The Hall of Mosses Trail at Olympic National Park is one of the most popular trails at Olympic National Park for a reason. The lush forest full of diverse plant species, mossy trees, and dense vegetation is sure to impress any visitor.
In this blog, we’ll show you why the Hall of Mosses trail is our favorite trail at Olympic National Park and share everything you need to know in order to hike this magical trail.
Where is the Hall of Mosses Trail located?
The Hall of Mosses Trail is located in the Hoh Rainforest at Olympic National Park in Washington state. The nearest town to the Hoh Rainforest is the town of Forks, Washington.
The Hoh Rainforest is one of the largest temperate rainforests in the United States.
The best time to hike the Hall of Mosses Trail
This trail is stunning year round; however, during the winter, the Hoh Rainforest receives the most rain resulting in the most lush vegetation.
We’ve actually only done this trail in the winter and would argue that the rain adds to the magical vibe of the rainforest. During the winter, you can expect much less crowds as well.
If visiting during the summer, be sure to arrive early as the parking lot can fill up early, especially on weekends.
The best time to visit for photography is late afternoon. You might be treated to the famous light rays! If you’re interested in the best time to visit Olympic National Park, check out our guide.
Trail Summary
The best thing about the Hall of Mosses Trail is how short it is. At only 0.8 miles with minimal elevation, this loop trail is suited to hikers of all experience levels as it is more of a casual walk.
Despite its short length, there are several beautiful points of interest along the hike.
Trail Description
The Hall of Mosses trail starts at the Hoh Rainforest Visitor Center. The first point of interest that hikers will arrive at almost immediately is a wooden bridge over the Hoh River. The sound of the rushing river is magical.
As soon as hikers cross the wooden bridge, the trail begins winding through the dense forest full of Sitka spruce, Douglas fir, and western hemlock trees. The branches are carpeted in moss straight out of a fairytale or Dr. Seuss book.
The trail starts from the visitor center parking lot and is a well-marked loop trail that takes visitors on a magical journey through the heart of the Hoh Rainforest. It is mostly flat, with minimal elevation gain, making it accessible to people of all ages and abilities.
The trail is well-maintained and features interpretive signs along the way that teach visitors about the unique ecosystem of the Hoh Rainforest. It is extremely important to stay on the trail to minimize damage and impact on the fragile environment.
At about the halfway point, the trail leads to a small side loop called “The Hall of Mosses.” This is a must-visit spot along the trail. We thought the trees were particularly mossy and lush in this area. It’s a great photography spot.
After visiting the Hall of Mosses, the loop continues winding through the forest until you reach the Visitor Center. We loved getting a magnified look at some of the massive downed trees.
Tips for Visiting the Hall of Mosses Trail
- No matter what time of year it is, bring a rain jacket! This is a rainforest, after all.
- Stay on the trail to minimize the impact on the vegetation.
- The trail may be muddy when wet so wear appropriate footwear with good traction.
- Go early and/or on weekdays to avoid crowds.
