Hoh River Trail: Deep Into the Rainforest

The Hoh River Trail is Olympic National Park’s classic rainforest walk, following a glacial‑blue river through one of the best‑preserved temperate rainforests in the world. Starting at the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center, the trail meanders beneath towering Sitka spruce and moss‑draped bigleaf maples, with ferns and nurse logs filling every inch of the forest floor.

While the full trail stretches nearly 18 miles one way to Glacier Meadows, most day hikers choose shorter sections, turning around at destinations like Mineral Creek Falls, Five Mile Island, or one of several riverside viewpoints. That flexibility makes the Hoh River Trail a great fit for families, photographers, and backpackers alike.

Trail Overview

• Location: Hoh Rain Forest, Olympic National Park (west side of the peninsula)
• Total Trail Length: About 17–18 miles one way to Glacier Meadows
• Elevation Profile: Mostly gentle and rolling for the first ~13 miles, then steep to the alpine
• Trailhead: Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center at the end of Upper Hoh Road
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate for day hikes; strenuous for full backpacking route
• Best Season: Year‑round, with peak greenery spring through fall

Popular Day‑Hike Destinations

Short Out‑and‑Back (1–3 miles): Walk a mile or so in from the visitor center for a mellow taste of the Hoh’s deep green world, with moss‑covered trunks, massive trees, and occasional peeks at the river through the forest.

Five Mile Island (~10–11 miles round trip): A full‑day out‑and‑back to a scenic bend in the river, with views across gravel bars and frequent Roosevelt elk sightings in the valley when conditions are right.

Waterfall Turnarounds: Many hikers choose a comfortable distance that includes side paths to small waterfalls like Mineral Creek Falls, adding a dramatic water feature to the rainforest experience.

What You’ll See

• Moss‑draped maple branches arching over the trail.
• Old‑growth spruce and hemlock soaring above dense fern carpets.
• Glacially fed Hoh River in shades of blue‑green, visible at viewpoints and side paths.
• Possible wildlife, including Roosevelt elk, banana slugs, and numerous birds.

Trail Tips, Family Notes & Getting There

Trail & Family Tips

• The first several miles are relatively gentle, but expect roots, mud, and small stream crossings, especially after rain.
• Pick a turnaround point based on your group’s energy – you don’t have to reach a named landmark to enjoy the rainforest.
• Waterproof or water‑resistant hiking shoes are helpful; the trail can be wet and slick in spots.
• Pack rain layers even on seemingly nice days; this is one of the wettest valleys in the park.
• For kids, set simple goals like “walk to the big fallen log” or “to where we can see the river,” then reassess.
• Backpackers heading beyond the valley for multiple days need wilderness permits and should check current conditions with the park.

Getting There

From Forks, drive south on US‑101 and turn east onto Upper Hoh Road, following signs for the Hoh Rain Forest. Continue about 18 miles to the end of the road at the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center area. Park in the main lot, where restrooms, ranger information, and short nature trails are located; the Hoh River Trail begins just beyond the visitor center.

Whether you walk a mile or twenty, time on the Hoh River Trail feels like stepping into another world — a quiet, emerald corridor where dripping moss, ancient trees, and the distant rush of the river define the heart of Olympic National Park’s rainforest.