Explore the Hoh Rainforest and Hall Of Mosses
1.25 Miles
Chillin, Camping, Fishing, Photography, Hiking
Beginner
Year Round
Out-and-Back
Explore amazing and unique scenery on the western side of Olympic National Park. This is an easy hike (0.8 miles for the Hall of Mosses or 1.25 miles for the Spruce Trail) with the option to camp by the Hoh River.
Starting at the Hoh Rainforest Visitor Center, take the only trail out into the forest itself. After a few hundred yards there will be a sign pointing you in the direction of the Hall Of Mosses. Follow signs and a very well-maintained trail over crystal clear creeks and fallen trees until you reach the Hall Of Mosses trail junction. The trail itself is only a 0.8 mile loop, but is packed with what will be some of the most breathtaking and unique scenery you will ever see.
As the name suggests, everything is covered in moss, giving everything a very surreal and alien look and feel. As you walk through a section of maple trees, try to imagine that you are in a Dr. Seuss story.
After you complete the loop, you can continue on to do the 1.25 mile Spruce Trail, go set up camp in one of the tree campground loops right next to the visitor center, or, for the more ambitious, head out on the 17.3 mile Hoh River Trail to the base of Mount Olympus.
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations.
Nearby Lodging
Reviews
Overall rating:
Great park
Though the park was great the hall of mosses seemed a little less amazing with everyone walking through, also the day we went on was sunny took away from the atmosphere. i would of loved to visit on a cloudy or foggy day.
Great area to explore
Go early in the morning, around 7am. The area could get crowded afterward and its harder to get photos without someone standing in the way. I hiked all the trail here starting out at 7am and didn't see anyone until I was hiking out at the end.
Cool, But Not A Must See
If you have limited time in Olympic National Park, I would recommend doing something else. The forest is cool, but it's just like a bigger version of the surrounding forest. The trees are huge, but other than that, nothing too exciting.
