The Hoh River Trail is one of the crown jewels of Olympic National Park. Winding through the lush Hoh Rain Forest, this trail offers hikers everything from short family-friendly walks to challenging multi-day treks that end at the mighty Blue Glacier on Mount Olympus. With moss-draped trees, turquoise waters, wildlife encounters, and backcountry campsites tucked along the river, the Hoh River Trail feels like stepping into another world.
This 35-mile out-and-back trail is both forgiving and demanding. You can hike just a mile in to soak up the rainforest atmosphere or spend several days backpacking through dense greenery, alpine meadows, and glacier-fed rivers. No matter how far you go, the Hoh River Trail captures the magic of the Pacific Northwest like nowhere else.
Getting There
The trail begins at the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center, reached by turning off Highway 101 onto Upper Hoh Road. The road is bumpy but scenic, winding 18 miles through thick forest and offering glimpses of the Hoh River. From the town of Forks, it’s a 45-minute drive; from Port Angeles, about 2 hours.
Entry requires a National Park Pass, either $30 for a 7-day pass or $80 for an annual pass. Because this is one of the most popular parts of Olympic National Park, parking often fills up quickly during summer. To avoid the long entrance lines, plan to arrive early in the morning or after 5 pm.
Trail Overview
The Hoh River Trail stretches about 35 miles out-and-back, gaining roughly 5,500 to 6,000 feet of elevation by the time you reach Glacier Meadows near Blue Glacier.
- Day hikers often turn around at Mineral Creek Falls, a 5.5-mile round trip.
- Backpackers usually take 3–5 days to complete the full trek to Blue Glacier, staying at one or more of the designated campsites along the way.
The trail begins relatively flat, meandering through mossy corridors of old-growth spruce, hemlock, and cedar. For the first 12 miles, elevation gain is gentle, making it accessible to hikers of all levels. Beyond Lewis Meadow, the climb becomes steep, with challenging creek crossings and even a rope ladder scramble before Glacier Meadows.
Highlights Along the Hoh River Trail
The Rainforest Atmosphere
The moment you step onto the trail, you’re surrounded by towering trees dripping with moss, lush ferns carpeting the ground, and the earthy scent of constant rainfall. The Hoh Rain Forest receives up to 14 feet of rain each year, making it one of the wettest places in the continental United States. Every step is an immersion into deep green stillness.
The Hoh River
About a mile in, you’ll encounter the Hoh River, a glacially-fed river with an otherworldly milky blue tint from glacial silt. In fall, salmon can be seen fighting their way upstream, while elk sometimes graze in the river valley.
Mineral Creek Falls
One of the most popular day-hike destinations, Mineral Creek Falls is a rushing 60-foot cascade about 2.7 miles in (5.5 miles round trip). You’ll cross a small wooden bridge with a perfect view of the waterfall tumbling through mossy rock walls.
Backcountry Campsites
As you hike deeper, the trail passes several backcountry campsites:
- Mt. Tom Creek (2.9 miles) – a good first-night stop.
- Five Mile Island (5 miles) – riverside camping with bear wires.
- Happy Four (6.3 miles) – quiet and tucked away.
- Olympus Guard Station (9 miles) – historic ranger station and large campsite.
- Lewis Meadow (10.4 miles) – a popular basecamp before the climb.
- Elk Lake (14.6 miles) – alpine lake camping but known for mosquitoes.
- Glacier Meadows (16.6 miles) – last camp before Blue Glacier, with sweeping views.
All designated sites have bear wires for food storage and reliable water sources nearby.
Elk Lake and the Rope Ladder
Past Lewis Meadow, the trail climbs steeply toward Elk Lake, a high-country stop surrounded by dense forest. Shortly beyond lies one of the most memorable—and intimidating—features of the hike: the rope ladder. This steep 100-foot ladder, anchored into the hillside, requires careful downclimbing with the aid of a fixed rope. It’s not technical, but it’s a heart-pumping experience that backpackers never forget.
Glacier Meadows and Blue Glacier
The reward for pushing to the end of the Hoh River Trail is Blue Glacier, a massive ice field spilling off Mount Olympus. From the lateral moraine above Glacier Meadows, you get panoramic views of jagged peaks, alpine wildflowers, and the glowing blue ice below. It’s one of the most breathtaking sights in the park.
Camping and Permits
Backpacking on the Hoh River Trail requires a Wilderness Permit, available via Recreation.gov. Campsites often book up months in advance during summer, so plan early.
Food storage is mandatory. Every established camp along the trail provides bear wires, but many backpackers also carry bear cans. Elk, black bears, and smaller critters like raccoons are common, so keep food secured at all times.
Water is plentiful, with creeks and the Hoh River nearby at nearly every campsite. A water filter is essential, as still water near Elk Lake can sometimes taste swampy.
Best Time to Hike
The best time to hike the Hoh River Trail is from July through September, when snow has melted from higher elevations and the weather is relatively dry.
- Spring (April–June): Expect muddy trails, swollen creeks, and lingering snow at higher camps.
- Summer (July–September): The most popular time, with long days and manageable weather.
- Fall (October–November): Cooler weather, salmon runs, and fewer crowds, but be prepared for heavy rain.
- Winter: Not recommended for full trail hikes due to snow and flooding.
Tips for Hikers
- Arrive early at the Visitor Center to beat parking congestion.
- Bring trekking poles for creek crossings and the steep climb past Lewis Meadow.
- Waterproof layers are essential, even in summer—rain can arrive unannounced.
- Download offline maps. Cell service is unreliable inside the rainforest.
- Wildlife safety: Keep distance from elk, especially during calving season, and know how to handle bear encounters.
- Travel light but prepared. The climb to Glacier Meadows is strenuous; pack accordingly.
Why Hike the Hoh River Trail
The Hoh River Trail is more than a hike—it’s an experience that blends rainforest quiet, glacial rivers, wildlife encounters, and alpine wonder. You don’t need to tackle the full 35 miles to feel its magic; even a short day hike offers an unforgettable glimpse into one of the last remaining temperate rainforests in the world.
For seasoned backpackers, completing the journey to Blue Glacier is a bucket-list achievement, a chance to stand at the foot of Mount Olympus and witness the raw beauty of a living glacier. For day hikers, the first few miles offer tranquility and natural beauty rarely found elsewhere.
Whether you stay for a few hours or a few days, the Hoh River Trail is one of the Pacific Northwest’s most remarkable adventures.
