Olympic National Park guide
The Hoh Rain Forest: trails, drive times & where to stay
Twelve-plus feet of rain a year turns this valley into one of the greenest places on earth. Here's how to see it well — and why Forks, an hour away, is the easiest place to base your trip.
Closest town
Forks, WA
From Forks
~1 hour
Best arrival
Before 9am
Open
Year-round
Hoh Rain Forest trails
Hall of Mosses
0.8 mi loop · 30–45 min
The famous one. Moss-draped bigleaf maples, easy and mostly flat — great for kids.
Spruce Nature Trail
1.2 mi loop · 45–60 min
Quieter than Hall of Mosses, follows the glacial-blue Hoh River. Look for elk.
Hoh River Trail to Five Mile Island
~10 mi round trip · 4–5 hrs
Nearly flat walk through old-growth spruce to a gravel bar on the river. Full trail continues 17+ miles to Glacier Meadows.
Getting to the Hoh
Take US-101 south of Forks about 13 miles, then turn east on the Upper Hoh Road for 18 winding miles along the river to the visitor center. There is no gas and no cell service past the turnoff.
| Starting from | Drive | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Forks | About 1 hour | ~31 miles |
| Port Angeles | About 1 hr 45 min | ~88 miles |
| Sequim | About 2 hr 10 min | ~105 miles |
Local tips
- Summer entrance lines can top an hour midday — go early or late afternoon.
- Bring rain layers even in July; trails stay muddy most of the year.
- Pair it with Ruby Beach (about 40 minutes south of the Hoh turnoff) or Rialto Beach near Forks.
- Stock up on snacks and fuel in Forks — there are no services in the valley.
Where to stay near the Hoh Rain Forest
Our Forks cabins and tiny homes put you an hour from the Hall of Mosses and minutes from coffee, groceries and the coast. Book directly through Airbnb or Vrbo.
Rainforest Tiny Home Retreat: Fishing Cabin
Forks, WA · 3 beds
Rainforest Tiny Home Retreat: Enchanted Cottage
Forks, WA · 3 beds
ElkCreekInn: Creekside Tiny Home
Forks, WA · 3 beds
Trout Corner: Forks WA Tiny Home Base
Forks, WA · 3 beds
Beaver Pines:Central Hiking Base
Forks, WA · 3 beds
Rainforest Tiny Home Retreat Abstract Modern
Forks, WA · 3 beds
Hoh Rain Forest FAQ
Where is the best place to stay near the Hoh Rain Forest?
Forks is the closest town with lodging, groceries and gas — about an hour from the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center. Staying in Forks also puts you 20–30 minutes from Rialto Beach, La Push and Ruby Beach, so you can pair the rainforest with the coast.
How long do you need at the Hoh Rain Forest?
Plan at least half a day. The Hall of Mosses and Spruce Nature Trail together take about two hours, plus the scenic 18-mile Upper Hoh Road drive in and out. Hikers heading up the Hoh River Trail should plan a full day.
Is there a fee to enter the Hoh Rain Forest?
Yes. The Hoh is inside Olympic National Park, so a park entrance pass is required. An America the Beautiful annual pass also works. Check the National Park Service site for current fees.
When is the best time to visit the Hoh Rain Forest?
It is open year-round. Summer lines at the entrance station can run over an hour midday, so arrive before 9am or after 3pm. Spring is the greenest; fall and winter are the quietest and wettest.
Is there cell service or gas at the Hoh?
No. Service drops after you leave US-101, and there is no gas on the Upper Hoh Road. Fill up and download offline maps in Forks before you go.
Will I see elk in the Hoh Rain Forest?
Often. Roosevelt elk graze the meadows along the Upper Hoh Road and near the visitor center, especially early morning and evening. Keep at least 25 yards away.