Olympic National Park Visitors Center

The Hoh Rain Forest in Olympic National Park (nps.gov) is one of the largest remaining pockets of a vast rain forest that once stretched across the Pacific Northwest from southern Alaska to central California. The Hoh experiences an average annual rainfall of 140 to 170 inches. As a result, the lush forest is home to many species of plants, trees, mosses and ferns. Visitors also might glimpse elk grazing on undergrowth. A good place to start your visit is the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center, open daily during the summer and from Friday to Sunday the rest of the year.

Perhaps the best way to experience the Hoh Rain Forest is by hiking a trail through the forest. Two short nature loops that start near the visitor center, the .8-mile Hall of Mosses Trail and the 1.2-mile Spruce Nature Trail, wind through old-growth rain forest. For experienced hikers, the sometimes-rugged Hoh River Trail is a 17.3-mile path that climbs 3,700 feet and leads to Glacier Meadows on the shoulder of Mount Olympus. Hikers along the Hoh Trail traverse through lush forest canopies, sub-alpine meadows and cross several streams and a narrow portion of the Hoh River. The reward at trail's end is worth it: stunning views of Mount Olympus and Blue Glacier.

For those wanting to stay overnight in a rain forest, the Hoh is home to 88 campsites along the banks of the Hoh River, available on a first-come, first-served basis. The year-round campground can accommodate tents, trailers and RVs up to 21 feet. Each campsite features a picnic table and fire pit. The campground has running water and community restrooms, but does not offer RV hook-ups or showers. For visitors making a day trip to the Hoh Rain Forest, the town of Forks offers a variety of lodging within an hour's drive, including motels, cabins and bed and breakfast inns.

The Hoh Rain Forest is just one of many scenic spots in Olympic National Park, which stretches from the mountains to the shore and encompasses more than 922,000 acres of forests, mountains and coastal wilderness. The Elwha Valley is a river valley surrounded by lowland forests and majestic mountains in the park's north-central section. Hurricane Ridge, Olympic's most-accessible mountain region, provides panoramic views, hiking trails and winter recreation such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and sledding. Kalaloch and Ruby Beach, the park's most-visited coastal area, offer pristine beaches and glimpses of marine animals and large bird colonies along the Olympic Peninsula's southwest coast. Elwha, Hurricane Ridge and Kalaloch have nearby campgrounds, and the Kalaloch Lodge offers seaside cabins and hotel-style accommodations.