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Hoh River Trail to Five Mile Island Out and Back

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate Intermediate
 4.4 (48)
  1. Areas
  2. WA
  3. …Olympic Peninsula
  4. Olympic National Park
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“The luxuriant vegetation and silty glacier fed waters in the Hoh River Valley do not disappoint. ”

Megan W
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Map Key

9.9

Miles

15.9

KM

Out and Back

859' 262 m

High

690' 210 m

Low

420' 128 m

Up

422' 129 m

Down

2%

Avg Grade (1°)

6%

Max Grade (3°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Commonly Backpacked · River/Creek · Wildlife

Family Friendly Mostly flat trail with amazing moss features, large trees and views of the Hoh River. Strollers with good tires could be pushed along the first mile or so. You don't have to go the full distance!

Overview

A mossy, awe-inspiring hike into the verdant, lush Hoh Rainforest.

Need to Know

In summer there can be very long waits at the entrance gate. Peak visitation is 10-5pm with waits up to 2 hours. Visiting Olympic National Park's website can provide more information on best times to visit the Hoh Rainforest. Olympic National Park entrance fee or Interagency Pass required for entry. Visitor Center (open April-December), campground and bathrooms at trailhead. No food service.

Description

The Hoh's major hiking trail is the Hoh River Trail, which leads 17.3 miles to Glacier Meadows and terminates at the Blue Glacier and Mount Olympus. This featured hike describes the out-and back on the initial 5 miles of this beautiful trail. The number of other users drops off after the first few miles, even though this is one of the most heavily used trails in the park.

From the Hoh Rainforest Visitor Center area, take the paved loop east for just 0.2 miles to the junction with Hoh River Trail. This well groomed, easy trail ascends the lush river valley along the north bank of the braided Hoh River. The heavily wooded and mossy trail is mostly flat with only a few gentle undulations.

The first good view of the river comes around 1 mile, although you'll likely have heard the rush of its waters over the birdsong much earlier. Spot Mount Tom and the High Divide from here. Pass campsites, two small falls and the impressive Cougar Creek cedar grove. After about 5 miles, you arrive at Five Mile Island, a meadow-like spot formed by a huge gravel bar. Elk often can be found here and there are good views up valley. After enjoying this worthwhile destination, turn around and retrace your steps back to the trailhead. Note: no bikes allowed on this trail or any trail inside Olympic National Park.

Flora & Fauna

Ferns, moss and huge trees. Elk, deer, bear.

Contacts

Land Manager: National Park Service - Olympic National Park

Shared By:

Megan W
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.4 from 48 votes

#3

in Olympic National Park

#246

Overall
  4.4 from 48 votes
5 Star
50%
4 Star
38%
3 Star
10%
2 Star
2%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#3

in Olympic National Park

#18

in Washington

#246

Overall
12 Views Last Month
16,521 Since Mar 16, 2015
Intermediate Intermediate
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Photos

Trail maintenance is a BIG job on the Hoh River Trail!
Jun 26, 2017 near Quinault, WA
Rushing side stream
Mar 24, 2015 near Forks, WA
Green More Green on the Trail
Feb 25, 2015 near Forks, WA
Hanging mosses in the Hoh
May 17, 2019 near Forks, WA
Beautiful days are well spent at Five Mile Island.
Jun 26, 2017 near Quinault, WA
Hoh Rainforest
Jul 15, 2019 near Forks, WA

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

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Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Sep 5, 2023
Madison Baker
Aug 31, 2023
Karen McWee
Partial
Jul 18, 2023
Sadie Harhai
Jul 13, 2023
CHRIS BROWN
Elk right before 5 mile island. Falls at 3.2 11.1mi — 4h 11m
Jul 8, 2023
Michael Daubert
9.9mi
Dec 22, 2022
Shann Yu
Icy at parts, use caution — 2h 55m
Nov 9, 2022
Thomas Robison
Sep 20, 2022
Rita Jermyn

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