Hoh Rainforest Campground

The Hoh Rain Forest, pronounced "Hoe", earns its name from the ever-flowing Hoh River that carves its way from Mount Olympus toward the Pacific Coast. Where the name originates, however, is up for debate. The word "Hoh" undoubtedly comes from Native American languages: possibly the Quileute word "Ohalet," meaning "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, as a river as massive as the Hoh certainly forms a formidable boundary across the landscape. A third consideration claims the word translates to "man with quarreling wives." What the actual history behind the name is appears to be lost to time. Regardless of the name, there's no question as to the allure that draws visitors back to the rainforest year after year. Throughout the winter season, rain falls frequently, contributing to a yearly average of 140 inches (3.55 meters) of precipitation. The result is a lush, green canopy of both coniferous and deciduous species, with mosses and ferns blanketing the surfaces to add another dimension to the enchantment. The Hoh is one of the finest remaining examples of temperate rainforest in the United States and one of the park's most popular destinations, part of the Pacific Northwest rainforest that once spanned the coast from southeastern Alaska to the central coast of California. The trailhead for this area is located next to the Hoh Rainforest Visitor Center, a great place for more information — staff can provide ideas for your visit and exhibits explain what makes this area so special. The visitor center is open daily during the summer, usually closed January through early March, and generally open Friday through Sunday in spring and fall. The Hall of Mosses Trail (0.8 miles / 1.2 km) is an iconic loop through old growth forest featuring a grove of maple trees draped with abundant club moss. The Spruce Nature Trail (1.2 miles / 1.9 km) loops through both old and new growth forest alongside Taft Creek and the Hoh River. The Hoh River Trail is the area's main hiking trail. This out-and-back can be taken as far as one desires; taken all the way, it leads past multiple backcountry camping areas, the last being Glacier Meadows at 17.3 miles (27.8 km), and ends 18.5 miles (30 km) out at the Blue Glacier moraine, looking up at Mt. Olympus. All backcountry permits must be reserved online. The Hoh Lake Trail branches off just after the ranger station and ascends to Bogachiel Peak between the Hoh and the Sol Duc Valley. Popular day-hike turnaround points along the trail include First River access (0.9 miles one way), Mineral Creek Falls (2.7 miles / 4.3 km one way), Cedar Grove (4.0 miles / 6.4 km one way) and 5-Mile Island (5.0 miles / 8.0 km one way). Pets are not allowed on trails in the Hoh Rain Forest, but are allowed on leash in developed areas such as the campground, picnic areas and parking lots. Hoh Campground is a large facility with 72 campsites, including one group site and one ADA accessible site. Each site has a campfire ring and picnic table, and food lockers and drinking water are available at the campground loop restrooms. There are no RV hookups and the RV dump station is closed indefinitely; the nearest dump station is Bogachiel State Park, 23 miles north, or Kalaloch Campground, 33 miles south. The nearest shower facility is also Bogachiel State Park, 23 miles one way. Campers can purchase firewood in the B loop near the campground host sites from May through September, though supplies are limited and first-come, first-served. The reservation season for the 2026 summer season is June 12, 2026 through September 6, 2026, and campsites are released in a series of three staggered block releases by loop: A loop campsites are available for reservation 6 months in advance, C loop campsites two weeks in advance, and B loop campsites 4 days in advance. Outside the reservation season the campground is open for camping first-come, first-served, and some campsites may be closed during winter. Olympic National Park has much to explore, including temperate rain forests, ocean shores, sub-alpine mountains and lakes. Kalaloch, Quinault and Forks are within a 45 minute to 90 minute drive.