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
- 1
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.
- 2
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.
- 3
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.
