11.06.2022
50 shades of GREEN: Unparalleled beauty in Washington’s Hoh Rain Forest
(why you need to visit NOW)
Why All These Accolades?
According to scientists, it’s the most preserved rain forest in the northern hemisphere, remaining unchanged for thousands of years. It’s unique ecosystem is able to thrive due to the unbelievable annual rainfall. Seattle is known for being rainy, receiving around 38 inches of rain a year; But the Hoh Rain Forest, in comparison, receives around 140 inches per year (a whopping 12 feet)!
It’s also one of the “quietest places in the world” – a unique haven for writers and those seeking peace.
Look Up: Giant trees & moss galore
Many unique mosses and lichens grow here, including “lettuce lichen,” which “requires the cool, moist conditions found under the canopy of old-growth forests.” Forget fifty shades of gray… we saw 50 shades of GREEN! Nowhere have we ever been that feels more like faeries will suddenly appear. It’s almost like a fine layer of mystical dust floats through the air, and when the sun hits it just right with the fog, you have to stop and wonder if you’re really still in this time.
Hoh Rain Forest is compared by many to being “FernGully” or feeling “out of this world.” You have to see it in person to believe it.
Okay… but really! The trees are giants, with dominant species of Sitka Spruce and Western Hemlock growing to 312 feet in height and 23 feet in diameter. Large clumps of moss hang off the trees, which doesn’t hurt them because moss is a epiphyte. Unlike a parasite, it doesn’t harm what it grows on; it only needs support. The thick canopy catches leaves and debris and almost amounts to a second floor of growth above.
Much of the forest has been logged within the last century, though the forest within Olympic National Park is protected from commercial exploitation. The astounding nature attracts spotted owl, otter, deer and elk, so it’s a great spot for wildlife photographers.
How is it one of the lushest rain forests in the world?
The western slopes of the Olympic Mountains are first to get hit with the moisture-rich weather that rolls in from the Pacific Ocean, meaning the Hoh Rain Forest receives the equivalent of another 30 inches of rain from the constant fog and mist. See the US Forest Service’s site for detailed Olympic Peninsula climate information. There’s a lot of weather science you can dive into here, including the “Olympic Rain Shadow.”
National Park Visitors Center
Don’t miss the adorable little national park visitor’s center and store (probably the smallest we’ve ever seen), where their displays teach you about the excessive rainfall they receive here, and you can purchase a souvenir like a magnet or postcard. Trail maps are available, and the ranger there was very helpful and knowledgeable for those wanting details on camping. Visit the NPS website for trip planning information.
Hiking Trails (we recommend an AllTrails Mobile App subscription):
Hall of Mosses: 0.8 miles – Gives a great feel for the local ecosystem. For easy access and low elevation (basically flat walking trails), the “Hall of Mosses” is great for all ages and offers the most mystical views of moss-covered trees you’ll find. If you only have time for one trail, this is the one!
Spruce Nature Trail: 1.2 miles – A bit longer but still an easy trail with great signage identifying various trailside trees and plants. It can easily be tacked onto the Hall of Mosses, as we did.
Hoh River Trail: 17.1 miles – Running along the glacier-fed Hoh River, this is a more challenging out-and-back longer trail for those who are camping or just prefer a longer day hike. It has a wild, mystical feel away from other people. Many hikers only do the first few miles and turn back. Find hiking details here.
Planning Your Trip to Hoh Rain Forest
We visited in early May and found the weather nearly perfect with low crowds. Visit the National Park Service website for camping details, or find an Airbnb or motel in nearby Forks. We stayed at Misty Valley Inn in Forks (highly recommend!) and drove over for a day hiking trip. Visit Washington’s Tourism site if you want to plan a longer stay in the Olympic Peninsula.
