Miles of lush green temperate rain forest along the Hoh River followed by a challenging ascent to the massive yet retreating Blue Glacier, this 35 mile epic journey transitions from one unique extreme to another.
The Hoh River Trail is a 35 mile out and back hike in Olympic National Park in Washington. Due to the distance, elevation and scrambling, this hike is moderate to difficult. It’s critical to pay attention to the weather in the Pacific Northwest, specifically the Olympic Peninsula. Also note that there is a 100 foot ladder section to get around a landslide area. Dogs cannot join since this is part of a national park. We split this hike into 2 challenging days. Next time I suspect we’d do 3 days of hiking instead.
Details:
Directions (Google Maps): To get to the Hoh River Trail, search for the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center in Forks, WA or click here.
Directions (old school maps): From Seattle, you can either make your way north to Highway 101, or go south on Highway 5 and then take Highway 101 north. The exit is just south of the small town of Forks.
Driving Info: You’ll lose cell service on parts of this drive. It’s a relatively remote area outside of a few scattered towns on this side of the peninsula.
Time & Weather: We hiked this in early September. The forecast almost always has rain in it, but we were dry for most of the 2 days. Due to distance and depending where you want to camp along this route, it’s recommended to start early. If hiking in the dark, wear a headlamp because the tree roots can trip you up easily.
Gear: This hike is through a temperate rain forest than gets 140 inches of rain annually, so be prepared. In addition, the final ascent can get cold and windy. You’ll need water and wind protection, and layers for warmth. Headlamps are necessary without sufficient light, and the tree roots crawl all over this trail, so be careful.
Trail Navigation: Most of this trail is very easy to follow. But you will get to some junctions towards the final ascents. There’s also a bit of scrambling over a rockfall area, so route finding can take time, although the general direction is easy enough to navigate…go up!
Water & Food: You’ll need to be able to treat water on this long distance hike. And bring plenty of calories. Most people camp within the first 10 miles where it can be warmer, which means the day(s) you ascend will be extremely challenging and require a ton of calories.
Trailhead Info: The trailhead has a nice big parking lot for the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center. There are bathrooms as well.
Pictures of the Hoh River Trail:
As you wind your way through one of North America’s most unique climates, there are endless streams and creeks running all around.
Some of the old-growth trees are spectacular to walk amongst.
Open meadows scatter the majority of this trail. If you’re lucky you can see it with direct sunlight, which is rare in the rain forest littered with dense canopies amongst sprawling trees.
Walking over one of many bridges and river crossings, the view below pops with vibrant greens and steely blues.
As you ascend and hug the ridge line, pause to look right as the stunning canyon views come in and out of frame.
Once you’re down the ladder, arrive and gaze at the spectacular final ascent that transitions from dense green growth to enormous boulders and rocky mountainside. This is also black bear territory.
Once you finally traverse the boulder section you get to the finale view, the beautiful Blue Glacier. For the hardcore peak-baggers, you would cross Blue Glacier to continue towards the summit of Mount Olympus. Be careful on your descent and trek back. It’s often cold, wet and slippery.
Want more? There are plenty of fantastic trails within a few hours drive of Seattle. Check out our list of the best hikes near Seattle to explore places like Mount Rainier National Park, Olympic National Park and more!
