Imagine an enchanted forest that glows softly in the early morning light. Enormous ferns are at your feet. Branches reach out above you, twisting and turning at strange angles. A kaleidoscope of green surrounds you. Moss coats trees and drapes down like fringed curtains.
This otherworldly place is the most famous Olympic National Park rain forest and the most popular trail there, the Hall of Mosses, Hoh Rainforest.
In this detailed guide, I will give you all the trail details, describe the trail so you know exactly what to expect, and share my tips to help you get the most of your trip to the magical place that is the Hall of Mosses.
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Hall of Mosses Trail Guide
The Hoh Rainforest
There are several rainforests in Olympic National Park, but the Hoh Rainforest is the most famous and most popular.
The word “Hoh” is said to come from the Quileute word “Ohalet” which means “fast-moving water” or “snow water”, describing the river that flows through this valley.
The Hoh is a temperate rainforest – one of the most spectacular in the world. As you would expect from a “rain” forest, it rains a lot. An average of 140 inches (3.55 meters) of precipitation falls each year. Fortunately, though, most of this happens in the winter.
The result is a lush environment, a mix of deciduous trees like the gnarly Bigleaf Maple trees and evergreen coniferous trees like Douglas-fir, western hemlock, spruce and cedar trees. Hundreds of varieties of moss grow on the trees, feeding off the moisture, and enormous ferns grow underfoot.
The area is so spectacular that UNESCO has officially designated Olympic National Park as a World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve.
The Hoh is located on the west side of Olympic National Park, and is accessed by the Upper Hoh Road, which you get to from Highway 101. It’s about an hour drive from Forks and two hours from Port Angeles.
Guided Tours of the Hall of Mosses, Olympic National Park – Hoh Rain Forest
Although most people visit the Hoh Rainforest and the Hall of Mosses in their own vehicle, it is possible to visit on a tour. A tour has the advantage of an expert guide to give you information about the ecology and history of the area. Plus, you don’t need to deal with driving and parking, which can be a hassle.
My top tours of Olympic National Park that include the Hall of Mosses are:
Group Tour to Hoh Rainforest and Rialto Beach
A small group tour (maximum 14) that leaves from Port Angeles. In addition to the Hoh Rainforest, you’ll also get to see Rialto Beach and the Hole-in-the-Wall (depending on the tides). At the Hoh Rainforest, you’ll be able to walk the Hall of Mosses and the Spruce Nature Trail.
BOOK THIS SMALL GROUP TOUR TO HOH RAINFOREST AND RIALTO BEACH
Private Hiking tour to Hoh and Kalaloch Beaches
If you want more flexibility and personalized attention than a group tour can provide, then this private hiking tour is the way to go. It includes time at Ruby and Kalaloch Beaches, as well as the Hoh Rainforest. Because it’s a private tour, you can choose what hike(s) you do. You won’t want to skip the Hall of Mosses, but can add in some other trails as well. Pickup is at Kalaloch Beach 4.
BOOK A PRIVATE HIKING TOUR TO THE KALILOCH BEACHES AND HOH RAINFOREST
3-Day Tour to Olympic National Park
Rather than drive and have the hassle of finding your own accommodations, you can take this three-day tour that leaves from Seattle. One day is spent at Hurricane Ridge, another at Lake Crescent and the Pacific coast, and the third day is in the Hoh Rainforest.
BOOK A 3-DAY TOUR TO OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK
Hoh Rainforest Hall of Mosses Trail Details
Distance: 0.8 miles
Type: lollipop/ lasso loop
Elevation change: 100 feet
Time: 30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Trailhead: Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center
Highlights: Temperate rainforest; moss
Fee: There is no special trail fee but you do need to pay the Olympic National Park entrance fee
Buy it online or, if you are planning to visit more than just Olympic National Park this year (Mount Rainier National Park and North Cascades National Park are both close), it can be great value to purchase an America The Beautiful pass.
Open: Open year-round, but there can be snow on the trail in winter.
My Tips for Hiking the Hall of Mosses Trail in the Hoh Rainforest, Olympic National Park
- Go very early in the morning if you can. Not only will you avoid a wait to get into the national park, early morning is when the light is best for photography. When the early morning sun hits the moss, turning it into a golden glow, it is truly magical.
- This is a short easy hike with a wide, easy-to-follow path, so you don’t need special clothing or equipment most of the time. However, it can be muddy in winter and spring.
If you’re hiking after it has rained, a good pair of hiking shoes or boots will come in handy. If you need to get some, take a look at my Guide to Buying the Best Hiking Shoes/ Boots to help you know what to look for and get some recommendations. - The trail can be snowy in winter. Microspikes may not be necessary, but will make you safer.
Read my guides to The Best Microspikes for Hiking and The Best Snowshoes for Beginners if you need to buy some. - Because most of the annual precipitation is in winter, the rain forest can be a little dry looking by early fall. There’s not much you can do about this other than to adjust your expectations or the timing of your trip. Though I’ve visited in September, and it’s still stunning.
- The Hoh Rain Forest can be very crowded in summer. Get there very early.
There is some parking allowed on the side of the road near the Visitor Center in addition to the official parking lot, but when the entire area is at capacity, the rangers hold all traffic at the entrance station and only let one vehicle in when another leaves. The wait time can be more than an hour at peak times. Get there before 8:00AM in summer to avoid having to wait. - Check current road conditions before you set out. Trees sometimes fall down and block the road for a few hours.
- Most people hike the Hall of Mosses Trail and the nearby Spruce Nature Trail. If you get there in the morning, most people head to the Hall of Mosses first, so if you go to the Spruce Nature Trail first, you have a better chance of having the rain forest more to yourself. Later in the day, it will make little difference, though.
- There are often ranger talks at the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center and guided walks nearby, including the Hall of Mosses. These are a great introduction to the temperate rain forest. Check for ranger programs for the dates of your visit.
Hall of Mosses Trail Map
Description of the Hall of Mosses Trail Olympic National Park, Hoh Rainforest
The Hall of Mosses is an easy trail through one of the most spectacular sections of the Hoh Rainforest. It’s a relatively short loop that is suitable for kids and is a great introduction to the temperate rainforest.
The trail starts near the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center. There are a lot of paths in this area that all connect with each other. Look for a sign that says “Hall of Mosses”.
At the start of the trail, you’ll cross a small, picturesque creek. It’s worth stopping here and peering into the waters and the surrounding area. In season, you may see salmon and/ or river otters here.
There is moss on the trees from the very start, but the scenery will become even more spectacular the further you get onto the Hall of Mosses.
After a couple of minutes, you’ll come to a small sign indicating the start of the loop. This is one-way loop in a clockwise direction. The path climbs slightly at the beginning but is level for most of the walk.
The trail is wide and easy to follow, though it can be muddy after rain. There are enormous ferns alongside. Keep an eye out for animals in the forest, too. It’s not uncommon to see majestic Roosevelt Elk here.
Look down – if you see something bright yellow, it’s probably a banana slug.
Don’t forget to look up, too. The conifer trees tower far above you. There are Douglas-fir, spruce, hemlock, and cedar trees in the forest.
It’s the moss, however, that is the star attraction here. Enormous Bigleaf Maple Trees twist and turn into shapes like something out of a Dr. Seuss book. Their limbs are draped with all kinds of moss.
About five minutes into the hike, you’ll come to a junction, with a side trail going off to the left. Take this. It is an out-and-back spur trail to the most spectacular section of the Hall.
In about a minute, you’ll come to the end of the side trail.
Here are the best views in the Hall of Mosses – a fantastical landscape of mossy trees.
The trail continues under an overhanging branch (trunk).
And through more magical landscape.
It’s hard not to take a million photos here – or just hang out and soak in the views.
Keep an eye out for trees that have a web of roots above the ground. You can clearly see the shape of a log. Trees fall and then other trees grow on top of them, their roots forming around the fallen logs. The logs rot and an interlaced depiction of the former log remains. It’s pretty incredible to see nature at work like this.
The ferns are enormous. You really get a sense of the power of nature here.
After about half an hour, you’ll end the loop and return back along the short start of the trail, crossing back over the creek.
From there, you can head back to the Visitor Center or take one of the other trails in the Hoh Rainforest.
If you want another short and easy trail, take the Spruce Nature Trail loop. If you’re up for a bit of a longer hike and want to get away from the crowds, take the Hoh River Trail as far as you like and return the same way.
What You Need To Take/ Wear on The Hall of Mosses – Washington Rainforest
- This is a rain forest and even though most of the rain falls in winter, it can be wet and rainy at any time of the year. I recommend taking a rain jacket with you.
If you need one, I like this Columbia rain jacket for men and this Little Donkey Andy rain jacket for women. - The trail is wide and easy to follow, but even so, with all that rain comes mud. Good hiking boots or shoes can help make your experience more enjoyable for sure.
If you need to get some, take a look at my Guide to Buying the Best Hiking Shoes/ Boots to help you know what to look for and get some recommendations. - You will definitely want to take a camera.
I love the GoPro HERO 12. It is designed for travel. It’s water resistant and durable and takes photos, video and even does streaming. Check current prices on the GoPro HERO 12 here - Check my list of essential things to take and wear on a day hike to make sure you have everything you need.
FAQS about Olympic National Park Hall of Mosses
What is the difference between the Spruce Nature Trail and the Hall of Mosses?
Spruce Nature Trail vs Hall of Mosses: If you have time, it’s worth hiking both trails.
The Hall of Mosses is shorter and the trees are denser, with more moss.
The Spruce Nature has more sparse trees and crosses a meadow on the way to the river, before looping back around.
How far is the Hall of Mosses from the Hoh Rainforest Visitor Center?
It’s about a minute’s walk from the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center to the start of the Hall of Mosses trail.
What national park is the Hall of Mosses in?
The Hall of Mosses is in Olympic National Park.
How long is the Hall of Moss trail?
The Hall of Mosses is 0.8 miles in total.
Is Hall of Mosses trail dog friendly?
No, pets are not permitted on the Hall of Mosses Trail in order to preserve the fragile environment and ecosystem.
Where is the Hoh Rainforest?
The Hoh is on the west side of Olympic National Park, and is accessed by the Upper Hoh Road, which you get to from Highway 101. It’s about an hour drive from Forks and two hours from Port Angeles.
How to get to Hoh Rainforest?
To get from Seattle to Hoh Rainforest, head west out of town and take the Bainbridge Ferry. Get on WA-3N in Poulsbo from WA-305N and then follow WA-104Q to US-101. This is the main highway that circles around the Olympic Peninsula.
After about 2.5 hours, you’ll see the turn off to the Hoh Rainforest on your left. The entire trip takes about 4.5 hours.
To get from Tacoma to Olympic National Park and Hoh Rainforest, get on WA-16W then take WA-3N to US-101 and follow this around until you get to the turn off for the Hoh Rainforest on your left. The trip takes about 4 hours.
What is the best time of year to visit the Hall of Mosses?
The best time of year to visit the Hall of Mosses and the Hoh Rainforest is late spring to early fall. It is most crowded in summer, but this is when there is less rainfall.
When is the best time to visit Hoh Rainforest?
The best time of day to visit Hoh Rain Forest and the Hall of Mosses is early morning, when the light makes the moss glow and you’ll have the best chance of getting a parking spot without having to wait. Late afternoon is also good, to avoid the crowds.
Where to stay near Hoh Rainforest?
There is a campground in Hoh Rainforest. Otherwise, there are plenty of accommodation options in Forks, about an hour away.
What’s the best rainforest in Olympic National Park?
There are several temperate rain forests in Olympic National Park including Hoh, Queets and Quinault. Hoh Rainforest is the most popular. The highlight is the stunning Hall of Mosses, Forks, Washington.
What’s the most famous Washington rainforest?
Hoh Rainforest is the most famous rainforest in Washington.
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Hall of Mosses Trail Guide
Travel Insurance for Olympic National Park and the Hoh Rain Forest, Washington
Whether you’re hiking the Hall of Mosses Trail (Washington) or visiting some other part of Olympic National Park, you should definitely get travel insurance. This can protect you not only against medical and emergency repatriation but can also cover things like trip cancellation, loss and/ or theft of property, etc.
A great insurance option is Travelex. It has coverage for all you’ll need. You can choose the best travel insurance plan for your trip here or get a quote right now:
Enjoy the Hall of Mosses, Washington!
You might also like
- Olympic National Park Travel Guide
- Best Hoh Rainforest Hikes
- Best Sol Duc Hikes
- Best Hurricane Ridge Hikes
- Best Lake Crescent Hikes
- Best Beaches in Olympic National Park
Do you have any tips for the Hall of Mosses hike or questions about this beautiful rainforest in Washington State? I’d love to hear about them. Join my private Facebook group National Parks Collectors and comment and let me know (you can also pick up extra planning tips, share your photos and stories with other national park lovers and more).
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About the Author
James Ian is a national park, camping and hiking expert.
He has dedicated his life to travel, visiting more than 80 countries, all 7 continents and most of the national parks in the United States. With over 35 years experience in the travel industry, James has worked on cruise ships, at resorts and hotels, and as a travel planner who’s helped hundreds of people plan successful trips to US national parks.
Based on his experience visiting our national parks multiple times, in-depth research and expertise as a travel planner, James has published detailed itineraries for most of the major national parks in the US. These itineraries, as well as in-depth park guides, comprehensive camping and hiking gear reviews and buying guides, and helpful packing lists and gift guides will help you have your own incredible trip to US national parks without stress and hassle.
As a national park expert, James has contributed to many publications, including USA Today, Time Business News, Savoteur, Best Trip, and Wired.
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