Olympic National Park: Hoh Rain Forest

Copyright © 2010 Cherie Kuranko ~ "InkSpot"

All Rights Reserved.

The Olympic National Park is located in Washington State along the western coastline. Traveling along US Hwy. 101 you will encounter a vast range of beautiful, natural scenery. Forests, creeks and rivers, ocean waves rushing towards sandy beaches begging for a human footprint and a sand castle or two.

The Hoh Rain Forest, 91 miles west of Port Angeles, receives over 12 feet of rain annually. Soaking up all this rainwater are giant western hemlocks, Douglas-firs and Sitka Spruce trees. Ferns, shamrock and even the fabulous Chanterelle mushrooms take root beneath the huge trees in this beautiful rain forest. Bigleaf Maple trees, draped in moss, lend a mysterious feeling as visitors drive through or hike the many trails the Hoh Rain Forest has to offer. Observe deer and the majestic Roosevelt Elk and other wildlife in their natural surroundings.

Hoh Rain Forest Walking and Hiking Trails include:

Hall of Mosses - A popular 0.8 mile loop where gorgeous views of varies species of trees appear to be dripping with moss so thick it hangs from the tree branches like laundry on a clothesline. This is a fairly easy trail with an elevation gain of about 100 feet.

Spruce Nature Trail - An easy level trail of 1.25 miles round-trip. Deer and elk abound and the thick, lush vegetation, typical of rain forests, is spectacular.

Hoh River Trail - Serious hikers will enjoy this trail, averaging about 2-3 days to complete, through the rainforest, through a gorge. It passes by Elk Lake and ends at Glacier meadows, with an elevation gain of 1,200 feet.

Trailheads begin at the Hoh Rain Forest visitor center, where ample parking is available.

There is also a visitor center, exhibits, a campground and enough shutter-bug opportunites to fill several albums. If traveling along US Hwy. 101, it is a destination you won't want to pass up if you find rain forests intriguing. Pack a picnic lunch and fill the fuel tank--it's the only thing you'll need to ensure a great trip to this wilderness area.

The 2010 entrance fees into Hoh Rain Forest are $15 per private vehicle or $5 per individual on foot or bike. Other sights in the area include; The Quinault Rain Forest with several world record sized trees, the Sol Duc Hot Springs (a nice way to relax after a day's hike), Mount Olympus, six beaches near Kalaloch and an interesting old logging town called Forks where the movie Twilight was shot. There's something for everyone--even the vampires.

For more information visit www.nps.gov/olym.

If you are traveling in Wisconsin don't miss the mysterious White Deer - Solid white deer with pink noses, ears and hooves. They ARE real and fascinating. Check them out here.

Copyright © 2010 Cherie Kuranko ~ "InkSpot"

All Rights Reserved.