Olympic National Park, Washington
Hall of Mosses: A Verdant Cathedral in the Hoh Rain Forest
Forks, Washington, United States
By the Wicked Cool Places editors · Published · Updated
Why it’s cool
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 region also features lush cascades like Proxy Falls.
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 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, -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. Other remarkable arboreal specimens include The Tree of Life.
Before You Go
Reaching this remote corner of Washington requires a scenic drive along Highway , turning onto Upper Hoh Road. It is located roughly 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.
Questions worth answering
Is it worth the drive from Port Angeles?
The two-hour trek from Port Angeles leads to a landscape defined by 140 inches of yearly rainfall. We think the sight of Sitka spruces draped in thick botanical layers justifies the trip.
Can I bring my dog on the trail?
Leave your pets at home for this one. The park has a strict policy banning animals from the hiking paths.
What should I know about the logistics before arriving?
You'll need a federal pass or a specific Olympic National Park permit to get past the entrance. There aren't any places to buy fuel or meals once you're inside, so handle those needs in Forks or Port Angeles first.
Where did this guide originate?
This started with a report from Hall of Mosses. We took our own editorial direction from there to highlight the specific grove of maples and the surrounding wilderness.
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