- Distance and Travel Time (from downtown Seattle) : 169 miles (4h 11m)
- Trip Type: Overnight trip
- Parking
Parking lot at the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center
- When to Go
May to Oct (be sure to check the weather and road conditions, especially in winter)
- Things to Do
Ferry ride, stroll along trails, explore the temperate rain forest, become a junior ranger, etc.
- Tips
1) The ferry departs every hour but weekends can get crowded and you may have to wait more than an hour so it is best to go early.
2) If the kiddos need a short break, stop at Port Gamble (which is a good place to take a break slightly past Kingston) and visit the General Store & Cafe and stroll through the little town.
3) The Pacific Coast and Rain Forests is a bit too far away for a day trip so make it an overnight trip and spend a night in Port Angeles or Forks. Plan on several days if you want to explore the whole park.
4) From the trailhead at the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center, the Spruce Nature Trail (1.2 mile) starts at the right and the Hall of Mosses Trail (0.8 mile) begins on the left. Both trails are nice but if you have time for only one, the Hall of Mosses Trail may offer a more exotic experience.
5) Kids preschool age and up may enjoy participating in the Junior Ranger program to earn a Junior Ranger badge. Ask for a junior ranger activity book at the visitor center before going on the trails.
- Nearby Areas
– [Short Trip, May in Seattle] Lake Crescent, Olympic National Park
– Short Trip, [May in Seattle] Sol Duc Falls, Olympic National Park
– [Short Trip, May in Seattle] Elwha Valley, Olympic National Park
– [Short Trip, May in Seattle] Mora / La Push – Second Beach, Olympic National Park
– [Short Trip, August in Seattle] Kalaloch Beach 4, Olympic National Park
– [Short Trip, May in Seattle] Hoh Rain Forest, Olympic National Park
– [Short Trip, May in Seattle] Hurricane Ridge, Olympic National Park
Entrance to Hoh Rain Forest
Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center
Spruce Nature Trail
Hall of Mosses Trail
Junior Ranger Badge
