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Hoh Rain Forest Out and Back

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate
 4.3 (43) RECOMMENDED ROUTE
  1. Areas
  2. WA
  3. …Olympic Peninsula
  4. Olympic National Park
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“The luxuriant vegetation and silty blue waters in the Hoh River Valley do not disappoint. ”

Megan W
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Map Key

9.9

Miles

15.9

KM

Out and Back

859' 262 m

High

690' 210 m

Low

420' 128 m

Up

422' 129 m

Down

2%

Avg Grade (1°)

6%

Max Grade (3°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · River/Creek · Views · Wildlife

Overview

Revel in the mossy Endor-like vibe on this mellow out-and-back to Five Mile Island.

Description

The Hoh's major hiking trail is the Hoh River Trail, which leads 17.3 miles to Glacier Meadows and Blue Glacier, on the shoulder of Mount Olympus. This featured hike describes the out-and back on the initial 5 miles of this beautiful trail. The number of other users drops off after the first few miles, even though this is one of the most heavily used trails in the park.

From the Hoh Rainforest Visitor Center area, take the paved loop east for just 0.2 miles to the junction with Hoh River Trail. This well groomed, easy trail ascends the lush river valley along the north bank of the braided Hoh River. The heavily wooded and mossy trail is mostly flat with only a few gentle undulations.

The first good view of the river comes around 1 mile, although you'll likely have heard the rush of its waters over the birdsong much earlier. Spot Mount Tom and the High Divide from here. Pass campsites, two small falls and the impressive Cougar Creek cedar grove. After about 5 miles, you arrive at Five Mile Island, a meadow-like spot formed by a huge gravel bar. Elk often can be found here and there are good views up valley. After enjoying this worthwhile destination, turn around and retrace your steps back to the trailhead. Note: no bikes allowed on this trail.

Flora & Fauna

Ferns, moss and huge trees. Elk, deer, bear.

Contacts

Land Manager: National Park Service - Olympic National Park

Shared By:

Megan W
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.3 from 43 votes

#2

in Olympic National Park

#264

Overall
  4.3 from 43 votes
5 Star
44%
4 Star
42%
3 Star
12%
2 Star
2%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#2

in Olympic National Park

#20

in Washington

#264

Overall
92 Views Last Month
16,240 Since Mar 16, 2015
Intermediate
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76%
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Photos

Trail maintenance is a BIG job on the Hoh River Trail!
Jun 26, 2017 near Quinault, WA
Rushing side stream
Mar 24, 2015 near Forks, WA
Green More Green on the Trail
Feb 25, 2015 near Forks, WA
Hanging mosses in the Hoh
May 17, 2019 near Forks, WA
Beautiful days are well spent at Five Mile Island.
Jun 26, 2017 near Quinault, WA
Hoh Rainforest
Jul 15, 2019 near Forks, WA

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Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Jun 13, 2022
Nicholai Benavides
9.9mi
May 22, 2022
Matthew Prowant
Jan 29, 2022
Emma DeJarnette
Sep 26, 2021
Shana Duncan
Sep 6, 2021
Michael Schieferecke
6mi — 2h 45m
Aug 28, 2021
Rob Cravens
Decent trail 12mi — 3h 30m
Aug 24, 2021
Kayleigh Adams
Aug 16, 2021
Nicole Brainard
7/10 Hoh rainforest is a must do. The beginning and middle of this trail were beautiful, we could've skipped last mile for 6-8 miles total. 10mi

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