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About this place
Take a step back in time into the heart of an ancient temperate rain forest and glacial river. This trail gives you the best overview of the Hoh Valley and makes a perfect day hike.
Olympic National Park was established to preserve “the finest example of primeval forest” and so the Hoh Valley remains much like it has for thousands of years. This is the best trail to experience the magic of Hoh Valley, the grandeur of its old growth trees, lush understory and iridescent glacial river.
The Hoh River trail departs from the visitor center, follow the trail signs deeper into the moss covered wilderness. The beauty of this trail is you can hike as far as you like, take a short stroll to the Hoh River (approx. 1 mi), or continue on to Five Mile Island (~5 mi) or Happy Four Shelter (5.7 mi). The trail continues all the way to Glacier Meadows (17.3 mi). Backpackers will need wilderness permits.
The trail is lined with endless ferns, giant cedars, spruce and fir trees. Explore the various spur trails to reach the banks of the sparkling Hoh River. Each path leads you to beautiful views of the mountains, river and forest. The Hoh River trail offers various options to explore this truly enchanted valley.
More information: https://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/visiting-the-hoh.htm
Hoh River Trail: https://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/hoh-river-trail.htm