6 Underrated Washington Trails Along the Hoh Rain Forest You Need to Explore

If you’re looking to explore Washington’s Hoh Rain Forest beyond the usual busy spots, there are some lesser-known trails that offer a quieter, equally stunning experience. These underrated paths let you enjoy the lush greenery, moss-covered trees, and peaceful sounds of the forest without the crowds.

You’ll find unique hikes that let you connect with the natural beauty and calm of the Hoh Rain Forest in a way that many visitors miss. Whether you want a short stroll or a longer adventure, these trails provide great options to explore the area’s rich ecosystem on your own terms.

Hoh River Trailhead

If you’re looking for a hike through Washington’s famous temperate rainforest, the Hoh River Trail offers a beautiful escape. You’ll walk alongside the river, surrounded by dense old-growth forest and chances to spot wildlife like elk and bears along the way.

The trail stays fairly easy for the first 13 miles, mostly flat, which makes it great for a relaxed day hike or a longer backpacking trip. After that, it gets steeper as you approach Glacier Meadows, giving you some solid elevation gain.

There are several campsites along the route with bear-proof food storage wires, so you can plan overnight trips safely. Along your hike, you’ll cross a few streams and one of the braided parts of the river, so waterproof boots are a good idea.

Late June through September is the best time to visit, as the trail is clear of snow and conditions are ideal. The views of Mount Olympus and Blue Glacier from the end of the trail reward your effort beautifully.

Rating: 4.8 (251 reviews)
Location: 18113 Upper Hoh Rd, Forks, WA 98331
Contact: (360) 374-6925
Website: Visit Website

Hall of Mosses Trailhead

If you’re looking for a short, easy hike that immerses you in the lush atmosphere of the Hoh Rain Forest, the Hall of Mosses Trail is a great pick. This 0.8-mile loop winds through old growth forest, where moss-draped trees and vibrant ferns create an almost otherworldly vibe.

The trail is popular for good reason. You’ll see maples and other big trees covered in thick blankets of club moss. The rich green scenery is a favorite for nature lovers and photographers alike. It’s an easy walk that still gives you a good taste of what makes this forest special.

You can find the trailhead at the end of the Upper Hoh Road, right near the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center. The center is a handy stop to get maps and learn more about the area before you start your hike.

The Hall of Mosses Trail is a nice introduction to the rainforest, especially if you want to explore without doing a long trek. And since it’s a loop, you don’t need to worry about backtracking the same path.

Rating: 4.8 (1474 reviews)
Location: Hoh Valley Rd, Forks, WA 98331
Contact: (360) 565-3131
Website: Visit Website

Hoh Rain Forest

If you want to explore one of the best examples of temperate rainforest in the U.S., the Hoh Rain Forest is a perfect spot. Located in Olympic National Park, this lush forest gets around 140 inches of rain a year, keeping the greenery vibrant and thick.

You’ll find massive old-growth trees like Sitka Spruce, Red Cedar, and Douglas Fir towering overhead. The forest floor is covered in mosses, ferns, and even fallen nursery logs that help new plants grow. It’s a pretty magical place for nature lovers.

The area offers easy trails like the Hall of Mosses and Spruce Nature Trail. If you’re up for more, the Hoh River Trail stretches far into the wilderness, offering tons of hiking options. Keep an eye out for wildlife – Roosevelt Elk and northern spotted owls live here.

The Hoh Visitor Center is a good place to stop for maps and info before hitting the trails. Just know that pets aren’t allowed on the trails to keep the forest safe.

Rating: 4.7 (3209 reviews)
Location: 18113 Upper Hoh Rd, Forks, WA 98331
Contact: (360) 565-3000
Website: Visit Website

Olympic National Park

When you think about Olympic National Park, think huge. It’s nearly a million acres of wilderness with a mix of glacier-topped mountains, lush rain forests, and rugged coastline.

Exploring here means you can move from old-growth rain forests to snowy peaks in the same day. The variety of ecosystems makes it perfect for all kinds of outdoor adventures.

The park also has a deep history that goes back thousands of years. Whether you’re hiking or just soaking in the views, there’s a lot to take in.

You’ll find the park near Port Angeles, Washington. It’s a great base if you’re planning to check out the Hoh Rain Forest and other hidden trail gems in the area.

Rating: 4.8 (10496 reviews)
Location: 3002 Mt Angeles Rd, Port Angeles, WA 98362
Contact: (360) 565-3130
Website: Visit Website

Kalaloch Lodge Rainforest Trail

If you’re looking for a peaceful hike surrounded by lush greenery, the Kalaloch Lodge Rainforest Trail is a great spot. The trail winds through dense forest near the coast, giving you a chance to enjoy old-growth trees and a calm atmosphere. It’s perfect for those who love nature but prefer an easy-to-moderate hike.

The trail is close to the Kalaloch Lodge area, which makes it easy to combine your walk with a cozy stay or a meal nearby. You’ll find plenty of opportunities to spot local wildlife or listen to the sounds of the forest as you go. It’s a less crowded option compared to some of the bigger trails in the region.

Since it’s part of the Olympic National Park system, you can expect well-maintained paths and signs along the way. It’s a solid pick if you want to explore the Hoh Rain Forest’s quieter corners without straying too far from amenities.

You don’t need to plan for a whole day here; a couple of hours is enough to take it all in. Bring your camera or binoculars if you want to capture the wildlife and natural beauty around you.

Rating: 4.8 (39 reviews)
Location: Forks, WA 98331
Website: Visit Website

Spruce Nature Trail

If you’re looking for a short but interesting hike, the Spruce Nature Trail is a solid choice. It’s about 1.2 miles long and takes you through an old rainforest filled with impressive sights, especially nurse logs. These fallen trees act as natural seedbeds, showing different stages of forest life.

You’ll also follow the Hoh River along parts of the trail. The river’s pale blue water comes from glaciers on Mount Olympus, giving the scenery a unique look. The path has a few gentle hills and some brief, steeper sections, but it’s mostly easygoing and suitable for a casual walk.

Keep an eye out for the colonnade, a striking gap where old nurse logs have rotted away, leaving straight rows of trees behind. The trail surface is mostly compacted gravel, and a wooden bridge crosses part of the route, adding some variety to the walk.

Rating: 4.9 (99 reviews)
Location: Forks, WA 98331
Website: Visit Website

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