Best Hoh Rainforest Hikes In Olympic National Park (plus tips for visiting!)
The Hoh Rainforest is one of the most unique areas in Olympic National Park and easily one of the most unusual landscapes in the continental United States. Massive moss-covered trees tower above the trails, ferns blanket the forest floor, and nearly everything feels damp, green, and incredibly peaceful.
Located on the western side of Olympic National Park, the Hoh Rainforest is one of the largest temperate rainforests in the U.S. and receives an enormous amount of rainfall each year, creating the lush environment the area is known for.
Most visitors spend a few hours here walking the shorter trails near the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center, though you could easily spend much longer if you enjoy hiking or photography. Because many of the trails connect or start from the same general area, it’s easy to combine multiple hikes into a single visit.
The Hoh Rainforest is also one of the busiest areas in Olympic National Park during summer, and long entrance lines are common by late morning. Arriving early in the day is strongly recommended. Even during summer, expect muddy trails, cooler temperatures, and wet conditions. Cell service is very limited here, so downloading offline maps ahead of time is a good idea.
Here are the best Hoh Rainforest hikes plus tips for visiting.
Best Hoh Rainforest Hikes In Olympic National Park
Hall of Mosses
0.8 mile loop | Easy
Hall of Mosses is the Hoh Rainforest’s most famous trail and the best option for first-time visitors wanting the classic rainforest views without much hiking effort. The short loop winds through dense old-growth forest filled with massive moss-covered trees and vibrant greenery.
Despite being less than a mile long, this trail feels incredibly immersive and gives visitors a great sense of what makes the Hoh Rainforest so unique. Most people move pretty slowly here because there’s constantly something to stop and look at.
The trail begins directly from the main Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center area and is one of the busiest hikes in Olympic National Park, especially midday during summer.
Spruce Nature Trail
1.2 mile loop | Easy
The Spruce Nature Trail is another excellent short hike in the Hoh Rainforest and is very commonly combined with Hall of Mosses. This trail passes through thick rainforest before reaching views of the Hoh River, giving it a slightly different feel than the more forest-focused Hall of Mosses loop.
The trail is relatively flat and manageable for most visitors, making it another great option for casual hikers and families. It also tends to feel a little quieter than Hall of Mosses while still offering the same lush scenery the Hoh Rainforest is known for.
This trail also begins from the main visitor center parking area and easily connects with Hall of Mosses.
Hoh River Trail
Up to 17+ miles one way | Easy to Moderate
The Hoh River Trail stretches deep into the rainforest toward Mount Olympus and its glaciers. While the full trail eventually becomes a serious backcountry route, most visitors simply hike a short section before turning around.
Even hiking a mile or two gives you a much better sense of how vast and remote the rainforest really feels. Crowds thin out quickly beyond the shorter nature trails, and the forest becomes noticeably quieter and more peaceful.
The trail begins from the same general trail network near the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center. Visitors planning to backpack the full trail and camp overnight will need a wilderness permit.
Tips For Visiting The Hoh Rainforest
Weather & Best Time To Visit
The Hoh Rainforest is open year-round, and each season offers a slightly different experience. Summer brings the warmest temperatures and longest daylight hours, but it’s also the busiest time to visit and trails can get very crowded. Spring and fall tend to feel quieter and especially atmospheric, with fog, mist, and fewer crowds throughout the rainforest.
The rainforest receives an enormous amount of rainfall each year, with the wettest months typically falling between late fall and early spring. July and August are generally the driest months, though rain is possible during any time of year here.
One important thing to know is that the Hoh Rainforest stays wet and muddy for much of the year, even during summer. Temperatures are also often cooler compared to other parts of the Olympic Peninsula.
What To Wear
Waterproof shoes or hiking boots are a really good idea for the Hoh Rainforest, especially if you plan to hike farther than the shorter trails near the visitor center. Muddy sections and puddles are very common here.
Layers are also important, but not just light layers. Because the rainforest is so damp and humid, the cold tends to cut through thinner clothing pretty quickly, especially outside of summer. Even during summer, bringing warm layers underneath a rain jacket is a smart idea for mornings, evenings, and rainy days.
During my fall visit, I wore my Patagonia fleece under either a lightweight winter jacket or rain jacket depending on the day’s conditions — the thicker fleece layer made a huge difference in staying warm.
Bug spray can also be helpful during warmer months, particularly along the Hoh River Trail and wetter areas of the rainforest.
How Long To Spend Here
Most visitors spend around 2 – 4 hours in the Hoh Rainforest, which is usually enough time to walk the shorter trails and enjoy the scenery at a relaxed pace.
Hall of Mosses and Spruce Nature Trail are very commonly done together and can easily fit into a shorter visit. If you plan to hike farther along the Hoh River Trail or spend extra time photographing the rainforest, you could easily turn this into a half day stop.
Just remember, even the shorter trails often take longer than expected because most visitors stop constantly for photos and to take in the scenery.
Getting Here
The Hoh Rainforest is located on the western side of Olympic National Park and takes longer to reach than many visitors expect. Roads throughout Olympic National Park are winding and mostly two-lane, so driving times are often slower than GPS estimates suggest.
Most visitors access the rainforest via Upper Hoh Road off Highway 101. As you get closer to the park, services become very limited, so it’s a good idea to fill up on gas and grab any snacks or supplies you may need ahead of time.
Parking & Crowds
The Hoh Rainforest is one of the busiest areas in Olympic National Park, especially during summer weekends and holidays. Long entrance lines and wait times are very common by mid morning.
Parking near the visitor center and main trailheads is limited, which is why arriving early in the morning is strongly recommended (aim to arrive by 6 am on summer weekends and 7 am during the week). Early mornings will provide a much more peaceful experience.
Outside of summer, crowds and parking issues are usually much less intense, which makes a spring, fall, or even winter visit a really great option if you don’t mind cooler and wetter conditions.
No matter the time of year, if you hike farther along the Hoh River Trail, crowds thin out pretty quickly.
Trail Etiquette
Many of the trails in the Hoh Rainforest are narrow, muddy, and heavily visited, especially Hall of Mosses. One important thing to avoid is stepping off trail whenever possible, since this gradually damages and widens the trail over time. It should also go without saying, but do not climb on any of the trees or downed logs.
Crowded trails also move much more smoothly when groups stay aware of the people around them. If you’re hiking with a larger group, it’s helpful to walk single-file and avoid blocking the trail while stopping for photos. Be sure to also let faster hikers pass and give space to people heading in the opposite direction, this may take some extra effort and awareness during busy summer days.
Finally, keep noise levels low, this helps preserve the experience for everyone around you.
No Cell Service
Cell service in the Hoh Rainforest is extremely limited to nonexistent. You shouldn’t rely on having service for navigation or communication once inside the park. Downloading offline maps and directions before arriving is strongly recommended.
Google Maps allows you to download maps ahead of time, and AllTrails Pro also lets you save trail maps for offline use. I personally use both whenever visiting national parks since service is unreliable in so many areas.
Important Logistics
The Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center is located right by the trailheads mentioned above. It has restrooms (standard flushing toilets), trail information, maps, and water bottle filling stations. It’s the only service area within the rainforest.
Visitor center hours vary seasonally, but during the busy summer season it’s generally open daily from 9 am – 5 pm. During the offseason the visitor center is only open Friday – Sunday with limited hours. Find current hours at Olympic NPS Visitor Centers.
Food options nearby are very limited, and there are no restaurants within the Hoh Rainforest itself, so bringing water, snacks, and anything else you may want for the day is a smart idea, especially if you plan to spend several hours hiking.
I loved exploring the Hoh Rainforest and honestly think it’s one of the most unique places in Olympic National Park. Between the moss-covered trees, quiet forest trails, and incredibly lush scenery, it’s the kind of place that feels almost unreal — and I hope this guide helps you plan the perfect visit.
Any questions? Please leave a comment below or reach out on social media.
Looking for more ideas? Check out my additional Olympic National Park and Olympic Peninsula guides below.
Additional Olympic National Park Guides:
More Information For Your Olympic Peninsula Vacation:
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