TheBigTrip contributor

Magical Hike in the Hall of Mosses

An Almost Alien Experience in Hoh Rainforest

As soon as we walked into the Hall Of Mosses we entered a new world. It was a truly magical, almost alien experience, and wasn't like anything we’ve seen before. There was such an abundance of life and vibrant colour that we couldn’t take our eyes away even for a moment without feeling like we missed something.

Even when one tree falls, it creates the perfect habitat for something new to grow. Trees grew out of the remains of fallen trees, thick moss-covered every trunk, and ferns acted as a carpet for the rainforest floor. There was every shade of green you can imagine, clinging to everything from the ground to the very tops of the tallest trees.

The trail begins at the Hoh Rainforest Visitor Centre, where you follow the signs to Hall Of Mosses. It’s a well-maintained path, though it can be pretty wet and boggy during and for a while after rainfall. Though the trail loops for only 0.8 miles, you can spend an entire day admiring the incredible scenery that surrounds it.

It was truly mind-blowing and we never got used to it! With every step our minds were blown all over again as we strained our necks constantly looking up and around at this unique landscape. It’s like something out of Lord of the Rings, or Avatar, or Jurassic Park!

Which other films do these photos remind you of?

As with most of our time in the Olympic National Park, it was pouring with rain. But, on this occasion, it made the rainforest feel that much more authentic! Even when the rain stopped, the trees were so sodden with water that soaked into the mosses, that it continued to pour down on us. It’s one of the few places that I would recommend visiting during a rainstorm!

Other Trails:

Hall Of Mosses is a great choice if you’re looking for something short and sweet. If you want to make a day of it you can continue on to the Spruce Trail that continues for another 1.25 miles. If you’re looking for some backcountry hiking, book an overnight permit for the Hoh River Trail that stretches for over 17 miles to the base of Mount Olympus.

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