Hoh River Trail
What to Expect
Safety Advisory
Roosevelt elk are common along the trail and can be protective of calves in spring. Give them wide berth — they're bigger than they look and will charge if they feel boxed in.
Backcountry camping requires a wilderness permit, and bear canisters are mandatory for overnight stays. Black bears are active throughout the valley, especially in berry season from late July through September.
Trail Details
Pro Tips
The first three miles see the heaviest foot traffic. If you're doing the full out-and-back, push past the casual crowd to Five Mile Island where you'll have the river bars mostly to yourself on weekdays.
Gaiters are worth their weight here year-round. The trail stays muddy even in summer, and sections near the river can turn into shin-deep puddles after rain — which is most of the time in the Hoh.
The best photography light hits the moss-covered maples about a mile in during overcast mornings when the diffused light makes the greens almost glow. Bring a polarizing filter to cut the sheen off wet leaves.
