Rainforest & coast · Washington

Hoh Rain Forest & Olympic Coast day trip

Hoh Rain Forest & Olympic Coast

Two short rainforest loops with time to notice the moss, followed by an optional Second Beach walk. Includes Ruby Beach, Kalaloch and Rialto alternatives, with guidance on bridge and road closures.

Time: 8–9 hour day from Forks
Driving: About 3 hours driving; Seattle overnight recommended
Best time: Late May to mid-October
Updated: October 11, 2026 at 8:32 PM Pacific

$4 USD

One-time purchase. You own your guide forever and can return for the latest update any time.

A small stream through ferns and mossy trees along the Hall of Mosses trail, Hoh Rain Forest — King of Hearts · CC BY-SA 4.0. Resized and displayed with crop; historic photograph, not current conditions.

Suggested times, not bookings

Your day at a glance

8:00 amLeave Forks with supplies
9:15 amHall of Mosses
10:30 amSpruce Nature Trail
12:00 pmLunch and return toward Forks
2:00 pmOptional Second Beach
4:00–5:00 pmBack to Forks

Highlights

Worth the trip

Hall of Mosses & Spruce Nature Trail
Optional Second Beach
Ruby, Kalaloch & Rialto alternatives

What’s in the guide

Matching HTML and PDF guides, detailed stop guidance, rules, practical pitfalls, a route map, Google Maps, Waze and Apple Maps links, weather alternatives and phone instructions. See an example guide →

Plan for the conditions

Expected seasonal weather

From late May to mid-October the west Olympic Peninsula is usually drier and milder than the rest of the year, but rain is always possible in a rain forest that the NPS says gets 100–170 inches a year, mostly from November to April. The NPS describes summer as mild to warm, and fog can sit on the coast even when inland skies are clear. Showers, wind and muddy footing become more common through October; the NPS says rain and wind reach the rain forest valleys and beaches by late October. Bring a rain shell, warm layers, grippy footwear and dry clothes for the car. Coastal surf can be hazardous in any season. These are seasonal expectations, not a forecast for your travel date; check the NWS forecast.

Admission and parking are separate. Check current conditions before departure.