If you’ve been dreaming of a summer trip to one of the most iconic places to visit in Washington State, there’s some good news for Olympic National Park visitors: the road to the Hoh Rainforest is open again, as of May 8, 2025! After a washout cut off access to one of the park’s most popular and otherworldly parts, crews have worked quickly to restore the route just in time for the busy summer season. That means one of the most famous hikes in the country, the Hall of Mosses, is back on your itinerary, along with misty rainforest trails, towering Sitka spruce, and that fresh, earthy scent you only get in a place this lush.
This may also be great news for visitors to other National Parks in Washington, including Mount Rainier National Park. A recent fire wiped out the historic Carbon River/Fairfax Bridge, thus cutting off access to a vital portion of the park. The park will face access constraints throughout the busiest time of the year. With the remaining roads likely to see a massive increase in traffic, this summer is the perfect time to shift your focus west to the Olympic Peninsula instead.
Olympic National Park covers nearly a million acres and spans multiple ecosystems, offering an experience that’s as diverse as it is unforgettable. In one trip, you can walk through old-growth rainforest, explore tide pools along wild Pacific beaches, and watch the sun dip behind the jagged Olympic Mountains. Spend the morning hiking Hurricane Ridge and the afternoon dipping your toes in Lake Crescent. However, the Olympic National Park is just a small part of the many places to visit in Washington State on the stunning Olympic Peninsula.
Catch lavender in bloom in Sequim, stroll through Port Townsend’s Victorian downtown, or drive the iconic Highway 101 loop. Whether you’re into hiking, wildlife viewing, kayaking, beachcombing, or just soaking up jaw-dropping views, there’s no shortage of things to do on the Olympic Peninsula. To make the most of your Washington state vacation, base yourself at the Juan de Fuca Cottages in Sequim.
These waterfront cottages offer sweeping views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the snow-capped Olympics, plus easy access to the Olympic Discovery Trail and the top things to do in Sequim. You’ll be perfectly positioned between Port Angeles, the gateway to Olympic National Park, and the sunny lavender fields of Sequim. It’s a comfortable, scenic, and perfectly located home base for exploring the best places to visit in Washington state this summer. Book your stay with us today!
Why You Should visit the Hoh Rainforest
There’s a wide range of options when it comes to beautiful places to visit in Washington State. The state is packed with dramatic and awe-inspiring vistas, offering access to some of the most jaw-dropping scenery in the country. One of the best places to visit in Washington State is Olympic National Park, specifically the Hoh Rainforest, in the far west reaches of the state.
A trip to the Hoh Rainforest is unlike anything else you’ll experience in Washington state—or anywhere, really. Tucked into the western edge of Olympic National Park, this lush, moss-covered world feels more like something out of a fairytale than real life. It’s one of the few remaining temperate rainforests in the U.S.. It gets around 140 inches of rain annually, which fuels the dramatic greenery that blankets everything from massive trees to riverbanks. If you’re narrowing down your summer plans and looking for unique places to visit in Washington state, the Hoh Rainforest absolutely deserves a spot at the top of your list.
How to Get to the Hoh Rainforest
From Sequim to the Hoh Rainforest, the drive is about 95 miles and takes roughly 2.5 hours, depending on traffic and weather conditions. The route takes you west along Highway 101, and while it’s a bit of a journey, it’s a stunning one. You’ll pass through Port Angeles, which is a great place to grab coffee and snacks for the road, and Lake Crescent, a glacial lake that’s so clear and blue it looks almost tropical on a sunny day.
Make time for a quick photo stop or a short walk along the Moments in Time Trail near the Lake Crescent Lodge if you want to stretch your legs. A longer and perhaps more impressive walk here is the short hike up to Marymere Falls. After your brief stop, the drive winds through the lush forested areas near Forks, before turning south toward the Hoh Visitor Center. Pro tip: fill up your gas tank in Forks, and grab lunch if you didn’t bring something with you. There are no services beyond that point.
Things to Do at the Hoh Rainforest
Once you arrive, head straight for the Hoh Rainforest Visitor Center, where you’ll find maps, updated trail conditions, and helpful rangers. Depending on how deep you want to go, you can spend anywhere from a couple of hours to a full day here. Below are some of the top things to do at the Hoh Rainforest in the Olympic National Park.
- The most iconic thing to do at the Hoh Rainforest is to walk the Hall of Mosses Trail. This short 0.8-mile loop winds through draping big-leaf maples and ancient Sitkas, completely shrouded in bright green moss. In addition to some of the greenest scenery you’ll ever see, it’s not uncommon to spot everything from Roosevelt Elk to banana slugs here.
- The Spruce Nature Trail adds another 1.2 miles of trail through this portion of the Olympic National Park. In addition to more gorgeous, lush forests, you’ll enjoy views of the Hoh River, which carries glacial water from Mount Olympus out to the ocean.
- If you’re up for more of a hiking challenge, tackle a portion of the Hoh River Trail, which stretches 17.3 miles all the way to Glacier Meadows near Mount Olympus. Even hiking just 2–3 miles in offers a more remote, less crowded experience than is typical of the Hoh Rainforest.
To make the most of your trip to the Hoh Rainforest, we recommend getting an early start. That will help you avoid peak visitor traffic and catch the forest in its most magical light. We’ll help you get an early start to your morning with various grab-and-go breakfast options available in our market or delivered to your room before your stay.
Don’t forget to take sturdy hiking shoes, warm layers, and a raincoat. The trails can be damp even in the midst of our summer heat. Cell service is spotty at best, so download maps beforehand or bring a paper version of the park brochure. With the road now open again, this legendary landscape is once again accessible—and it’s easily one of the best places to visit in Washington state. Whether you’re checking off your Olympic National Park must-sees or just looking for an unforgettable day trip from your Olympic Peninsula home base, the Hoh Rainforest is a “must-see” attraction on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula.
The Best Place to Stay in Sequim, Washington
If the Hoh Rainforest and other portions of the Olympic National Park are at the top of your list of places to visit in Washington State, this summer is the perfect opportunity to make your dreams a reality. When it comes to finding lodging near these top attractions on the Olympic Peninsula, location matters. Juan de Fuca Cottages in Sequim puts you right in the middle of everything you’ll want to see.
Not only is our Sequim lodging a comfortable and scenic retreat with front-row views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Olympic Mountains, but it also offers easy access to the full range of things to do on the Olympic Peninsula. From here, you can easily head to places like the Hoh Rainforest, Lakes Crescent and Quinault, Hurricane Ridge, and so much more. Our waterfront Sequim lodging feels remote enough to help you disconnect, yet close enough to make day-tripping around the Olympic Peninsula a breeze.
Our charming waterfront cottages and rooms are designed to be the ultimate home away from home, whether you’re a couple traveling on a romantic adventure or a family traveling with kids or pets. Each of our accommodations is thoughtfully equipped with various features and amenities, including things like kitchenettes or full kitchens, private porches and decks, hot tubs, and large picture windows that frame the water or mountain views. Regardless of the room or cottage you choose, you’ll find they are perfect for unwinding after a day exploring Olympic National Park or strolling the beaches of the Pacific coast.
With picnic areas, outdoor games, and direct access to Dungness Bay via our private beach, you don’t even have to leave the property to enjoy the region’s natural beauty. But when you’re ready to explore, it’s all right there—from the lavender farms of Sequim to the dramatic beaches of the Pacific Ocean. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, hiking through rainforests, or seeking out other unique places to visit in Washington state, staying at Juan de Fuca Cottages gives you the ideal mix of comfort, convenience, and that classic Pacific Northwest experience you’ve been looking for.
With the road to the Hoh Rainforest finally open again and limited access to Mount Rainier this summer, it’s the perfect time to discover everything the Olympic Peninsula has to offer. This is the place to be if you’re looking for Washington state vacations that are equal parts adventure and relaxation. Book your summer trip to the Olympic Peninsula today!
