Hoh Spruce Nature Trail

Hoh Spruce Nature Trail Forks WA

The Spruce Nature Trail, is a short loop, similar to the Hall of Mosses Trail,  (1.2 miles/ 1.9 km). It offers a quick path through the lush Hoh rainforest. The Spruce Nature Trail sees slightly less elevation change over a longer distance trails making it an easier alternative. Also, it is a diverse trail that loops through both old and new growth forest as you walk alongside Taft Creek and the Hoh River.

This is one of the popular loops passes through the lush rain forest with its monstrous namesake trees to the mighty Hoh River. Follow the signs through a few junctions on this well-maintained trail. Small streams create wetlands amongst the ferns, moss-draped maples, and huge spruce trees.

The Spruce Nature Trail breaks off from the Hoh River Trail, and comes to a junction which can be taken in either direction. The trail meanders through the exquisite forest with great features such as trees lined up over nurse logs. It eventually reaches the Hoh River which is cloudy, giving hints of its glacial origins. Keep an eye out along the way, and at the river, for the area’s elk herds. The trail leaves the river and continues through the forest to close the loop.

The Hoh Rain Forest gets as much as 14 feet of rain a year. The prevalent fog and mist contribute the equivalent of another 30 inches of rain, resulting in one of the world's lushest rain forests, hence its designation as one of the wonders of Washington State. The western slopes of the Olympic Mountains are the first area to get hit with the moisture-laden wind and rain storms that come in from the Pacific Ocean.

Directions to Trailhead: Turn onto the Upper Hoh Road from Hwy 101 (13 miles south of Forks). Follow the road to the visitor center at the end of the road. The trail begins behind the visitor center.

Trails at Hoh Rain Forest

Trails at Hoh Rain Forest Washington

The Hoh Rain Forest gets as much as 14 feet of rain a year. The prevalent fog and mist contribute the equivalent of another 30 inches of rain, resulting in one of the world's lushest rain forests, hence its designation as one of the wonders of Washington State. The western slopes of the Olympic Mountains are the first area to get hit with the moisture-laden wind and rain storms that come in from the Pacific Ocean.

The Hoh Rain Forest offers two short loop trails as well as an out-and-back trail through the forest near the Hoh Visitor Center. 

The Hall of Mosses Trail (.8 miles/ 1.2 km) is an iconic loop that takes you through old growth forest and features a grove of maples trees draped with abundant club moss.

The Spruce Nature Trail (1.2 miles/ 1.9 km) is a diverse trail that loops through both old and new growth forest as you walk alongside Taft Creek and the Hoh River.

The most common types of trees that grow in the Hoh Rain Forest are Sitka Spruce and Western Hemlock (Washington's official state tree), which can reach over 300 feet high and seven feet in diameter. Most of them are covered with huge clumps of hanging moss and ferns. Moss is an epiphyte, which is a plant that grows on another plant without harming it (as opposed to a parasite). Epiphytes get their moisture and nutrients from the air, rain, fog, and debris that accumulates around them.

The Hoh River trail is the area's main hiking trail. This out-and-back trail can be taken as far as one desires. Taken all the way, it leads past multiple camping areas, the last being Glacier Meadows at 17.3 miles (27.8 km), and ultimately ends 18.5 miles/ 30 km out at the Blue Glacier moraine looking up at Mt. Olympus. 

The Hoh Lake trail branches off from the Hoh River trail just after the ranger station and ascends to Bogachiel Peak between the Hoh and the Sol Duc Valley. For those wanting to explore this area as a day hike, there are additional popular turn-around points along the trail.

·         First River access (0.9 miles)

·         Mineral Creek Falls (2.7 miles)

·         Cedar Grove (4.0 miles)

·         5 mile Island (5.0 miles)

How to Reach Hoh Rainforest: The Hoh lies on the west side of Olympic National Park, about a two-hour drive from Port Angeles and under an hour from Forks. The Hoh Rain Forest is accessed by the Upper Hoh Road, off of Highway 101 (directions).

Hoh Rain Forest Olympic Peninsula

The Hoh Rain Forest - Olympic National Park Washington 

The Hoh Rainforest, pronounced "Hoe", earns its name from the ever-flowing Hoh River that carves its way from Mount Olympus towards the Pacific Coast.

The word "Hoh" undoubtedly comes from Native American languages; possibly the Quileute word "Ohalet" which means "fast moving water" or "snow water." Since the river itself forms from glacial runoff, that origin seems straightforward. Other explanations state that the Quinault word "Qu," meaning "boundary," could be the root of the name as a river as massive as the Hoh certainly forms a formidable boundary across the landscape. 

The Hoh Rain Forest is one of four rain forests on the Olympic Peninsula. However, it is the only one that has been awarded the distinction of being a World Heritage Site and a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.  Its unique ecosystem has remained unchanged for thousands of years and it is now the most carefully preserved rain forest in the northern hemisphere.

Throughout the winter season, rain falls frequently in the Hoh Rain Forest, contributing to the yearly average of 140 inches (3.55 meters) of precipitation each year. The result is a lush, green canopy of both coniferous and deciduous species. Mosses and ferns that blanket the surfaces add another dimension to the enchantment of the rain-forest. 

The Hoh Rain Forest is located in the stretch of the Pacific Northwest rainforest which once spanned the Pacific coast from southeastern Alaska to the central coast of California. The Hoh is one of the finest remaining examples of temperate rainforest in the United States and is one of the park's most popular destinations. 

How to Reach Hoh Rain-forest: The Hoh lies on the west side of Olympic National Park, about a two-hour drive from Port Angeles and under an hour from Forks. The Hoh Rain Forest is accessed by the Upper Hoh Road, off of Highway 101 (directions).

Olympic Peninsula Washington

Olympic Peninsula in Washington

The Olympic Peninsula is the large arm of land in western Washington that lies across Puget Sound from Seattle, and contains Olympic National Park. It is bounded on the west by the Pacific Ocean, the north by the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and the east by Hood Canal. Cape Alava, the westernmost point in the contiguous United States, and Cape Flattery, the northwesternmost point, are on the peninsula. Comprising about 3,600 square miles (9,300 km2), the Olympic Peninsula contained many of the last unexplored places in the contiguous United States. 

Olympic National Park Fun Facts 

·         Olympic National Park is a United States National Park located in the state of Washington, on the Olympic Peninsula.

·         Olympic National Park is the 7th most-visited National Park in America.

·         The park encompasses 373,383 hectares (922,650 acres) of land.

·         U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt originally created Mount Olympus National Monument on 2 March 1909.

·         It was designated a national park by President Franklin Roosevelt on June 29, 1938.

·         In 1976, Olympic National Park became an International Biosphere Reserve, and in 1981 it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

·         In 1988, Congress designated 95% of the park as the Olympic Wilderness.

·         The park has four regions: the Pacific coastline, alpine areas, the west side temperate rainforest and the forests of the drier east side.

·         Within the park there are three distinct ecosystems which are sub-alpine forest and wildflower meadow, temperate forest, and the rugged Pacific Shore.

·         Within the center of Olympic National Park rise the Olympic Mountains whose sides and ridge lines are topped with massive, ancient glaciers.

·         The Olympic Mountains formed over 30 million years ago.

·         Mount Olympus which rises to 2,428 meters (7,965 feet) is the crown jewel of the Olympic Mountains. Standing high above the other summits, Mount Olympic is the center of the Olympic National Park.

·         The Hoh Rainforest is one of the largest temperate rainforests in the U.S. Always green, and almost always wet, Hoh Rain Forest is one of the most popular places in Olympic National Park.

·         The Quinault Rainforest is located in the valley formed by the Quinault River and Lake Quinault. The valley is called the “Valley of the Rain Forest Giants” because of the number of record size tree species located there.

·         Lake Crescent 4 hectares (10 acres) natural lake located at an elevation of 180 meters (600 feet) is a pristine area that provides visitors with an extraordinary place for recreation and relaxation.

·         Sol Duc Falls is an absolutely breathtaking Northwest waterfall. With lush greenery all around and rushing, pristine mountain water, and great hiking trails, it is a must-see destination!

Just a one trip to Olympic park and forest, offers with several diverse environments across the Olympic Peninsula in northwestern Washington. Be inspired to see the glacier-capped peaks, valleys of forests, hot springs, and rugged Pacific coastline. Olympic National Park offers outdoor adventures, cultural experiences and serene, natural splendor. It has several distinctly different ecosystems, including glacier-capped mountains, old-growth temperate rain forests, and over 70 miles of wild coastline.

Sunrise Point Trail Mount Angeles

Sunrise Point Trail in Olympic National Park

Hurricane Ridge Area in Olympic National Park is at a higher elevation than the other sections of the park. It can get pretty chilly, so it is recommended always to have jacket even in the middle of summer. 

Hurricane Ridge is an area located about 45-minutes south from Port Angeles high up the mountains. The stunning area is filled with great hikes, incredible views, plenty of parking, a visitor center, and great viewpoints. Even if you are not an avid hiker, I highly recommend this area for everyone. The views are spectacular and easy to experience.

Sunrise Point Trail is a little bit of a walk uphill, but the views are spectacular on a clear day. we can see the ocean waters in the distance and of course all the surrounding mountains.

Begin with the High Ridge Trail that leaves from the  Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center parking lot and proceeds for a quarter of a mile to a junction with the Sunrise Point Trail. Take this short spur to the left to reach Sunrise Point, where you'll have stunning views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Vancouver Island, and Port Angeles to the north and the Olympic peaks to the south.

Klahhane Ridge - Mount Angeles 

This trail is located next to Sunrise Point, and it is mainly for experienced hikers. The beginning of the trail is very narrow and next to a very steep cliff. While ridge walking the first section, I started to get vertigo, but once we got through the narrow part, the trail becomes a bit easier to manage. While hiking along Klahhane Ridge and Sunrise Point Trail on a clear day is to see some of the best views in Olympic National Park

Directions from Port Angeles: Follow US 101, turn south onto Race Street. Continue1 mile to Heart O’ the Hills Parkway and follow for about 5 miles to the entrance station and continue on Hurricane Ridge Rd for 12 miles to Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center.

Hiking Trails at Hurricane Ridge

Hiking Trails at Hurricane Ridge

Hurricane Ridge runs from east to west along the northern side of the Olympic Peninsula, with Mount Olympus, at 7,965 feet, being the tallest mountain. The rugged mountains contrast with the beautiful fields of wild flowers below making it the perfect place to enjoy a summer hike, however, the weather here is extremely unpredictable and you should always be prepared for a sudden change of temperature and rain or snow. 

Trails at Hurricane Ridge

·         Cirque Rim Trail

·         Big Meadow Trail

·         High Ridge Trail

·         Sunrise Point Trail

·         Hurricane Hill Trail

·         Klahhane Ridge Trail

Big Meadow Trail and Cirque Rim Trail are well-maintained and paved meadow trails. The length of the trails is about ½ mile. Both of these trails are considered to be easy, because they are relatively flat. The routes take the beginning from the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center offering wonderful views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Olympic Mountains. It gives the incredible 360 views and the best scenic easy hike at Olympic.

These trails have abundant wildlife, marmots and deer can be seen here very often. Big meadow and Cirque Rim Trails allow wandering through meadows, which are filled with wildflowers and through sub alpine green forests. Both of the trails are well-marked and have interpretive signs along the way.

Hurricane Ridge Trail: High Ridge Trail is a short 1-mile route, which is also full of educational and interpretive exhibits. High Ridge Trail is also accessed from the Cirque Rim Trail; you just need to turn onto the High Ridge Trail. The path provides stunning views especially when you gain altitude.

Directions from Port Angeles: Follow US 101, turn south onto Race Street. Continue mile to Heart O’ the Hills Parkway and follow for about 5 miles to the entrance station and continue on Hurricane Ridge Rd for 12 miles to Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center.

Hurricane Ridge Olympic National Park

Hurricane Ridge Olympic National Park Washington

Hurricane Ridge is the most easily accessed mountain area within Olympic National Park. Approximately 18 miles (29 km) by road from Port Angeles, the ridge is open to hiking, skiing, and snowboarding and is one of the two most visited sites in the Olympic national park (along with the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center). In clear weather, fantastic views can be enjoyed throughout the year. At an elevation of 1,598 meters (5,242 feet), Hurricane Ridge offers views of mountains, wildflowers, deer, black bear, marmots, and other wildlife.

During summer season, a hike to Hurricane Hill on a clear day can offer a 360-degree view, north across the Straits of Juan de Fuca to Victoria, Canada or the southern view of the glacier clad Mount Olympus. While walking the hiking trail view sub-alpine flowers like lupine, Indian Paintbrush and avalanche lilies. Be listening for the whistle of a marmot, which are frequently seen and heard in this northwest Washington area. Whistle back to the marmot and he will whistle back to you.

Directions to Hurricane Ridge

Hurricane Ridge in the Olympic National Park is only 18 miles south of Port Angeles.  These are some of the most scenic miles you will ever drive.

To reach Hurricane Ridge from Port Angeles we need to take Highway 101 East as far as S Race St, then turn right and proceed for a little less than a mile when S Race St will become Mt Angeles Rd, then almost immediately you need to turn a slight right onto Hurricane Ridge Road.