Hoh River Trail to Five Mile Island Out and Back

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Commonly Backpacked · River/Creek · Wildlife

The Hoh's major running trail is the Hoh River Trail, which leads 17.3 miles to Glacier Meadows and terminates at the Blue Glacier and Mount Olympus. This featured run describes the out-and back on the initial 5 miles of this beautiful trail. The number of other users drops off after the first few miles, even though this is one of the most heavily used trails in the park.

In summer there can be very long waits at the entrance gate. Peak visitation is 10-5pm with waits up to 2 hours. Visiting Olympic National Park's website can provide more information on best times to visit the Hoh Rainforest. Olympic National Park entrance fee or Interagency Pass required for entry. Visitor Center (open April-December), campground and bathrooms at trailhead. No food service. No bikes allowed on this trail or any trail inside Olympic National Park.

Water on trail and muddy with downed trees and possible washouts early season. The solitude, soft ground and rainforest flora make for an excellent run.

From the Hoh Rainforest Visitor Center area, take the paved loop east for just 0.2 miles to the junction with Hoh River Trail. This well groomed, easy trail ascends the lush river valley along the north bank of the braided Hoh River, which flows with silt-laden glacial runoff. The heavily wooded and mossy trail is mostly flat with only a few gentle undulations.

The first good view of the river comes around 1 mile, although you'll likely have heard the rush of its waters over the birdsong much earlier. Spot Mount Tom and the High Divide from here. Pass campsites, two small falls and the impressive Cougar Creek cedar grove. After about 5 miles, you arrive at Five Mile Island, a meadow-like spot formed by a huge gravel bar. Elk often can be found here, and there are good views up valley. After enjoying this worthwhile destination, turn around and retrace your steps back to the trailhead.

Ferns, moss and huge trees. Elk, deer, bear.