Emerald Exploration: Hall of Mosses Trail in Olympic National Park

Immerse yourself in the unparalleled beauty of the Hall of Mosses Trail, where every step reveals the vibrant greens of the ancient Hoh Rainforest.

Last updated: Mar 2024

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$30 National Park entrance fee
More than 500 Miles from you
National Star: Exceptional experiences within the country that are must-dos for adventurers
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Description

Explore the emerald heart of Olympic National Park on the Hall of Mosses Trail, a serene journey through lush, moss-covered forests. Immerse yourself in the unparalleled beauty of the Hall of Mosses Trail, where every step reveals the vibrant greens of the ancient Hoh Rainforest. The Hall of Mosses Trail offers a rare glimpse into the heart of the Hoh Rainforest, part of Olympic National Park's diverse ecosystem. This 0.8-mile loop trail, with an elevation gain of around 100 feet, is a journey through a verdant landscape teeming with western hemlocks, bigleaf maples, and Sitka spruces that tower up to 250 feet. The forest floor is a soft tapestry of mosses and ferns, creating a scene so lush it feels otherworldly. The trail is accessible to all, promising an easy yet rewarding adventure into one of the United States' largest temperate rainforests, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve.

Perfect for

For solo

For two

For groups

For families with kids

For parents and grownups

Outdoorsy

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Itinerary

Begin at the Hoh Rainforest Visitor Center
Follow the well-maintained, 0.8-mile loop trail
Take time to observe the towering trees, mosses, and potentially wildlife
Complete the trail at a leisurely pace, enjoying the unique ecosystem

Location

Hoh Valley Rd, Forks, WA 98331

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Packing List

Waterproof hiking boots
Rain jacket
Camera
Water bottle
Snacks (to enjoy after the hike, keeping the forest clean)

4.8 ● Google reviews

The Hall of Mosses trail is a must experience!! There is a cute little visitor center with information and some gift items such as post cards, books, and other miscellaneous items. The trail is right next to the visitor center, and there is plenty of parking available. The trail itself is super short and easy. It's definitely beginner friendly with not much incline and clearly defined walkways. Along the trail, there are informational signs and poems. The atmosphere is Ethereal and to die for. The trees are absolutely stunning. We didn't see any elk or slugs, but we did see plenty of butterflies and mushrooms. You really feel like you are stepping into another realm altogether on this trail. It's breathtaking how tall and majestic the trees covered in moss are. This is one of the most beautiful places I've ever been and I've lived all over the United States! I highly recommend you check it out if you get the chance. We will definitely go back for a weekend sometime and check out the other trails the park has to offer.

A place that everyone should visit at least once in their life. I felt like I was on a different planet, or visiting a medieval cathedral in a way. I don’t want to say it was a spiritual experience or anything cheesy, but the excessive amount of moss dampens the sounds around you and you are out in the middle of the Olympic National Forest, so everything was so peacefully quiet and exceedingly lush, damp, and beautiful. Everyone we encountered on the trail spoke in hushed tones, if at all, adding to the unique environment. We basically stopped every three feet to just take in the scenery (and take an excessive amount of photos, which just doesn’t do the place justice). Absolutely worth the (beautiful) drive there!

Let’s be real. Most amazing hike in western Washington. We went in the first of march so we had beautiful contrasting snow against the most vibrant greenery. 2 small hikes just near the visitor center. Like walking in prehistoric times. 250’ Spruce, Fir and Hemlock. Hall of Moses is great 3/4 mile trail for the whole family and the Spruce trail is just over a mile. Well worth the drive

One of the most beautiful and breathtaking hikes EVER! We went in December. Weather was amazing, moss was thriving and the crowds weren’t too bad either! I highly recommend! An absolute dream!

Easy hike, stunning scenery and awesome visit in the winter and weekdays short and 90 percent flat hike/stroll. Not easily ADA accessible with some of the hills at the beginning It is at the end of the road, so if crowded, access is limited. Room for about 80 ish cars I would guess

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