Hoh River Trail

The Hoh River Trail starts at the Hoh Rainforest Visitor Center, located within Olympic National Park. Parking is available at the visitor center, but it can fill up quickly, especially during peak season. Arriving early in the morning is highly recommended to secure a spot.

Yes, the Hoh River Trail is located within Olympic National Park, so an entrance fee is required to access the park. Additionally, if you plan to camp overnight on the trail, a wilderness permit is necessary. You can find more information on fees and permits on the official National Park Service website.

No, dogs are generally not permitted on the Hoh River Trail itself, as it is a wilderness trail within Olympic National Park. National Park regulations typically restrict pets to paved roads, campgrounds, and specific front-country trails. Always check the latest park regulations before bringing a pet.

The best time to jog the Hoh River Trail is typically from late spring through early fall (May to October). During these months, the weather is generally milder, and the trail conditions are more favorable. However, be prepared for rain at any time, as it is a temperate rainforest. Early season may still have muddy sections and downed trees.

The initial 8.6 km (approximately 5.3 miles) section of the Hoh River Trail, which is ideal for jogging, can typically be completed in about 1 hour and 2 minutes, according to komoot's estimates. This section is relatively flat and well-groomed, making it suitable for a strong pace.

The first 12 to 13 miles of the Hoh River Trail are largely flat and well-groomed, making this section suitable for beginner to intermediate joggers. However, be aware that even this initial part can present challenges like muddy sections, exposed roots, rocks, and occasional stream crossings. Beyond 13 miles, the trail becomes significantly steeper and more challenging.

For the first 12-13 miles, the terrain is mostly flat and soft, composed of rainforest flora, following the Hoh River. Expect potential mud, exposed roots, rocks, and downed trees. There are occasional small stream crossings and a braided river crossing around the 8-mile mark. Beyond this, the trail becomes much steeper and more strenuous, ascending significantly towards Glacier Meadows.

The trail immerses you in a lush temperate rainforest with towering old-growth Sitka spruce and moss-draped bigleaf maples. You'll likely spot Roosevelt elk and deer, and there's a chance of seeing black bears. The glacial-blue Hoh River itself is a striking natural feature. Further along, you might see drier fir forests and subalpine meadows.

The trail offers stunning views of the moss-draped rainforest and glimpses of the glacial-blue Hoh River. Specific highlights include Hoh River Trail itself, the impressive Cougar Creek cedar grove, and two small waterfalls around 2.6 and 2.8 miles in. You'll also pass Mineral Creek Falls. Further up, you can see Mount Tom, the High Divide, and eventually, spectacular alpine vistas of Mount Olympus and the Blue Glacier.

The Hoh River Trail is primarily an out-and-back trail. While there are shorter intersecting trails near the trailhead like the Hall of Mosses Trail and Spruce Nature Trail, the main Hoh River Trail itself extends deep into the wilderness as a linear path, culminating near Glacier Meadows and Mount Olympus.

Yes, near the trailhead, the route intersects with and runs concurrently with sections of other well-known paths such as the Hall of Mosses Trail, Spruce Nature Trail, Mini Trail, and Horse Trail. These offer shorter, interpretive loops and walks within the immediate rainforest area.