Hoh Rainforest

The Hoh Rainforest is a temperate rainforest situated on the Olympic Peninsula within Olympic National Park in Washington state, United States. It is one of the largest temperate rainforests in the lower 48 states. The region is defined by its dense canopy of coniferous and deciduous trees.

The forest receives an average of 140 to 170 inches of precipitation annually, which supports the growth of towering vegetation. This immense rainfall is primarily driven by moisture-laden storms rolling off the Pacific Ocean. The consistent dampness allows mosses and ferns to blanket nearly every surface.

The forest is dominated by massive old-growth trees, primarily Sitka spruce and western hemlock. These giants can live for hundreds of years and grow to staggering heights. Beneath them, the understory is filled with bigleaf maple trees, often completely draped in thick clubmoss.

One of the most popular trails is the Hall of Mosses Trail, a relatively short loop that showcases the lush, moss-draped maple trees. For more serious hikers, the Hoh River Trail extends deep into the wilderness toward Mount Olympus. The visitor center provides maps for trails of various skill levels.