The Hoh Rainforest is a temperate rainforest located in Olympic National Park, Washington State, United States. This guide covers opening hours, entrance fees, transport, parking, accessibility and practical tips for visiting.
This lush rainforest is a major stop on Hoh Rainforest and Rialto Beach tours from Port Angeles.
Quick facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | 24 hours daily (trails and forest); visitor center: 9am-5pm summer, Friday-Sunday spring/autumn, closed January-early March |
| Admission | $30 per vehicle (7-day pass), $25 per motorcycle, $15 per person (pedestrian/bicycle) |
| Address | End of Upper Hoh Road, off Highway 101, Olympic National Park, Washington 98331 |
| Nearest public transport | No public transport; private vehicle or tour required |
| Time needed | 2 to 4 hours for short trails; full day for longer hikes |
| Annual rainfall | 140 inches (3.55 metres) |
Hoh Rainforest opening hours
The Hoh Rainforest trails and forest area are accessible 24 hours daily year-round. The Hoh Rainforest Visitor Center operates on a seasonal schedule. During summer (approximately late June to early September), the visitor center is open daily from 9am to 5pm. In spring and autumn, it typically opens Friday to Sunday from 9am to 5pm, though hours may vary. The visitor center closes from January through early March each year.
Hoh Rainforest entrance fees
Olympic National Park entrance fees are $30 for a private vehicle (valid 7 consecutive days, covers all occupants), $25 for motorcycles (7 days), and $15 per person for pedestrians or cyclists aged 16 and over (7 days). Children aged 15 and under enter free. An Olympic National Park annual pass costs $55. The America the Beautiful Annual Pass ($80) provides access to all US National Parks and federal recreation lands for 12 months.
Senior, military and access passes are available at discounted or no cost. Entrance passes can be purchased at the entrance station or online at Recreation.gov before arrival. The park does not accept cash.
Opening hours and ticket prices were checked and updated in January 2026.
How to get to the Hoh Rainforest
By car: From Port Angeles (2-hour drive), take Highway 101 west for approximately 90 miles. Turn left onto Upper Hoh Road (signposted) and continue 19 miles to the visitor center. From Forks (45-minute drive), take Highway 101 south for 13 miles, turn left onto Upper Hoh Road and continue 19 miles. The Upper Hoh Road is paved but winding with no fuel stations en route.
By tour: Various tour operators in Port Angeles, Seattle and Forks offer day trips to the Hoh Rainforest. Tours typically include transport, park entrance fees and guided walks. Prices range from $150-250 per person.
Public transport: No public bus or shuttle services operate to the Hoh Rainforest. A private vehicle, rental car or organised tour is required.
Parking at the Hoh Rainforest
Free parking is available at the Hoh Rainforest Visitor Center car park. The car park accommodates approximately 100 vehicles. Between 10am and 5pm during peak summer months (July-August), the car park regularly fills to capacity, resulting in wait times of 1-2 hours at the entrance station.
Arriving before 10am or after 5pm significantly reduces waiting time and parking difficulties. Overflow parking is not available. Large recreational vehicles may not fit in standard spaces.
How long to spend at the Hoh Rainforest
Most visitors spend 2 to 4 hours at the Hoh Rainforest. This allows time to walk the Hall of Mosses Trail (0.8 miles, 45-60 minutes) and Spruce Nature Trail (1.2 miles, 60-90 minutes), visit the visitor center, and view exhibits.
Visitors hiking the Hoh River Trail to viewpoints such as Five Mile Island spend 4-6 hours. Those combining the rainforest with other Olympic National Park locations typically allocate half a day.
Accessibility at the Hoh Rainforest
A paved 0.25-mile nature trail suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs is located near the visitor center. The Hall of Mosses and Spruce Nature trails have compacted dirt surfaces with some tree roots, narrow sections and gentle slopes that may present challenges for wheelchair users.
Accessible toilets are available at the visitor center. The visitor center building is wheelchair accessible. No designated accessible parking spaces are marked, though spaces closest to facilities can be used by visitors with mobility needs.
What to see at the Hoh Rainforest
The Hall of Mosses Trail (0.8 miles, loop) is the most popular trail, featuring old-growth forest with Sitka spruce, western hemlock and Douglas fir trees draped in club moss. A grove of bigleaf maple trees heavily covered in moss creates the trail’s signature feature. The trail has minimal elevation gain and takes 45-60 minutes to complete.
The Spruce Nature Trail (1.2 miles, loop) passes through both old-growth and younger forest alongside Taft Creek and the Hoh River. Interpretive signs explain the rainforest ecosystem, including nurse logs where new trees grow on fallen trunks. The trail takes 60-90 minutes to complete.
The Hoh River Trail extends 18.5 miles to Blue Glacier on Mount Olympus. Day hikers commonly walk to the first river access point (0.9 miles one-way), Mineral Creek Falls (2.7 miles one-way), or Five Mile Island (5 miles one-way). Wilderness camping permits are required for overnight trips beyond established trailheads.
Wildlife viewing opportunities include Roosevelt elk, black bears, river otters, banana slugs and various bird species including the endangered northern spotted owl. Elk are most commonly seen in early morning or evening near the visitor center meadow.
The Hoh Rainforest Visitor Center houses exhibits explaining temperate rainforest ecology, displays on local wildlife, and a small bookshop. Rangers provide trail recommendations and issue backcountry permits. Toilet facilities are located at the visitor center.
Practical tips
| Tip |
|---|
| Arrive before 10am or after 5pm during summer months to avoid 1-2 hour entrance station queues and parking difficulties. |
| The rainforest receives 140 inches of annual rainfall; bring waterproof clothing and footwear regardless of forecast. |
| Mobile phone coverage is unavailable throughout the Upper Hoh Road and at the visitor center; download maps and information before arrival. |
| Purchase entrance passes online at Recreation.gov and print before arrival to reduce entrance station wait times. |
| No food or drink facilities exist at the rainforest; bring supplies from Forks (19 miles from trailhead) or Port Angeles. |
| Pets are prohibited on all trails but permitted in the car park, picnic areas and on roads when leashed. |
Frequently asked questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is the Hoh Rainforest suitable for children? | Yes. The Hall of Mosses and Spruce Nature trails are suitable for children of all ages. Trails are well-maintained with minimal elevation gain. |
| Do you need to book in advance? | No advance booking is required for day visits. Entrance passes can be purchased on arrival or online. Wilderness camping permits require advance reservations. |
| Is the Hoh Rainforest open on Sundays? | Yes. The forest and trails are open 24 hours daily including Sundays. The visitor center operates on seasonal schedules (summer: daily; spring/autumn: typically Friday-Sunday). |
| Can you swim in the Hoh River? | Swimming in the Hoh River is dangerous due to swift currents, cold water temperature and drift logs. Swimming is not recommended. |
| Are there restaurants at the Hoh Rainforest? | No. The nearest food options are in Forks, 32 miles away (45-minute drive). Bring food and drinks. |
| What should I wear? | Waterproof jacket, waterproof hiking boots, and layered clothing. Rain can occur year-round regardless of forecast. |
Things to do near the Hoh Rainforest
Ruby Beach (27 miles south): Coastal beach with sea stacks, driftwood and tide pools within Olympic National Park. Park entrance fee required.
Kalaloch Beaches (15-30 miles south): Series of seven beaches including Beach 4 (tide pools) and Kalaloch Beach featuring the Tree of Life root formation. Park entrance fee required.
Rialto Beach (36 miles north): Rocky beach with sea stacks, Hole-in-the-Wall sea arch (accessible at low tide 1.5 miles north), and driftwood. Park entrance fee required.
Lake Quinault (45 miles south): Glacial lake with lodge accommodation, hiking trails including Quinault Rain Forest Nature Trail, and scenic loop drive. Some areas outside park boundary (no entrance fee for lake drive).
Forks (32 miles): Town with accommodation, restaurants, fuel stations, Forks Timber Museum and locations associated with the Twilight book and film series. Free access to town attractions.
Other attractions in Olympic National Park include Hurricane Ridge, Sol Duc Falls and Marymere Falls near Lake Crescent.
More Washington travel
Other Washington State travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- A practical guide to visiting the Olympic Sculpture Park in Seattle.
- Watch the salmon run at the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks.
- How to get the best view of Seattle from Kerry Park.
- How to see the Fremont Troll in Seattle.
- How to get the best out of a visit to Snoqualmie Falls in Washington.
