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ForestMatters, LLC

Hoh River Trail

Olympic National Forest, Washington · 5 min read

Distance
5 mi
Elevation Gain
100 ft
Difficulty
easy
Route Type
Out-And-Back
Best Season
Year-round
Dog Friendly
No
Difficulty Score
2 / 10
Trailhead Amenities
Restroom
Flush Restroom
Parking
Fee Required
Cell Service
No Signal
Water
At Trailhead
Camping
Developed
Google MapsApple Maps

Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • One of the most intact temperate rainforests in North America
  • Old-growth Sitka spruce reaching 300 feet and 800 years in age
  • Moss and fern carpeted landscape unlike any other in the lower 48
  • Nearly flat terrain accessible for most hikers year-round
  • Roosevelt elk are regularly seen along the river corridor

Overview

Walking the Hoh River Trail is one of the most distinctive experiences available in the Pacific Northwest. The Hoh Rain Forest receives up to 170 inches of annual precipitation, and the result is a landscape of extraordinary biological density: mosses covering every surface, sword ferns three feet tall carpeting the understory, and Sitka spruce trees that are among the largest conifers on earth. The air here smells of moss and damp wood, and the sound of rain on the canopy is as much a part of the experience as any view.

This trail description covers the first 2.5 miles of the Hoh River Trail, from the visitor center to approximately the Five Mile Island area, and then returns the same way for a 5-mile day hike. The full trail extends 17.4 miles to the base of Mt. Olympus, but the lower section captures the essence of the rain forest without requiring an overnight commitment.

The Hoh River Trail falls within Olympic National Park rather than Olympic National Forest proper, though the forest surrounds the park and provides access. Understanding the distinction matters for fees and regulations; the national forest vs. national park guide covers the differences.

The Route

Miles 0 to 1.0: Visitor Center Loop Zone

The trail departs from the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center and immediately enters old-growth Sitka spruce forest. The first mile also connects to the Hall of Mosses loop, a short interpretive walk that showcases the most photogenic bigleaf maple grove in the region. If you have not done the Hall of Mosses before, add it to this trip as an out-of-the-way 0.8-mile detour.

The main trail follows the Hoh River closely in this section, with views of the blue-green glacial water between the spruce trunks. Interpretive signs explain the ecology and history of the rain forest.

Miles 1.0 to 2.5: Deep Rain Forest

Beyond the visitor center zone, foot traffic thins quickly. The trail continues along the river on nearly flat terrain through old-growth forest of increasing scale. Sitka spruce here can exceed 300 feet in height and 10 feet in diameter. Their root systems create a corrugated surface on the forest floor.

Roosevelt elk are most commonly seen in this section during morning and evening hours. The herds here are among the largest in the Olympic Peninsula and the animals are accustomed to hikers, though they remain wild. Maintain distance and avoid any approach.

The turnaround point for this day hike description is approximately 2.5 miles from the visitor center, near a gravel bar on the Hoh River. This is a logical rest and turn-around point, though the trail continues with similar character for many more miles.

When to Visit

Year-round access is genuinely practical here. The low elevation and mild coastal climate mean snow is almost never an issue on the Hoh River Trail. Winter visits offer solitude and the forest's most atmospheric conditions: low mist, dripping moss, and near-total quiet. Spring brings new growth and the elk are often more active. Summer is the most visited time and the weather is more reliable, but the forest feels dramatically different in rain.

The main road to the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center occasionally closes during major flooding events. Check Olympic National Park's website for road status if driving after significant rain. For current conditions, see checking conditions before you go.

What to Bring

  • Rain gear. This is genuinely not optional for most of the year, and even in summer the forest can surprise you.
  • Waterproof footwear is helpful though the trail itself drains well.
  • Bug repellent from May through July.
  • Many hikers carry 1 to 1.5 liters of water. Water is available at the visitor center. River water requires treatment.
  • A camera for the moss and old-growth scenes.

Practical Details

Olympic National Park entrance fee ($35/vehicle for 7 days as of 2026) is collected at the park entrance or the visitor center. The Interagency Annual Pass covers this fee. Dogs are not permitted on this trail.

Flush restrooms and a visitor center with exhibits are at the trailhead. Ranger-led walks depart seasonally from the visitor center; check the park website for current schedules.

Backcountry camping along the Hoh River Trail requires a National Park backcountry permit. For the day hike described here, no permit is needed. See the national forest camping permit guide for general context on public lands overnight permits.

Getting There

From Forks on Highway 101, turn east on Upper Hoh Road at the signed Hoh Rain Forest turnoff. Follow Upper Hoh Road approximately 18 miles to the visitor center parking area. The road is paved throughout.

From Port Angeles, drive west on Highway 101 approximately 60 miles to Forks, then follow Upper Hoh Road east. Total drive from Port Angeles is approximately 80 miles and about 90 minutes.

From Seattle, plan for a full day of travel: ferry crossing, highway driving around the peninsula, and the Hoh Road access road total approximately 4 hours in each direction. Consider a multi-night trip to make the most of the distance.

Trailhead Parking

Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center parking area. Large paved lot. Olympic National Park entrance fee required ($35/vehicle for 7 days, as of 2026). Located at the end of Upper Hoh Road, approximately 18 miles east of Forks.

← Back to Olympic National Forest

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Hoh River Trail flat?
Yes. The trail section described here gains only about 100 feet over 5 miles, making it one of the flattest hiking options in the Olympic area. The trail continues much further (eventually reaching the summit of Mt. Olympus at 28+ miles), but the day hike section to the Five Mile Island campsite is nearly level throughout.
Is the Hoh Rain Forest open year-round?
The Hoh Rain Forest area and this trail are open year-round in most conditions. The road can occasionally close during major flooding events, but the trail itself is rarely impassable. Winter visits offer the most solitude and the forest is beautiful in rain.
Do I need a permit for the Hoh River Trail day hike?
No permit is required for day hiking on the Hoh River Trail. The Olympic National Park entrance fee ($35/vehicle for 7 days as of 2026) applies at the visitor center. Overnight camping at backcountry sites requires a backcountry permit from the National Park.
Will I see Roosevelt elk on this trail?
Roosevelt elk are regularly present in the Hoh valley. Large herds of 10 to 30 animals are common sightings, particularly in morning and evening hours. The elk are wild and should not be approached. The park asks visitors to stay at least 100 yards from elk.
How does this trail connect to Mt. Olympus climbs?
The Hoh River Trail is the standard approach route to Mt. Olympus. The summit is 17.4 miles from the visitor center via this trail. The glacier approach to the summit requires mountaineering experience and equipment. The day hike section described here covers the first 2.5 miles, well before any technical terrain.