Olympic National Park, Washington
Hall of Mosses: A Verdant Cathedral in the Hoh Rain Forest
Forks, Washington, United States
Wander through a primeval landscape where massive maples and spruces are completely swallowed by heavy, dripping layers of moss, creating a scene that feels more like a fantasy realm than a forest.
Deep within the Olympic Peninsula, the air stays heavy with moisture, feeding a landscape so green it defies belief. This is the heart of the Hoh Rain Forest, a temperate wilderness where the vegetation doesn't just grow on the ground—it climbs, drapes, and hangs from every available surface.
The Hall of Mosses trail serves as the premier gallery for this botanical display, showcasing a world shaped by the relentless flow of the Hoh River and the staggering volume of water that falls from the sky.
Why It Stands Out
The sheer density of the greenery here is fueled by an average annual precipitation of roughly 140 inches, most of which arrives during the drenching winter months. This constant hydration supports a towering canopy of Sitka spruces and bigleaf maples.
These trees act as living armatures for thick carpets of moss and ferns that blur the lines between the branches and the air. While the entire loop is spectacular, a short, 200-foot detour leads to a particularly dense grove of maples.
In this secluded spot, the hanging moss is so thick it resembles heavy, velvet curtains, transforming the trees into hulking, unrecognizable shapes that look like ancient sentinels guarding the forest floor.
Before You Go
Reaching this remote corner of Washington requires a scenic drive along Highway 101, turning onto Upper Hoh Road. It is located roughly 45 minutes from the town of Forks and about two hours from Port Angeles.
Because this is a protected area within Olympic National Park, you must have a valid park pass or an America the Beautiful federal pass to enter. The trailhead area is equipped with a visitor center, picnic spots, and restrooms, but you should arrive prepared; there are no gas stations or food vendors once you enter this part of the park.
Additionally, while the trail is welcoming to hikers, pets are strictly prohibited on the paths.
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