OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK — The Hoh Rain Forest is clocked in more shades of green than one can imagine.
From the dark-green mosses to the bright, neon-green of new growth, nature’s emerald color palate is splashed on every surface.
The Hoh Rain Forest — a rare temperate rain forest — receives about 12 feet of rain a year.
The garlands of moss hanging from branches, logs, leaves, even telephone booths, are evidence of that abundance of water, said Jon Preston, park ranger.
The turnoff to the forest, which is within Olympic National Park, is about 12 miles south of Forks on U.S. Highway 101.
Turn east on the Upper Hoh Road and follow it about 17 miles to the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center, catching glimpses of the 50-mile long Hoh River, which is born on glacier-capped Mount Olympus and descends 7,000 feet to the Pacific Ocean.
Fees for the park are $15 per vehicle for a seven-day pass and $30 for an annual pass.
Forest hikes available range from those on the challenging 10-mile South Snider-Jackson Trail, which climbs from 560 feet to 3,200 feet, and the 17.8-mile Hoh River Trail to Blue Glacier, to a mini-trail through the old growth forest with almost no incline, which is accessible to wheelchairs.
The forest, which is about 30 miles south of Forks, also includes a 1.2-mile loop called the Spruce Nature Trail and the 0.8-mile Hall of Mosses.
Both begin at Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center, which is open daily in the summer, Friday through Sunday rest of year. A picnic area is near the visitor center. The campground, open year-round, has 88 sites with fire pits, potable water and accessible restrooms and an RV dump station.
A boat launch is just east of entrance station.
No pets are permitted on trails, and pets must be on a leash at all times.
Spruce Nature Trail
The Spruce Nature Trail cozies up to the side of the Hoh River’s pebble-peppered beach.
“The river is a really great place to take kids because it is great for chunking rocks,” Preston said.
“Parents, of course, want to keep their kids out of the river because it is only 39 degrees, but the shore is a lot of fun.”
Parents bringing children to the forest should also stop by the Visitor Center at the trailheads and find out about the various slugs.
“Kids love slugs,” Preston said.
“All of the employees here know everything about all the slugs in the area, and it is a lot of fun for the kids to look out for.”
Hall of Mosses
The Hall of Mosses winds up through old-growth forests and includes “Maple Grove” in which vine-like maples draped in moss boast bright leaves creating a lime-tinted light.
Roosevelt elk are abundant in the forest and though the massive creatures are less aggressive than in mating season or when the calves are still tiny, Preston warns visitors to be careful around them.
“Now that the calves have got their legs and run around playing, it is pretty much common sense,” he said.
“You don’t want to get in between a calf and a mom, and if it is a case of one of them blocking the trail, it is important to play the waiting game.
“They’ll eventually move, so don’t get too close.”
He said that as far as he knows the visitors have been safe from the elk this year.
“All of my employees have been chased at least once by the elk, though,” he said.
“That adrenaline gets going and makes you an instant Carl Lewis.”
Hoh River Trail
Now that tourist season is in high gear, Preston said those wishing for a little bit of quiet should check out the Hoh River Trail.
The trail ascends 3,700 feet up to Blue Glacier, hugging the edge of Mount Olympus on the way up.
“They can go on out there and have a picnic, and turn around and come back,” he said.
“That is the trail that will have the most quiet.
“Also this time of year, they can see a really pretty waterfall out that direction.”
Hikers should have sturdy shoes and a good hiking stick, Preston said.
“They can make a stop at the walking stick mall at Rialto Beach,” Preston said, referring to the abundance of drift wood which washes up on the beach.
“A good spruce stick is really perfect.
“I’ve had mine for years. You can really develop a good relationship with a really good spruce stick.”
To reach the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center, phone 360-374-6925.
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Reporter Paige Dickerson can be reached at 360-417-3535 or at paige.dickerson@peninsuladailynews.com.
