Hoh River Trail to Five Mile Island

The walk starts at the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center, at the end of the Upper Hoh Road, 18 miles from Highway 101. The Hoh River Trail sets out through old-growth forest hung with moss and soon comes alongside the Hoh River. Mineral Creek Falls is beside the trail at 2.7 miles and Cedar Grove at 4 miles. Five Mile Island, an open, sunny flat by the river with a view of Bogachiel Peak, is the turning point. Return the same way.

It is 10.0 miles (16.1 km) round trip with 480 feet (145 m) of climbing; allow about 4½ hours. The grade is Moderate: a long walk, but nearly flat and on a good trail.

Roosevelt elk are often seen in the valley: give them plenty of room. Pets are not allowed on trails in the Hoh. This is a rain forest, so carry waterproofs in any season. The trail goes on for 18.5 miles in all, to the Blue Glacier on Mount Olympus, and camping along it needs a wilderness permit.

The visitor center is open daily in summer, from Friday to Sunday in spring and fall, and is closed from January to early March. The Upper Hoh Road was open when checked on October 1, 2026. Entry to the park costs $30 per vehicle for seven days.

Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.