Hoh River Trail: Five Mile Island

Olympic National Park

One of the most beautiful hikes in the nation!

Hiking Moderate

Distance: 16 km
Ascent: 181 m
Descent: 181 m
Duration: 3-4 hrs

Low Point: 178 m
High Point: 243 m
Gradient: 2˚

The Hoh River Trail begins in the heart of the Hoh Rainforest—one of the most incredible rainforests in the world! "You can’t escape a sense of magic at the Hoh,” writes Susan Elderkin on WTA.org. "The huge trees, the cascading moss, the birds and Roosevelt elk, the Olympic Mountains rising above and the broad river valley extending up and downstream all add up to make this a hike that must be done at least once in a lifetime.”

Upper Hoh River Trail. Olympic National Park. Photo: David Lee

Waterfall Along Hoh River Trail Photo: jeffhutchison

Photo from Hoh River Trail: Five Mile Island — Photo: vagabond54, Shutterstock

Description

The Hoh River Trail is actually quite an easy hike, with a low grade and well-maintained trail tread. This mellow hiking trail runs through the rainforest and along the banks of the Hoh River. This otherworldly landscape makes the Hoh River Trail one of the most renowned hikes in Washington State.

While the entire trail runs 17.4 miles one-way, you can hike as far as you want, and then turn around and return the way you came. A popular turn around point for day hikers is Five Mile Island, which "offers a sunny lunch spot with views of Bogachiel Peak,” according to Elderkin.

Sources: https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/hoh-river-trail-to-five-mile-island https://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/hoh-river-trail.htm