The club moss (Selaginella oregana) covering the trees is an epiphyte, meaning it derives nutrients from the air and rain rather than the host tree.
The Hoh Rain Forest is one of the quietest places in the United States, often categorized as a 'One Square Inch of Silence' site.
Bigleaf Maples in this forest can grow up to 100 feet tall with massive trunks often covered in multiple species of mosses, ferns, and lichens.
The high humidity levels of the valley are maintained by the moisture-laden air from the Pacific Ocean hitting the Olympic Mountains.
The Hall of Mosses is a 0.8-mile loop trail located within the Hoh Rain Forest of Olympic National Park. The trail is characterized by old-growth temperate rainforest foliage, primarily featuring Bigleaf Maples draped in club moss. This ecosystem receives between 12 and 14 feet of precipitation annually, fostering the dense epiphytic growth on the tree branches. The route is situated within a designated wilderness area, protecting the unique biodiversity of the Olympic Peninsula. The trail surface consists primarily of packed earth and boardwalk sections designed to minimize soil compaction around sensitive root systems.
The elevated boardwalk section mid-loop, providing a panoramic view of the moss-covered arching branches.
Arrive as early as possible or late in the afternoon to avoid heavy traffic on the narrow trailhead access road.
Bring waterproof layers regardless of the season, as the forest microclimate is consistently damp.
Stay strictly on the marked path to protect the fragile mosses and saplings growing on the forest floor.
Attempting to visit during peak summer weekends mid-day, which frequently results in vehicle line-ups at the entrance station.
The visitor center and trailhead access road may experience temporary closures during severe winter weather or high-wind events.
Leave no trace; do not pick moss or vegetation; keep noise levels low to respect the quiet ecosystem.
