Pros & cons
PROS
- Short, easy loop through a lush, moss-draped rainforest
- Right by the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center with parking and restrooms
CONS
- Parking fills early; heavy crowds in peak season
- Often wet and muddy; frequent rain
Overview
This is the Hoh Rainforest’s signature stroll: an about 0.8‑mile loop that dives straight into old‑growth temperate rainforest just steps from the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center. Ancient bigleaf maples, Sitka spruce, and western hemlock are draped in thick green moss, with ferns carpeting the forest floor. It’s short, easy, and wildly photogenic—exactly why it’s one of the park’s most popular stops.
What Makes It Special
The “hall” effect is real—curtains of moss hang from branches, and you’ll pass natural archways that feel cinematic. Expect interpretive signs that explain how this rainforest thrives on abundant rainfall, and why everything—from trunks to limbs—wears a green coat.
What You’ll See
- Lush mosses coating trees and long, fringed curtains overhead
- Towering old-growth trees and a fern‑blanketed understory
- Informative interpretive displays along a well‑marked loop
Wildlife
Keep an eye out for Roosevelt elk in the area, especially early or late in the day. Banana slugs are common on the damp forest floor, and you’ll hear plenty of rainforest birdlife. As always, give wildlife space and let the forest stay quiet.
Logistics & Amenities
Start right behind the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center. There’s a parking lot, vault toilets, and picnic tables nearby. No food services, stores, gas, or cell service here—come prepared. The Hoh Campground is close by if you’re staying in the area.
Best Time to Visit
- Time of day: Go early morning or late afternoon for easier parking and fewer people; mid‑day is the busiest.
- Season & weather: Summer weekends can mean entrance delays and full lots. Overcast or rainy days make the greens pop in photos and usually thin the crowds a bit.
- Light: Soft, diffused light (clouds or drizzle) is perfect for photography.
Is It Worth It?
Absolutely. It’s the quintessential rainforest sampler—short, easy, and uniquely immersive. Just plan around crowds and rain, and you’ll see why this loop is so beloved.
Where it is
47.8615, -123.9342Tips for Hall of Mosses
- 01Arrive before 9am or after 5pm to beat the parking crunch.
- 02Expect lines at the Hoh entrance on summer weekends; build in buffer time.
- 03Wear waterproof shoes and bring a rain jacket—mud and drizzle are common.
- 04Overcast or rainy conditions make the greens pop for photos.
- 05No food or cell service here; bring snacks, water, and offline maps.
Amenities
Near Hall of Mosses
All places →All trails →
0 mi awayHall of Mosses TrailMoss-draped maples and nurse logs in a quick, otherworldly loopEasy · 0.8 mi · 45 min
0 mi awayHoh Rain Forest Entrance SignClassic welcome sign with a handy pullout and spruce displayPullout · Parking
0 mi awayHoh River Trail to Five Mile IslandLush, mostly flat rainforest ramble to a sunny river islandEasy · 10.6 mi · 5 hr
0 mi awayElk Lake TrailA rainforest-to-alpine haul to a quiet lake below Mount OlympusChallenging · 31 mi · 48 hr
0.1 mi awayHoh Lake TrailRainforest to alpine grind to a quiet lake and the High DivideChallenging · 30.2 mi · 23 hr
0.1 mi awayHoh Rain ForestMoss-draped rainforest with easy loops and elk along a glacier riverTrailhead · Parking
0.1 mi awayHoh Rain Forest Visitor CenterGateway to Hall of Mosses and lush rainforest trailsVisitor Center · Exhibit
0.2 mi awayHoh CampgroundSleep in a true rainforest steps from Hall of MossesTrailhead · Restroom
