A moss-laden, towering old-growth forest

The Hoh Rain Forest is one of the largest temperate rain forests in the United States. As the wettest destination in the Lower 48, the Hoh Rain Forest receives an average of 12-14 feet of rainfall each year, with the majority of it falling October through April. With this generous supply of precipitation, combined with its mild temperate climate influenced by the Pacific Ocean, the Hoh Rain Forest has the perfect set of variables to create a thriving temperate rain forest ecosystem with an abundance of mossy green flora and fauna. The most awe-striking features include 300 foot tall old-growth Sitka Spruce trees, moss-draped Big Leaf maple trees, endless sword fern along the forest floor, and if you’re lucky, you may even encounter the Roosevelt Elk herd.

Popular Hikes

Location: On the west-end of Olympic National Park off of Highway 101, the Hoh Rain Forest hiking trails can be reached after a 18.5 mile drive into the interior of the rain forest, arriving at the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center. From the Visitor Center, you can hike two popular nature loops, the Hall of Mosses (0.75 mi) and Spruce Nature Trail (1.25 mi), or make a longer trek along the Hoh River Trail (17.3 mi).