A classic hike in any season, but come in winter and you’ll find that the hordes of tourists, hikers, and climbers who use this trail in the summer have dwindled to just a trickle.
You can’t escape a sense of magic at the Hoh. The huge trees, the cascading moss, the birds and Roosevelt elk, the Olympic Mountains rising above and the broad river valley extending up and downstream all add up to make this a hike that must be done at least once in a lifetime. The trail is easy, too, with minimal elevation gain, excellent tread, and an open understory.
Hike as far as you’d like; there are great spots to stop all along the way. Five Mile Island offers a sunny lunch spot with views of Bogachiel Peak. If it is raining, and you want to find a sheltered location, you can press on another half mile to the Happy Four Shelter.
Hoh River Trail to Five Mile Island
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Length
- 10.6 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 300 feet
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Highest Point
- 800 feet
Hiking Hoh River Trail to Five Mile Island
Hoh River Trail to Five Mile Island