OUR PACIFIC NORTHWEST ROAD TRIP //
We knew there was so much to see between Seattle and Portland, but I honestly had no idea that there was a rainforest nearby (or any in the United States at all). Am I the only one who didn't know that? Turns out there are four just in the Olympic National Park! We left civilization in Seattle and headed through Olympic NP and arrived at our motel in Forks, WA late that evening.
We woke up around 5am and drove about an hour south to the Hoh Rainforest. We were immediately transported to a magical, enchanted forest out of a children's storybook. Moss and ferns blanket all surfaces in the forest creating a green, lush canopy. It was a chilly August day, and the moisture could be felt in the air. Once leaving highway 101, we took the Upper Hoh Road, another 18 miles before arriving at the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor's Center just as the sun was coming up.
After parking and lacing up our boots, we looked at the two short trail options. We started with the Hall of Mosses loop trail which was .8 miles in length from there we took the Spruce Nature Trail that was 1.2 miles and took us back to the parking lot.
A LITTLE ABOUT THE RAINFOREST //
The four rainforests in Olympic NP are temperate rainforests (meaning much colder) than the Amazon rainforest. In winter months rain frequently falls, contributing to the average 12-14 feet yearly. The most ideal time to visit during October-March when you can see the mist in the air making everything super lush.
HALL OF MOSSES TRAIl //
DIFFICULTY: EASY
DISTANCE: 0.8 mile loop
TIME: 45-60 MINUTES
The dramatic views started within minutes of exiting the car. I felt a bit like a child that got dropped off at an amusement park. So much of traveling and being in nature reminds me of being a child. There is something so overly exciting about seeing a place for the first time. As soon as we started the trail, I couldn't help but run and jump on the logs, look up and try to take it all in. I had never seen anything like this!
I can't help but think if Antoni Gaudi could have designed a forest it would be the Hoh. The long draping moss reminded me of the original side of La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. I know, it's a strange comparison, but they are both just so over the top. The light being filtered through the trees is similar to the light coming through stained glass windows within Gothic architecture.
Okay, enough side-tracking, back to the trail! We stopped and listened to the sounds of the stream, droplets fell from the trees above, and if I closed my eyes for more than 30 seconds, I could have easily fallen asleep lying there next to the water. We spent the next hour or so, taking hundreds of photos and looking for signs of wildlife on the ground.
SPRUCE NATURE TRAIL //
DIFFICULTY: EASY
DISTANCE: 1.2 Miles round trip
TIME: 60-90 MINUTES
This loop trail highlights the diversity of the temperate rainforest. The path takes you through the old growth forest, under the maple trees that are draped with moss, past the cottonwood and alder groves, and down the banks of the Hoh River. This trail will activate all your senses! Don't just look above you, be sure to get a close look at the dewy ferns at your feet and the mushrooms growing on the logs along the trail.
LIFE IN THE FOREST //
If you visit during the rainy season, you'll be more likely to see a banana slug, which is the second largest species of land slugs in the world. These big beautiful yellow slugs can grow to be 10 inches in length and weigh a quarter of a pound. They are most often bright yellow in color or have brown spots like an overripe banana, but they can also be greenish, brown, tan or white. They can change color depending on their food consumption, light exposure, or moisture levels. Their color can tell you if they are healthy, injured and their age.
WHERE TO STAY //
The Hoh Rain Forest has a campground open year round, with 88 sites located in the old growth forest along the river. There is also a little town of Forks, WA is about 30 miles or about an hour north of the Hoh. There you can find other camping options and lodging. The majority of options will be cheap motels so if you're looking for something a bit nicer check out the cabins at Huckleberry Lodge.
DETAILS & TIPS FOR PLANNING YOUR TRIP //
Check online before planning your trip to see if there are any traval alerts stating that the Hoh Rain Forest will be closed for any reason..
There are restrooms and places to fill your water available outside of the visitor's center.
Visitor's Center is upon daily during the summer and open Friday-Sunday during the rest of the year.
Entrance to Olympic NP is $20 per vehicle and valid for 7 consecutive days.
Obviously, don't forget to pack your rain gear. You'll want a waterproof jacket, pants, layers underneath that will keep you warm even if you get wet.
Make sure to stock up on water, food, snacks anything you need before leaving Forks on entering into the Hoh area. There really isn't anything nearby.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES //
Have you every been to the Olympic National Park or the HOH rainforest? If not, let's be honest, did you know there was a temperate rainforest in the USA? Comment below
Thanks for reading! :-)
xx ASH
