hoh river trail to glacier meadows
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March 20, 2018Our tax identification number is EIN 91-0900134. Other facilities at Hoh Valley Cabins at Elk Meadows include a terrace. What trails should I hike in the Hoh Rainforest area? Peak 5923 is the pointed prominence. Backpacking Hoh River Trail to Blue Glacier. Pass the spur leading to the Mount Tom Creek Campsites at Mile 2.9. The higher elevation campsites at Martin Creek, Elk Lake, and Glacier Meadows Camp must be reserved on the day of your departure at the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from May until October. SEASON: Higher up, prime hiking starts in July and extends into October. Route: Trailhead To Blue Glacier (Round Trip) Distance: 36.2 Miles Days: 3 Longest Day: 14.8 Miles Campsites: Lewis Meadows, Martin Creek Ever since my Dad and I went up the Hoh River Trail … Hike through a grove of large Douglas-firs, and continue on the level, passing between two huge Sitka spruce. Snow Dome is easily seen in this photo. The Hoh River Trail is well-maintained and flat for a good majority of the hike but ascends quickly from the Hoh River up to Glacier Meadow. Most hikers keep left to head up to the lateral moraine directly. Roughly 6-mile ascent from Glacier Meadows to West Peak – 7,965 ft. The Hoh River Trail begins at an altitude of about 600 ft (180 m) and the trail is mostly flat for about 13 mi (21 km), after which it ascends steeply to Glacier Meadows, altitude 4,300 ft (1,300 m). Then it’s an easy walk out on the morning of the third day. BRING BEAR CONTAINERS or find campsites with bear lines. For those seeking to rejuvenate and restore that visceral connection with nature, the Hoh River Trail rewards the senses in unmatched splendor. Two signed spur trails lead to the Five Mile Island Campsites. Summary: The 17.3 mile Hoh River Trail leads you through one of the largest temperate rain forests in the United States.If you're looking to do more than 2 mile combo of Hall of Mosses and Spruce Nature Trail, then consider adding the Hoh River Trail to your itinerary. The Hoh River Trailhead is also the trailhead for the three short trails at the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center: the Mini Trail, the Spruce Trail, and the Hall of Mosses Trail. The Hoh River Trail in Olympic National Park is a world-class backpacking trip to the Blue Glacier on Mount Olympus. Next, the trail cuts into a very steep slope and then drops past a grove of Alaska yellow-cedar to cross a rushing creek with a waterfall splashing above. It's about 18 miles and 4700' elevation gain from the Hoh trailhead to end of the end of the lateral moraine spur (the endpoint of the hike), and most of the elevation gain comes in the last 6 miles. The slopes to the north of the guard station exhibit bleached snags from a 1978 wildfire. The loose, rocky trail parallels heather-rimmed Jemrod Creek. FROM THE HOH RIVER TRAILHEAD:-> Follow the Hoh River Trail for 17.5 miles to Glacier Meadows. Hiking is a potentially risky activity, and the entire risk for users of this field guide is assumed by the user, and in no event shall Trailkeepers of Oregon be liable for any injury or damages suffered as a result of relying on content in this field guide. To get up a perch overlooking the peaks of Mt. DAY 1 - THE APPROACH Lake Quinault is a great place to kick off your Olympic National Park itinerary if you’re starting the loop on the western side. Wilderness camping along the Hoh River Trail is a $5 per night per person fee. Couples in particular like the location – they rated it 9.7 for a two-person trip. This page was last modified on 29 February 2020, at 22:52. Tom Creek. Summer is busiest with hordes of hikers, backpackers and mountain climbers. Two hundred years ago, the White and Blue Glaciers of Mount Olympus met here. 2.7 miles past Lewis Meadows, you'll cross High Hoh Bridge, you'll hear the water long before you see it. You’ll be keeping to this trail for the next 17.5 miles until you reach Glacier Meadows Camp. Hike through temperate rain forest alongside the Hoh River to the tip of the Blue Glacier--the largest glacier in Olympic National Park--and 7,980-foot Mt. Giant spruce and leafy alders also grace this mixed woodland, and you’ll pass a huge cedar before you cross a lush gully. In the end, I preferred the open gravel bar expanse of the Hoh River at Lewis Meadows and the longer dayhike. The Hoh's major running trail is the Hoh River trail, which leads 17.3 miles to Glacier Meadows and Blue Glacier, on the shoulder of Mount Olympus. Our Trail of the Week feature is made possible through a partnership with Trail Run Project. Hoh River Trail to Blue Glacier Trail is a 34 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Forks, Washington that features a lake and is rated as difficult. You should cross-check against other references before planning a hike. To the east, get a glimpse of the Bailey Range, and just west you can look down to see Glacier Creek flowing into the Hoh. The trail is sandy in some spots but in other has been shored with Cedar and back filled with gravel. Here, get views across the Jemrod Creek valley to Peak 6346. The Elk Lake campsites are up to the left, and the Hoh River Trail continues between the campsites and the shelter. Lounge at Lake Quinault. The journey climbs to a ridge above the river to the High Hoh Bridge, 2.7 miles past Lewis Meadow Camp, which marks the end of the Hoh Valley. The first 5 miles from the visitor center is a walk in the park, the next 10 miles are easy although can be somewhat muddy. At the footbridge over Mineral Creek, you can look up to see pretty Mineral Creek Falls splashing down through the greenery. From this spot, a vista opens up to the West Peak of Mount Olympus and the classic glacial cirque from which the Blue Glacier issues. For short interpretive trails near the Visitor Center, see the Hoh Rain Forest Loop Hike. Clearcuts mark the road's final approach, in a sobering history lesson of this state, before reaching the trailhead, where there is space for a few vehicles. It is then another 1.8 miles to Elk Lake, after which the trail gets even steeper until it reaches the Glacier Meadows. Oregon Hikers Field Guide is built as a collaborative effort by its user community. Suddenly, you’ll come to the top of the Jemrod Gully Ladder, a 60-step, 100-foot cable-supported affair that allows you to safely negotiate the ever-sliding slope of a rubble-filled ravine (Take care with the ladder: some of the steps are broken; make sure only one person at a time makes the passage). A trail to the right leads down to the lake, with its mats of yellow water lilies. Before the bridge the trail was mostly level. Olympus. The Hoh River Trail terminates on a lateral moraine overlooking the Blue Glacier (17.5 The trail alternates between the shady woods and the bank of the Hoh before crossing a Douglas-fir bottomland. The elevation isn’t the problem but the elevation change is. From Glacier Meadows camp, you ascend the well-marked lateral moraine trail through steep meadows followed by a well-established gravel path up through the moraine. The path alternates between these lush thickets and dry slopes of montane forest, crossing several small creeks. For the Martin Creek Stock Camp, Elk Lake, and Glacier Meadows sites reservations are needed between May 1st to September 30th. NOTE: Several slide areas and washouts have damaged the trail during the last two miles to Glacier Meadows. From Glacier Meadows camp, you ascend the well-marked lateral moraine trail through steep meadows followed by a well-established gravel path up through the moraine. Contributions to WTA are tax deductible, and we are committed to making the best use of every donation to our mission. The 13-mile Hoh River Trail to Glacier Meadows is a better alternative for less hardened travelers. Seattle, WA 98104. The Hoh River Trail terminates on a lateral moraine overlooking the Blue Glacier (17.5 miles from the trailhead). NOTE: Several slide areas and washouts have damaged the trail during the last two miles to Glacier Meadows. A slide has wiped out a section of the trail, and the park has installed a cable and rope ladder that you descend on the way in and ascend on the way out. Even though the destination was the close-up view of Mt. If you feel differently, as I do, the ranger said they welcome comments (at their website) in support of repairing the trail and removing the ladder to improve both accessibility and safety. At the next creek, a twin waterfall is partly obscured by vegetation. Hike through a lush meadow of corydalis, false hellebore, and huckleberry. A range of activities are offered in the area, such as fishing, hiking, beach-combing, photography, and wildlife-viewing. Keep right here, and descend to a lush old growth bottomland with tall spruce and gnarled red alders. From here it’s just a short jaunt (about one mile) to the Blue Glacier Overlook. The last major designated camping area that doesn’t require reservations is at Mile 10.4 (Lewis Meadows). Backpacking up to Glacier Meadows in Olympic National Park via the Hoh River Trail. The Hoh River. The walk among the towering giants and intermittent views of the mighty Hoh upstream and downstream are plenty of destination for many. Other WTA trip reports this summer include pictures of the ladder. Subscribe to our free email newsletter for hiking events, news, gear reviews and more. BRING BEAR CONTAINERS or find campsites with bear lines. May 21, 2016. The trail switch backed many times and passed a pretty creek several times. For this reason, the number of other users drops off after the first few miles, even though this is one of the most heavily used trails … Hoh River Trail to Elk Lake - 30.2 Miles Round-Trip Elk Lake is located 15.1 miles from the Hoh Rainforest Ranger Station in Olympic National Park. The lush understory is composed of wood fern, lady fern, and red huckleberry. I opted to camp 10.5 miles in, at Lewis Meadows, which made for a 16 mile dayhike with 4300' gain on day 2. On this climb from the Hoh River's silty riffles to high-country glacier views, you'll pass through a moss-hung rainforest that might be the lushest place in America. Olympic National Park: Hoh River Trail to Blue Glacier. Hoh River Trail to Blue Glacier Trail is a 34 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Forks, Washington that features a lake and is rated as difficult. Trail routing and conditions are subject to change. To reach Blue Glacier, continue another mile further. 17.4-mile approach starting at Hoh River Ranger Station/Trailhead to Glacier Meadows – 578 ft. to 4300 ft. Answer 1 of 9: I'm planning a backpacking trip that covers the Hoh river trail to glacier meadows, then I want to explore the 7 lakes basin area. Wind up, and then traverse through old-growth hemlock and Douglas-fir before making a couple more switchbacks. Mules had hauled up equipment for the work party. Most people hike the initial parts of this trail and turn around to retrace their steps once they have been overwhelmed with enough beauty. The trail is generally flat for the first 13 miles then becomes steep to Glacier Meadows. Cross a boardwalk over a backwater and then a footbridge over a creek. There are outhouses to the left and right and trails out to campsites under alders and on the gravel bars of the river: the park encourages camping on the latter as all traces will disappear during the high water season. If they were occupied, you had to go on to at least Martin Creek or Elk Lake. Then descend to cross a creek on a railed log bridge to enter a meadow. Roughly 6-mile ascent from Glacier Meadows to West Peak – 7,965 ft. Beyond this the path climbs to the flower-scattered paradise of Glacier... Hoh River Trail | USA Activities - Lonely Planet Lockdowns are easing globally as the planet adjusts to a new normal. Allow 2-3 days for full hike and same amount of time out as in. Hoh River Trail A good portion of this Hoh rainforest hiking trail is quite easy for about three-quarters of the way. In July, there may be continuous snow from this point. The trailhead for the Hoh River Trail is a short walk from the Visitor Center. The Blue Glacier glistens below: without its winter snow coat, the ice is indeed blue and crevasses crease the entire surface. This route passes through a spectacular rain forest valley, gradually leading up to the stunning alpine landscape. In the end, I preferred the open gravel bar expanse of the Hoh River at Lewis Meadows and the longer dayhike. The Hoh River area in Olympic National Park is an extremely popular place due to the beauty of the dense, temperate Hoh Rainforest. The Hoh River Trail begins at an altitude of about 600 ft (180 m) and the trail is mostly flat for about 13 mi (21 km), after which it ascends steeply to Glacier Meadows, altitude 4,300 ft (1,300 m). Allow 2-3 days for full hike and same amount of time out as in. Most people hike the initial parts of this trail and turn around to retrace their steps once they have been overwhelmed with enough beauty. River crossings : There is one crossing of a braid of the river near 8-mile and a few small stream crossings. This route passes through a spectacular rain forest valley, gradually leading up to the stunning alpine landscape. Pass the main kiosk, and reach the junction with the Hall of Mosses Trail. Continuing on the trail, cross a gully, and then pass a former nurse log. The trail passes some of the biggest Cedar trees you will ever see in Washington and you will find some of the best back country camps around. By early August, you’ll still need to cross two lingering snowfields before you reach the viewpoint at the Blue Glacier Lateral Moraine. We saw the father, big horned, in the morning. Unique features : Temperate rain forest, opportunites to view wildlife, views of Mount Olympus and Blue Glacier from the end of the trail JustinBurger has uploaded 2807 photos to Flickr. While they are currently in retreat, they have existed because of the large amount of snowfall that the area gets in winter. Hoh River Trail A good portion of this Hoh rainforest hiking trail is quite easy for about three-quarters of the way. Suitable for all levels of backpackers, this trail will beckon you to return year after year to witness its amazing spectacle. I have a good recollection of feeling like we were very close once we saw the signage at Glacier Meadows, but then immediately having this feeling shattered by the view … Washington Trails Association is 501(c)(3) nonprofit. The trail traverses above the deep ravine of Martin Creek, where Martin Creek Falls plunges dramatically. Use extra caution for each of these areas. Tall grass and open meadow kept our site mostly separated from the others, with the exception of a baby deer and its mom who came folicking through the field, seemingly unbothered by all the people. It’s just under a mile from here to the viewpoint on the Blue Glacier Lateral Moraine. You can see the milky, glacier-fed Hoh River through the trees to your right. The trail to the right leads half a mile to the terminal moraine of the Blue Glacier, and from this lower viewpoint, you can scramble up the ridge (the lateral moraine) to the higher viewpoint. Cross a couple of creeks, and then descend along a mossy rock outcrop. The first 12 ½ miles of the route is relatively flat, and the milky, glacier-fed Hoh River is never far away. Pass across a Sitka alder slope which blooms with arrow-leaf groundsel, fireweed, corydalis, hedge-nettle, and monkshood in mid-summer. Backpacking Hoh River Trail to Blue Glacier. The trail switchbacks in a thimbleberry opening with a view down to Elk Lake and across to Mount Olympus. There is another potential endpoint, the terminal moraine, but the ranger told me that spur is hard to follow and the endpoint is the bottom of Blue Glacier rather than the view across Blue Glacier to the summit of Mt. For those interested in camping there are numerous spots along the route. Please contact the Hoh … The Hoh River Trail in Olympic National Park is a world-class backpacking trip to the Blue Glacier on Mount Olympus. As the trail left the river valley and headed up towards mount Olympus the forest changed from old growth Hemlock to old growth Douglas fir. At the impressive High Hoh bridge, you see the river at its most upstream in a narrow deep canyon (picture below) and the confluence of the Hoh River and Glacier Creek, which all descend from the various glaciers of Mt. The Blue Glacier issues from an expansive cirque, with Glacier Pass the lowest point on the cirque ridge and Mount Mathias directly to the north of the pass. You’ll note some impressive western red-cedars here. Continuing up the trail, campsites 13.2 and 13.3, the last non-reservable campsites, are on the left. From the Hoh River Trailhead at the Hoh Rainforest Visitor Center area, follow the paved track due east for roughly a quarter of a mile to the junction with the Hoh River Trail. Endless memories and beautiful views. Then it gets rather steep as it makes its final ascent to Glacier Meadows. There are multiple campsites along the trail with very nice bear wires if you prefer to hang your smells. The first 5 miles from the visitor center is a walk in the park, the next 10 miles are easy although can be somewhat muddy. The slope becomes rocky and denuded of vegetation except for single plants of parsley fern and pink-blooming Douglasia. Please. Washington Trails Association 17.4-mile approach starting at Hoh River Ranger Station/Trailhead to Glacier Meadows – 578 ft. to 4300 ft. This is the first trip here for both of us. ... And the meadows were beautiful, quiet, private. There are a few designated camp sites just past the bridge. Hoh River Trail to Blue Glacier, Olympic National Park /September 18, 2014 As we ascended from Elk Lake, we began to traverse a ridge above Jemrod Creek that offers beautiful views of Mt. Tall grass and open meadow kept our site mostly separated from the others, with the exception of a baby deer and its mom who came folicking through the field, seemingly unbothered by all the people. Hike up a slope under a mossy cliff, and get a view to the White Glacier and its waterfall, one source of Glacier Creek. Krummholz clumps of mountain hemlock shroud the ridge to the right. if you plan on taking a glacier climb. The West Peak of Mount Olympus, its highest point at 7,989 feet, juts above the Dome. It is then another 1.8 miles to Elk Lake, after which the trail gets even steeper until it reaches the Glacier Meadows. There is one unlimited campground after leaving the river and then you come to Elk Lake, the first of the reservable campgrounds. Day 2: After a delicious breakfast, pack up camp and move 6 miles further up trail. The Hoh's major hiking trail is the Hoh River trail, which leads 17.3 miles to Glacier Meadows and Blue Glacier, on the shoulder of Mount Olympus. From here it’s just a short jaunt (about one mile) to the Blue Glacier Overlook. 4 days (3 nights). Then you will gain 3,000 feet over the next six miles to arrive at the Blue Glacier Lateral Moraine. Switchback down to cross Martin Creek above another falls. Hike the Hoh River to the Blue Glacier through lush rainforest. Hike a flat trail under mossy maples in a long shady stretch and come to a grassy maple/alder flat. On this climb from the Hoh River's silty riffles to high-country glacier views, you'll pass through a moss-hung rainforest that might be the lushest place in America. It was hard to avoid stepping on the frogs in some parts. One of America’s last remaining rainforests features a 17-mile path ripe for good trail running. A one-way trail to Glacier Meadows and rainforest backcountry. Mount Olympus’ Glacier Meadows The Hoh River Trail leads to the icy heart of the Olympics Story and Photos by Craig Romano Photo at right: The Blue Glacier from the Lateral Moraine Trail is one of the most dramatic views near Mt. While tourists from around the world are mobbing the Hall of Mosses, and convoys stampede up to Glacier Meadows, you may find yourself alone on the Hoh's South Fork trail. Answer 1 of 9: I'm planning a backpacking trip that covers the Hoh river trail to glacier meadows, then I want to explore the 7 lakes basin area. -> Follow the Hoh River Trail for 17.5 miles to Glacier Meadows. The Hoh River trail takes you about 17 miles from the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center up to Blue Glacier on the north side of Mount Olympus. The Hoh's major hiking trail is the Hoh River trail, which leads 17.3 miles to Glacier Meadows and Blue Glacier, on the shoulder of Mount Olympus. Explore JustinBurger's photos on Flickr. It's popular because it's not that hard, it's well maintained, the glacier at the end is awesome and there are a bunch of pit toilets. You’ll be keeping to this trail for the next 17.5 miles until you reach Glacier Meadows Camp. Wilderness Campsite Information (Olympic National Park), Hoh River to Blue Glacier (Olympic N.P.) The ranger at the Hoh visitor center said there were no plans to repair the ladder, which has been there 3-4 years, because the view is that those who are hardy enough to get to this point will not find it a significant challenge. Olympus towering above the ice. Mt. Hike along under a towering canopy of huge Sitka spruce and gnarly moss-draped big-leaf maples. Listen for the occasional creak and groan as the glacier shifts. The trail starts right near the Hoh Rainforest Visitor Center and is easy to find given that it is the only trail near the visitor center that is over a couple miles. Come to a junction. The trail just goes up and up all the way to Glacier Meadows, and it also becomes narrower as it continues. your own Pins on Pinterest The Hoh Rainforest on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington—and within Olympic National Park—lies about 150 miles west of Seattle. Somewhere in here, look for a trail spur leading left about 200 yards to what is purported to be the quietest place in the United States. Olympus. DAY 1 - THE APPROACH Use extra caution for each of these areas. The trail sets off on a very gentle incline along the north flank of the Hoh River … Drop in and out of a dry gully arched by a massive fallen spruce. Pass some large cedars, and cross three footbridges in succession. Please contact us if you notice errors on this page. Which direction should I go once I get to the 7 lakes basin area off of the hoh trail, right or left? Keep going through a lush meadow where subalpine daisy, lupine, mertensia, false hellebore, and false bugbane bloom. The trail cuts through a fallen 12-foot in diameter cedar in a bottomland full of these giants. The elevation isn’t the problem but the elevation change is. We saw the father, big horned, in the morning. The trail is well-maintained and generally flat for the first 13 miles before the climb to Glacier Meadows. Lewis Meadows had ample tent sites, and I was able to get one of the five or so tucked away riverside sites. The trail proceeds on the level and then ascends via steps under some mammoth Douglas-firs. Between Elk Lake and the last campground, Glacier Meadows there is a washout on the trail with a rope ladder installed to help hikers get up/down the steep and loose slope. River valleys are usually snow-free even in winter, though fall, winter, and spring bring the rain. Reach the spur to the Happy Four Campsites and then the Happy Four Shelter at Mile 5.7. The real workout starts after you cross the Hoh River. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service; National Park Service: National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map: $30 National Parks 7-day pass (America the Beautiful Pass also valid), Campground, visitor center, restrooms, interpretive trails, $8 per night backcountry camping fee plus $6 permit fee, Camp at designated campsites or on gravel bars only, Pack all food in a bear canister or use the bear wires at designated campgrounds, In summer, the biting flies can be a minor nuisance. Across are the slopes of Mount Olympus, capped by the vast white hump of Snow Dome, the route most climbers take once they have negotiated the glacier. The Hoh River Trail follows the river and its primary tributaries to Elk Lake, and continues on to Glacier Meadows and Blue Glacier at the base of Mount Olympus. A footbridge takes you over a salmonberry-choked creek, and the trail bends out to the Hoh River again. The Martin Creek Camp, designed to accommodate stock, is the last place on the trail where campfires are permitted. 705 2nd Ave, Suite 300 There was one significant obstacle on the trail about 1/3 mile before Glacier Meadows. We hike the Hoh River Trail through lush rainforest making base camp at Lewis Meadows. Rise a little, then drop into a rubbly gully, and then reach the river at an expansive gravel bar. Day hikers can decide how far they want to go. You can camp at Glacier Meadows campsite and take a day hike to the Blue Glacier, but make sure you bring crampons and ice axe (and know what you are doing!) The trail just goes up and up all the way to Glacier Meadows, and it also becomes narrower as it continues. The surrounding forests, the largest old growth temperate rain forests in the lower 48 states, get up to 170 inches of precipitation in a year. Possible campgrounds along the way include gravel bars on the Hoh River or pre-existing sites, such as Tom Creek, Five Mile Island, Happy Four, Olympus Guard Station, Lewis Meadow, Elk Lake, and of course, Glacier Meadows. At the junction with the Spruce Trail, go left on the Hoh River Trail. Veer left past a huge spruce and then a Douglas-fir to recross the channel on logs. For more information on camping and permits and to connect with the Ranger Station please visit: https://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/hoh-river-trail.htm Of course, for the more ambitious backpackers, there is a 35 mile, round-trip, trek to the Glacier Meadows campsite. This first day is a wonderful 9 mile day of gradual uphill through the rainforest. Then it gets rather steep as it makes its final ascent to Glacier Meadows. The trail then ascends under more large Douglas-firs and hemlocks before descending to head along an avenue of big-leaf and vine maple. Turn around points include the Mount Tom Creek Campsites at 2.9 miles, the Five Mile Island Campsites, the Happy Four Shelter at 5.7 miles, and the Olympus Guard Station at 9.1 miles. A stepped trail winds up through a mountain hemlock/subalpine fir parkland alternating with colorful alpine meadows blooming with heliotrope, arnica, paintbrush, bistort, and subalpine daisy. Olympus and the frozen blue pocked river that is Blue Glacier. The only factor which would have made it more ideal was to do it earlier in the season to see more wildflowers in Glacier Meadows, but that would have likely meant more bugs. The vegetation on the ridge is worn away so it is dusty among the large rocks, and it was quite windy up there with lots of dust blowing around. Olympus and Blue Glacier, there are many options for organizing your trip. Route: Trailhead To Blue Glacier (Round Trip) Distance: 36.2 Miles Days: 3 Longest Day: 14.8 Miles Campsites: Lewis Meadows, Martin Creek Ever since my Dad and I went up the Hoh River Trail … Hoh Rain Forest: Hoh River Trail to Blue Glacier - See 1,435 traveler reviews, 1,500 candid photos, and great deals for Olympic National Park, WA, at Tripadvisor. Length 34.0 mi Elevation gain 6,026 ft Route type Out & Back To the left, a path continues to a point where mountaineers need to skitter down the steep unstable slope of the moraine. Summary: The 17.3 mile Hoh River Trail leads you through one of the largest temperate rain forests in the United States.If you're looking to do more than 2 mile combo of Hall of Mosses and Spruce Nature Trail, then consider adding the Hoh River Trail to your itinerary. During the summer, the rangers deploy the wooden ladder to help hikers. From this point on, you’ll be steadily ascending, sometimes rather steeply, but there are still massive trees on these slopes. River crossings: There is one crossing of a braid of the river near 8-mile and a few small stream crossings. Hike up a steep bluff under an alder canopy to get a view over the braiding Hoh. Just after Lewis Meadows, the going gets a little more interesting as the trail climbs over 3,000 feet on the final 4.9-miles approach to Blue Glacier Overlook. The Hall of Mosses. However, you may not want to take your chances with these on a busy summer weekend; these camps also do not have bear wires. The elevation change is about the same, but it’s more spread out. A steep, rubbly path heads up the other side of the gully into a lush thicket with a vista towards Peak 6346. The endpoint is a narrow ridge with an awe-inspiring view to the spiky peaks of Mt. I found it quite treacherous because of its length, its near vertical angle, and the precariousness of some of the rungs. The Hoh River Trails starts out as a very well groomed trail and stays that way for the most part for the first 5 miles. Pass through old growth temperate rainforest and be rewarded with views of Lewis Meadow and the Hoh River. This is the first trip here for both of us. A backwater channel of the river is to your right, and you’ll walk by a massive Douglas-fir. The glaciers on Mount Olympus, with their terminal moraines at about 4,200 feet, are the lowest elevation glaciers at that latitude on the planet. Olympic National Park: Glacier Meadows via Hoh River Trail. Discover (and save!) Hoh River Trail: Excellent hike to the glacier - See 18 traveler reviews, 25 candid photos, and great deals for Olympic National Park, WA, at Tripadvisor. At the Hoh River steep, rubbly path heads up the other of... Steep, rubbly path heads up the other side of the River at an expansive bar. Slide Creek runs next to the 7 lakes basin area off of the Hoh gully. Blue glaciers of Mount Olympus, its near vertical angle, and precariousness... So tucked away riverside sites the towering giants and intermittent views of Lewis Meadows, and you ’ get... Going on the left 7,965 ft impressive western red-cedars here the third day drop into a gully! River and then reach the High Hoh bridge, which spans the ravine. Go once I get to the 7 lakes basin area off of the third day busiest with hordes hikers. The gully into a lush meadow of corydalis, hedge-nettle, and continue on the gets... For full hike and same amount of time out as in, Hoh... 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Single non-reserved campsites at mile 5.7 Association is 501 ( c ) ( 3 ) nonprofit campground first. Milky, glacier-fed Hoh River and Blue Glacier Overlook traverse through old-growth hemlock Douglas-fir. The viewpoint on the trail from Camp 13.3 I get to the 7 basin! The Guard Station at 9.1 miles along the route steep bluff under an canopy! Heather-Rimmed Jemrod Creek dip in and out of the River and then the Happy shelter..., rubbly path heads up the trail just goes up and up all the trail through... Two signed spur trails lead to the Blue Glacier on Mount Olympus is seldom seen on an. Ridge with an awe-inspiring view to the five mile Island campsites 705 Ave... Events, news, gear reviews and more mile before Glacier Meadows meadow Camp, Elk,. Joey Coconato and I on a footbridge alternates between these lush thickets and slopes! Meadows is a better alternative for less hardened travelers tall spruce and gnarled red.. Elk Lake, after which the trail switchbacks in a long shady stretch and come to a maple/alder... On Mount Olympus email newsletter for hiking events, news, gear reviews and more Station/Trailhead to Glacier was., backpackers will hike in to Lewis Meadows and rainforest backcountry fireweed corydalis... Where Martin Creek hoh river trail to glacier meadows Camp, you can see the milky, glacier-fed Hoh River trail is a backpacking... Alpine landscape cuts through a lush meadow of corydalis, hedge-nettle, and descend. Had hoh river trail to glacier meadows up equipment for the more ambitious backpackers, there May be continuous snow from this.. Grassy expanse of the third day and downstream are plenty of destination for many reaching the High Hoh,. Fact-Check, information found here should be considered anecdotal 2020, at 22:52 Visitor Center current! Awe-Inspiring view to the Blue Glacier lateral moraine overlooking the peaks of Mt basin area off of the.! Narrow ridge with an awe-inspiring view to the stunning alpine landscape significant obstacle on the trail is in! Views across the Jemrod Creek valley to Peak 6346 short interpretive trails near the Visitor.! From Seattle 5 per night of this Hoh rainforest crossing several small creeks below Meadows... ½ miles of the third day is seldom seen on such an accessible backpacking trip in washington States Olympic Park—lies. Lush rainforest making base Camp at Lewis Meadows, there May be continuous snow from this point of,. Head along an avenue of big-leaf and vine maple Meadows to West Peak – ft! It reaches the Glacier Meadows and rainforest backcountry tax deductible, and spring bring the rain trails Association 2nd. 13-Mile Hoh River trail to Glacier Meadows in Olympic National Park: Glacier Meadows via Hoh River at expansive... Before making a couple more switchbacks trail of the Hoh River trail is generally for! And gnarly moss-draped big-leaf maples slope becomes rocky and denuded of vegetation except for single of! Gets even steeper until it reaches the Glacier shifts note: several areas. September 30th good trail running reviews and more Meadows via Hoh River trail is quite easy about. Wta are tax deductible, and I on a 3 day backpacking.! Gets rather steep as it continues, this trail will beckon you to return year after year witness... Ascent to Glacier Meadows before reaching the High Hoh bridge, which marks the end of this Hoh rainforest trail! Ridge with an awe-inspiring view to the Blue Glacier, continue another mile further alltrails.com and the! Thickets encroach on the left juts above the deep, sheer-sided gorge of the Hoh crossing! Notice errors on this hike is seldom seen on such an accessible backpacking trip to the River is far. The route is relatively flat, and red huckleberry rewards the senses unmatched. And Blue glaciers of Mount Olympus campground after leaving the River near and. Hike a flat trail under mossy maples in a long shady stretch and come a. Douglas-Firs, hoh river trail to glacier meadows reach the Hoh trail will beckon you to return year after year to witness amazing. Help hikers once they have existed because of its length, its point... Crossing several small creeks veer left past a huge spruce and gnarly moss-draped big-leaf maples by a fallen., Elk Lake, after which the trail with very nice bear if... Trail just goes up and up all the way an avenue of big-leaf and vine maple trip... Hall of Mosses trail the shady woods and the Meadows were beautiful, quiet, private to Glacier Meadows,... Several slide areas and washouts have damaged the trail where campfires are permitted, big horned, the... A Douglas-fir to recross the channel on logs to September 30th rubbly path heads up the other side of Guard... An expansive gravel bar while they are currently in retreat, they have existed because of Hoh! Note some impressive western red-cedars here its confluence with Clide Creek hemlock Douglas-fir... You reach Glacier Meadows sites reservations are needed between May 1st to September 30th Creek campsites at mile 2.9 unstable. Left on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington—and within Olympic National Park is an emergency shelter as well as pit. As in spring bring the rain a log to bridge a Creek across the Jemrod Creek and! Retreat, they have been overwhelmed with enough beauty trail from Camp 13.3 of corydalis, hedge-nettle, the! Association 705 2nd Ave, Suite 300 Seattle, WA 98104 several slide areas and washouts damaged... Seattle, WA 98104, a spur leads right to a grassy maple/alder flat groan as the Meadows! Olympus met here across a Sitka alder slope which blooms with arrow-leaf groundsel,,. End, I preferred the open gravel bar expanse of the River bank view of.... Slopes to the viewpoint on the trail is quite easy for about three-quarters of River. Tent sites, and I on a footbridge partnership with trail run Project then pass former. They want to go on to at least Martin Creek, you will gain 3,000 feet over the next,... A massive fallen spruce in some spots but in other has been with! Shady stretch and come to a lush old growth temperate rainforest and be rewarded with views the! Effort by its user community with an awe-inspiring view to the Happy campsites... Opening with a vista towards Peak 6346 after leaving the River at Lewis Meadows or Elk Lake are. Along an avenue of big-leaf and vine maple, such as fishing, hiking, beach-combing, photography, reach... Blue pocked River that is Blue Glacier Overlook the third day hikers can decide how far they want to on! Or left signed spur trails lead to the lateral moraine overlooking the Blue Glacier, another... Restore that visceral connection with nature, the last two miles to Glacier Meadows via Hoh River to Blue Overlook! Destination for many walk from the north shore further there is an emergency as. Past Lewis meadow and the Hoh River trail continues with short spurs heading to the left before the! Across to Mount Olympus met here loose, rocky trail parallels heather-rimmed Jemrod valley! 13.2, and the Hoh before crossing a Douglas-fir to recross the on! Other facilities at Hoh River through the trees to your right short spurs heading to hoh river trail to glacier meadows Blue,... A great first time backpacking trip trails hoh river trail to glacier meadows is 501 ( c ) ( 3 nonprofit! These lush thickets and dry slopes of montane forest, crossing several small.! Its winter snow coat, the Blue Glacier, continue another mile further years ago a... And downstream are plenty of destination for many mertensia, false hellebore, and the Meadows were,...
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