Itinerary Update: Hoh Rain Forest to Reopen in May 2025
In December 2024, a major washout on Upper Hoh Road— the primary access route to the Hoh Rain Forest—forced its closure. Fortunately, on March 13, 2025, the Washington State Governor's office announced that repairs will be completed, and access is expected to be restored in May 2025.
During this interim closure, we will feature Ruby Beach and the Quinault Rain Forest for our Olympic National Park Rain Forest and Pacific Coast itinerary. Once the Upper Hoh Road reopens, we will resume our Hoh Rain Forest and Rialto Beach group tour itinerary subject to road work, traffic conditions, and park staffing.
Tour Overview
7:30 AM: Ruby Beach and Quinault Rain Forest Tour (8-9 Hours)
About the Tour
This itinerary combines two of the top destinations in the southwestern corner of Olympic National Park: Ruby Beach and Quinault Rain Forest. Our Naturalist Guide will customize the day to maximize the best tides to explore Ruby Beach and lead a memorable guided tour through the moss-laden trails of the Quinault Rain Forest. Our 5-hour driving route on Highway 101 features some of the best roadside views within the Olympic National Park, including Lake Crescent and Kalaloch. This allows our guests 4 hours to immerse into our majestic temperate rain forests and rugged coastlines.
Group Tours
$140 per person + taxes/fees
Private Tours
Starting at $700 per group + taxes/fees
Group Tour: April 1 - May 23 only
Alternative itinerary for Hoh Rain Forest and Rialto Beach tour during
Private Tour: Upon request
Available as a private tour year-round!
Tour Gallery
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Tour Summary
Itinerary Description
Ruby Beach: Located along the 73-mile Olympic Wilderness Coast, Ruby Beach is often considered the crown-jewel of Olympic’s coastline. A short 0.25 mile (one-way) trail leads down to an array of driftwood logs, towering sea stacks, and miles of coastline to explore. We typically aim to visit Ruby Beach when the tides are most cooperative for longer treks or even some tidepooling on those extra low tide days!
Quinault Rain Forest: Olympic’s coastal temperate rain forest is certainly a bucket list experience! Of the four rain forests sections (Bogachiel, Hoh, Queets, & Quinault), the Quinault Rain Forest is certainly local favorite! Deep in the southwest corner of the park, Quinault offers peace, tranquility, and some of the best rain forest terrain on the Olympic Peninsula. Our tour group will enjoy ancient old-growth trees and moss-laden hiking trails along the north shore of Lake Quinault and might Quinault River. Moss-draped maple trees, collections of sword ferns, towering Sitka Spruce trees, and an incredible variety of micro-plants make this rain forest come to life!
Forks: Before heading to Ruby and Quinault, our group does a quick 15-minute at Forks Outfitters. This is the perfect time to grab that coffee refill, purchase lunch snacks, or shop for some neat local souvenirs. This ensures that everyone has plenty of food, water, and snacks for the adventures ahead!
Itinerary Outline
7:30 AM: Departure
Forks (15 minute stop)
Ruby Beach (1-2 hr)
Quinault Rain Forest (1-2 hr)
3:30 PM / 4:30 PM: Return
Timing and destinations subject to change based on traffic, group pace, weather, and road conditions.
Itinerary Breakdown
Drive Time: 5 hours
Sightseeing Time: 4 hours
What’s Included
Naturalist Guided Hiking Tour
Roundtrip Transportation
Meet-up Location
Port Angeles Wharf 115 E Railroad Ave, Port Angeles, WA 98362
Ready to explore?
Date not available?
If group tour is sold out
Join our waitlist and we will email you if additional spaces become available.
Request a private tour
Starting at $700. Available year-round, 7 days per week upon request.
Additional Details
Naturalist Guided Hiking Tour
The Quinault Rain Forest offers our guests to dive into the incredible ecology of Olympic’s coastal temperate rain forest. Along the trail, our guide will overview the incredible biodiversity of the mosses, lichens, and micro-plants, discuss the natural history of these ancient old-growth forests, and ecological impact of the Quinault River. As tides and time permits, our guide will lead guided explorations at Ruby Beach, which overviews the unique geology and erosion of the Olympic Wilderness Coast, and during low tides, identify marine life in various tidepools. Throughout the tour, keep your eyes peeled for the Roosevelt Elk herd, Black Tail Deer, and Bald Eagles!
Hiking Trails
We typically cover 2-4 miles on this guided tour. Our guide will hike on the following trails for varying amounts of time and mileage based on the itinerary timing, group pace, weather conditions, and overall traffic. There are options for guests to hike less at each destination.
Ruby Beach: A 0.25 mile one-way trail leads us to a variety of hiking options at Ruby Beach. Guests can enjoy the incredible views near the beach trailhead, otherwise, our guide will lead a trek to various viewpoints, sea stacks, and tidepools (during low tide).
Quinault Rain Forest: From the Quinault Ranger Station, our guide will generally start with the 0.50 mile Maple Glade Loop, then will connect it to the optional 1.3 mile Kestner Homestead loop. Both loops are generally flat and well-maintained.
Itinerary Adjustments
Tides are the priority, but parking is a limiting factor. If there is a low tide (below 1 foot) between 9:00am - 3:00pm, we will arrange the itinerary to visit Ruby Beach during the most optimal low-tide for the day. During the peak summer season, when parking can be very limited, we may have to miss the low tide at Ruby Beach and prioritize time at the Quinault Rain Forest.