The day my friend and I decided to do this trail was a very rainy day and around 45°F. My goal was to make it as far as the Olympus Guard Station then turn back around. We had no intentions on doing the whole trail at this time of the year and was mostly out there to test out new gear, including all my new rain gear. If you don't mind mud the trail was okay until we got around the 3 mile mark. At that point the trail was not just muddy but under water completely. We stopped there to eat lunch and figure out what to do. Unfortunately, the decision for us at the time was to go ahead and turn around and head back to the trail head. 

A friend and I parked at the Hoh River Visitor Center on Friday the 3rd and started out around noon. We were unsure of how far we would go on the first day, but had rough plans to be back Sunday afternoon.

The weather was clear but cool. We ended up reaching Lewis Meadows around 6pm and setup camp right on the edge of the river. As the sun set over the sides of the mountains, we could see the peaks and snow covered trees. It was an awesome location, and we were the only ones out backpacking the trail. We saw a large group of elk, maybe 20-30, pass in front of us. We also caught a glimpse of a few deer. 

The next day, we caught up on rest from travel and set out around 11am. We decided we would hike through to Elk Lake and make some lunch there. It was great to stop and have a shelter to quickly boil water and relax without our packs on. At this point, it was snowing but only a small amount. We hungout and then got ready to push further towards Glacier Meadows. Since snow was coming down, we needed gaitors and our waterproof shells. We followed the trail towards glacier meadows, and saw lots of paw marks on the trail (warnings of cougars back at the visitor center). We made it to the rope ladder just shortly before glacier meadows and decided to turn back as it was getting dark. Once we got our packs back at Elk Lake, we headed down towards Lewis Meadows to spend the last night. At this point, the snow turned to rain, and it was a pretty miserable 5ish miles in the dark. When we reached Lewis Meadows, we setup the tent and attempted a fire in the rain whilst a few deer watched. 

We woke up around 6 and made breakfast before the last ~10.5 miles to the visitor center where we parked. Again, we saw nobody until we were passed 5 mile island. Again, we saw some elk and deer on the way back, who were mostly just spooked by us being out there.

All in all, amazing trip that I would recommend as either a 2-3 night backpacking trip. The weather did get cold at night (mid 20s) but if you are prepared then it is no problem. Would do it again and hope to reach the blue glacier next time!

We hit the trail at the Hoh Visitor Center about 8AM on Friday in perfect weather.  The mostly level trail was quite busy, and most of the campsites along the way were occupied.  Other hikers had seen a herd of several dozen elk just past Mt Tom Creek camp, but we did not.  At 12.4 miles, the trail begins the inexorable climb, only to descend again to the scenic High Hoh bridge.  This old bridge connects two cliffs well above the river, offering lovely views.  One contemplates the challenges that the engineers and builders faced as they constructed the span deep in the wilderness.

The last 1.5 miles to Elk Lake camp is an arduous climb, and for us, the end of a very long day.  We arrived about 430PM.  Be sure to get your water at Martin Creek; cold, clear and delicious.  Elk Lake in September offers less freshness, and it will clog your filter.  The camp is well laid out; our group took the group camp to the north.  There are bear wires, and a very nice privy.  Overall a great base camp.

Saturday we took a leisurely breakfast, and started the climb to Blue Glacier.  Although listed at 3.5 miles to the apex of the lateral moraine, be sure to devote plenty of time.  The trail is steep, you must negotiate the famous ladder at the washout, and the last mile is a brutal rock stepper at about 40 degrees.  The out and back took us nearly 6.5 hours, although we took time to enjoy the bountiful blueberries just past Glacier Meadows camp.  Be sure to take your fresh water at the glacial pond as you exit the meadows and begin the final rock field climb.  Cold and sweet; the lateral moraine does not manifest any further water sources in September.

The views at the top were expansive.  Bring a warm parka.

Sunday we did the 15.4 miles out in the rain, which cooled us down to make for a pleasant day.  We took our time as the creeks and waterfalls were accentuated with the new precipitation.

I believe that if time was not an issue, this route would be best done in 4 nights and not two.  However, for avid hikers with tight schedules, it is reasonable to reproduce our itinerary.

First thing first, there is a full fire ban on the entire park, fuel stoves only on all trails. The only place where fire is allowed is at the camp sites at the visitor center where fire grates are established. 

I started late Saturday and hiked to Happy Four campsite at 5.7mi. The River here is low, but you have easy access to the river. 

Next morning I went up to a small not well known site at 12.4mi right off the trail. The river narrows here, a wonderful small rapids gorge, a beautiful site with a trail that leads to the river through the brush. Bugs were very mild despite the fire ban. 

Monday I hiked to Glacier Meadows, left my pack and took my day bag up and extra mile for the view. Gorgeous. Had lunch and came back down. Tuesday I hiked to Five Mile Island. The bugs were a little worse here because there is some slow moving water, but still very pleasant. Last day I hiked out and hit the road. 

Things to be aware of: Fire Ban, Trail has a lot of roots and rocks and is a very hard compacted trail, be sure to have proper footwear. It is still pretty hot, I left the fly off my tent every night. Hydrate yourself, there are sections of the trail where you cannot access the river for several miles and most of the streams and creeks are running dry by the trail so fill up water when you have the opportunity. 

All in all, a very worth while trip!