Description: Olympic National Park holds the only temperate rain forests in the lower 48, and some of the few in North America. The Hoh is one of Olympic National Park's main attractions, and like many of the others, requires that you head into the interior of the park. The drive to the rain forest heads up the Hoh River Valley, and turns off of US 101 about 10 miles southeast of Forks. It's nearly 20 miles from there, about two-thirds a pleasant trip through privately-held land until you cross the National Park Boundary with about five more miles to go. You'll have nice views of the river at several spots, particularly as you near the end of the road.
There's a visitor center and ranger station, plus picnicking areas. But the highlight are the trails, which take you through old-growth forest that's covered with growth everywhere. The two guided trails are well worth the trip: the Hall of Mosses and Spruce Nature Trail are each about a mile long, and with green everywhere. Both are accessible after the visitor center closes (EARLY, at 4 pm), and weren't very busy when we arrived near 5. If you're interested in photography, be aware all the overhead greenery can keep light levels low. Consider bringing a tripod--many of my photos came out blurry.
If you're looking for more solitude, consider starting down the Hoh River Trail that starts here. It's one of the many paths back into the secluded center of the park, but you can treat it as a day hike for as far as as you care to go.
I was awed by the forests of the Northwest: trees a thousand years old, yards in diameters, and hundreds of feet tall. This is a good place to experience them.
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