Olympic NP - Hoh River Forest
“Time Spent amongst Trees Is Never Wasted Time.”
- Katrina Mayer
An Enchanting Escape to the Hoh Rain Forest
A visit to the Olympic National Park is a worthwhile endeavor. We had the pleasure of exploring the Hoh Rain Forest with our sons back in August 2009. The Hoh Rain Forest trail is short yet enchanting, decorated with majestic trees, cascading Spanish moss, and the mesmerizing Hoh River. On this recent visit, the mountains were covered with a glistening coat of snow, adding a touch of winter alpine beauty.
We entered the Olympic National Park via the Hoh Rain Forest Entrance and conveniently parked near the visitor center. The Hoh Rain Forest is one of “The Seven Wonders of Washington State” and stands out as the sole mild rainforest on the Olympic Peninsula to receive recognition by UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve.
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The Hall of Mosses Trail (0.8 miles) and the Spruce Nature Trail (1.2 miles) provided a breathtaking glimpse into this enchanting forest. The fluorescent green moss draped over ancient trees created a surreal atmosphere accentuated by the silence that surrounded us. The dampness and stickiness were palpable, a testament to the forest’s annual rainfall of 14 feet. As we wandered through this magical woodland, we could easily understand how Stephenie Meyer drew inspiration for her popular Twilight novels and movies. The eerie stillness and the towering trees, shrouded in a veil of mist, were the perfect setting for tales of vampires and werewolves.
We ventured out for dinner in the evening at a local gem, the North Cove Bar. Our table by the window presented us with a breathtaking sunset over Shoalwater Bay. It felt surreal to dine out after over a year, but we remained vigilant, adhering to mask mandates and maintaining social distancing. The experience was a delightful reminder of the simple joys of shared moments and unforgettable landscapes.
Date
Wednesday, February 24, 2021
Distances
2.63 miles
Moving Time
1:10:13 hours
Weather
49 °F, Rainy