over the river. Immersed in layers of foliage, the trek is vibrantly unique yet has many similarities to other trails in the forest. As the trail weaves its way along the forest floor, it’s impossible not to be amazed by the amount of ferns and mosses clinging to everything.

Continuing further south, expect to encounter some muddy patches as the path gets closer to the riverbank. After a short while, the path turns westward toward the visitor center and re-enters the forest itself. Before returning to the forest, be sure to stick around for the chance to spot the local Roosevelt elk.

If you want to learn more about this and other areas, look for the signs lining the route. The trail remains relatively flat for the entirety of its length, so there isn’t much elevation change to buckle up for, but heavy rainfalls can make the trail a bit more challenging.

The possibility of adding it to The Hall of Mosses trail for a stunning combo makes this even more enjoyable.

Exploring The Hall of Mosses Trail

It’s time to head out on the iconic Hall of Mosses trail. But what to expect? Well, what awaits is nothing short of magical. If love at first sight is true, seeing the many sights along the Hall of Mosses trail will sweep you off your feet within seconds. 

One of the most popular excursions in the rainforest, it’s an intimate exposure to the forest you won’t ever forget.

The first thing most notice as they embark on this trek is its distance. In return, you get an inviting, non-challenging loop route that takes very little time to conquer and bursts with abundant natural beauty. Nestled close to the Olympic mountains, this trail showcases the best of what old-growth forests offer.

After an initial slightly uphill ascent, the trail leads into a verdant grove where you’ll easily spot the namesake hanging moss the route is famous for. Weaving your way underneath a canopy of thick moss, there are plenty of spots to capture the perfect Insta-snapshot.

Apart from the undergrowth, allow your eyes to wander. You’ll quickly see dozens of unique tree formations among the western red cedar trees. The numerous interpretive trail signs that illustrate information about the different trees and their growth patterns make this even more special.

Overall, the trail is predominantly flat and on well-packed dirt. However, the pathway can get muddy, so be aware of rain warnings. 

There aren’t many hikes that match the scenery here and other short nature trails in the park. This is a trendy route; as such, there is always a large visitor crowd along the path, but visiting over weekdays in the early morning usually has fewer visitors.

The Easy Bit | Hoh River Trail to Mineral Creek Falls

One of the forest’s longest and most expansive routes, the Hoh River Trail stretches along the park boundary, but you can choose to do as much of it as you want. Many hikers extend their Hoh River Trail hiking by heading for 5-Mile Island or Blue Glacier. 

Before setting off on the Hoh River Trail, it’s essential to know the various parts of the trek that collectively form the trail. The first is the meandering nature walk that leads along the river to Mineral Creek Falls.

Tucked within dozens of spiraling Sitka spruces, endlessly towering firs, and moss-draped maples, the trail is a summer favorite for its primeval atmosphere snaking along the glacier-fed river.

Open year-round, this part of the more extensive trail begins as you leave the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center and pass the Hall of Mosses and Spruce Nature trails. 

The Mineral Creek Falls trail stretches for the first 5.5 miles of the Hoh River Trail and has reasonably little elevation gain, at only 213 feet. Starting at the trailhead, located beyond the visitor center, take the Mini-Trail on the right, which crosses over a stunning part of the river.

After traversing the river crossing, the pathway leads to a left turn onto the Hoh River Trail. Hiking through colonnades of spruces and majestic natural mossy maple tunnels, the lush forested sanctuary really does its reputation justice. 

Most of the trail remains relatively flat, but the understory is very open, thanks to browsing Roosevelt Elk. After 1.5 miles, the trail rejoins the riverbank, and a further mile past the Mineral Creek campsite, you’ll finally cross the creek on a gorgeous log bridge below a 66-foot waterfall.

Kickstart The Challenging Ascent | Hoh River Trail to 5-Mile Island 

Continuing along the Hoh River Trail from Mineral Creek, the trail heads upriver through spectacular forest canopies, eventually reaching the campsite at 5-Mile Island. This is one of several campsites on the route and is a particularly great place to spend the night if you’re planning a multi-day trek.

The Final Stretch | Conquering Blue Glacier

While most other hikes in the rainforest are fairly easy and don’t take up an entire day, the trail heading for Blue Glacier is anything but. Even though this 29.6-mile extension beyond the Mineral Creek turnaround point is challenging, it’s trendy.

After leaving the 5-mile Island marker, the next camping spot is about 5.8 miles away and is ironically called Happy 4, located by the riverbank. You can huddle here if it’s raining or if you’re looking for a captivating picnic spot.

Further on the route, you’ll turn away from the riverbank and make your way through the forest. Now, if the Hall of Mosses took your breath away, the enormous moss-covered trees lining the path here will blow you away. 

After about 9 miles into the trail, look for the Olympus Guard Station after a log crossing and some deviation from the riverside. The station is a sprawling group campsite with a kiosk and several signs indicating safety measures for the upcoming elevation gain and Bogachiel Peak.

From here, you’re likely to encounter only backpackers and climbers headed for the glacier, which gives the rest of the trail a more secluded and private feel. 

As the route continues, you’ll find more rudimentary, small campsites, which most day hikers to Blue Glacier occupy. For this part of the trail, you don’t have to expect much terrain change or danger zones until you reach milepost 12.6. 

Further on the trail, you’ll reach a climb to Hoh Bridge, during which most of the route’s elevation gain takes place. This is a stellar spot to spend some time gazing down into a magnificent canyon carved by a creek feeding into the river. Next is another three-mile climb that eventually opens into a valley showcasing beyond-belief glaciers and rivers.

As mesmerizing as the views are and a welcome change from the nearly 15 miles of deep rainforest, keep your eyes on the trail. This section of the route starts with a steep drop, and about half a mile before the Glacier Meadows campsite, there’s a vast washout to watch out for.

Navigating the washout is the final hurdle before reaching Glacier Meadows, but it does take some doing. Using the ladder on the slope of the washout and a rope anchored to a tree on the hillside, head down with your back facing the washout. The rope will tense up as you pull down, allowing you to remain standing when walking backward down the slope. You can use the wooden rungs to prop your feet if need be.

Once at the bottom, continue on the trail as it heads off right, crosses a rocky wash, and then climbs back up the other side. This climb is fairly easy to handle, and once at the top, you’ll start seeing glimpses of the glacier. The best viewpoint is Lateral Moraine, which delivers knockout scenes of an endlessly blue-tinged crevasse. 

Take your time to admire the panorama views, which include the sweeping sight of the entire glacier, from the dome of Mount Olympus to the moraine. When you’ve had your fill and filled up your camera roll, it’s time to head back to the visitor center.

How to Get to the Hoh Rainforest

Located on the west side of the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State, the Hoh Rainforest is about 25 minutes from the Pacific Coast along the Hoh River. While the forest itself is in a remote part of Olympic National Park, accessing the park is super easy.

Highway WA-101 circles the peninsula’s perimeter, giving you access to the park’s various regions and their respective entrances. Driving from nearby Port Angeles, you can reach the forest in two hours or an hour if you’re based in Forks.

You’ll have to drive an 18-mile access road to reach the forest, but the scenery of the Hoh River and its temperate rainforest makes the drive picturesque. From the highway, it should take you 20 minutes to reach the forest entrance station, and a further 10 minutes leads you to the forest campsite, parking lot, visitor center, and numerous trailheads.

Things to Know Before You Go

Below are some top tips, helpful info, and insights to know before setting off for your Hoh Rainforest hikes:

• Park Opening Times: Olympic National Park and the Hoh Rainforest are open 24 hours a day year-round, but some roads, campgrounds, and facilities are only open seasonally. Here are the closure times.

• Parking and Off-peak Visiting: If you’re visiting during summer, prepare for a sizable wait to get to the forest and limited parking, especially in the late afternoon.

• Weather and Road Conditions: Given the temperate climate and rainy forest conditions, it is wise to stay current on weather warnings and sudden changes that could impact roads.

• Fees and Permits: Visitors can choose between three different entrance passes to the national park. The standard pass ranges between $15 and $30, and the annual pass is  $55, or you can opt for the America the Beautiful Pass.

The Best Time to Visit the Hoh Rainforest 

The Hoh Rainforest trails are open all year, come rain or shine, but some seasons are better for visiting than others. The best time for your visit is in the summer, especially during June and July. 

If you’re after the moody vibes the forest is known for, instead, plan your trip for fall or spring when rains pick up.

What to Pack

Now, on to the essentials you need to pack for your rainforest trip. If you only plan to tackle the easier nature trails in the forest, stick to a basic packing list.

• Backpack – First up, a sturdy and lightweight backpack. >Check out this personal favorite

• Comfortable, Durable Footwear – Regardless of which trails you head on, invest in a pair of comfy shoes that can withstand wet conditions. >These are a great choice

• First Aid Kit – It’s always a good idea to carry a first aid kit. >This one stands out

• Rain Jacket – A no-brainer, but even during the dry season, you should bring along your most trusted rain jacket. >Here’s a fantastic option

Where to Stay Near the Hoh Rainforest

When it comes to accommodation near the rainforest, you’re spoilt for choice. Some amazing spots are in nearby Forks, and the best places to stay in Olympic National Park are also close by.

Budget | Forks Motel

Exploring the surrounding region and the Hoh Rainforest trails does bring with it some serious Twilight vibes, and at a budget-friendly price, the Forks Motel is an ideal spot to embrace it all. 

With a garden, barbecue facilities, a seasonal outdoor pool, and a perfect location, this is a great place to base yourself close to the park and forest. >>>Check Availability

Mid-range | Woodland Inns

Located in the heart of Forks, Woodland Inns is a set of new, modern, and gorgeous cabins that combine the area’s rustic charm with exceptional amenities. Each cabin has a patio, air-conditioning, a fully equipped kitchen, and a fireplace. 

Alongside exploring the national park and woods, you can indulge in hiking, cycling, and fishing nearby. >>>Check Availability

Luxury | Hoh Valley Cabins

Living in the lap of luxury when visiting the national park and rainforest often means having the best of locations. The Hoh Valley Cabins deliver exactly that and more. Each of the four Northwest Contemporary cabins comes with a separate bedroom, a common area, a cozy fireplace, and a fully equipped kitchen. >>>Check Availability

Hoh Rainforest Camping | Hoh Rainforest Campground

There are plenty of standout choices for those looking to camp in and around the grove, but the most convenient and popular one is the Hoh Rainforest Campground. Reservations are recommended, and features include 72 campsites, with one group site and one ADA-accessible site. 

There are no RV hookups, but the campground does have flush toilets, a picnic area, and trailhead parking. >>>Check Availability

FAQs About Hiking in the Hoh Rainforest

If you still have questions about hiking in the Hoh Rainforest, here are answers to the most popular ones.

Is Hoh Rainforest Worth It?

As one of the largest and finest remaining temperate rainforests in the United States, visiting the Hoh Rainforest isn’t just worth it. It’s a must. The woodland comes alive with spectacular scenes you simply won’t find in other places and features less-than-challenging hiking trails perfect for everyone.

What Is the Best Hike in the Hoh Rainforest?

There are plenty of possible answers to this question, and it comes down to personal preference. If you’re pressed for time, head out on the Hall of Mosses, but if you want a day hike in the park, tackle the Mineral Creek Trail.

How Early Should You Get To the Hoh Rainforest?

While some national parks and woodlands have peak times throughout the day, arriving at the Hoh Rainforest as early as possible is best. This guarantees parking and saves you the infamously long wait times to enter.

Embark on an Epic Adventure | Hoh Rainforest Hiking

There you have it, folks! Hiking in the Hoh Rainforest, wrapped up and ready to experience. Regardless of which trail you choose, from the easier nature trails to the formidable Blue Glacier trek, you’re in for one of the most memorable adventures ever. 

Read Next: Backpacking the best trails in Olympic National Park.

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