
Drives Washington The Olympic Peninsula
Upper Hoh Road
Olympic Peninsula, Washington · US 101 junction → Hoh Rain Forest
The drive
Upper Hoh Road leaves US 101 south of Forks and runs inland along the Hoh River into the Hoh Rain Forest, one of the finest remaining temperate rain forests in the country. The park gets about 140 inches of precipitation a year, and the maples and spruce are draped in moss and ferns.
The road is maintained by Jefferson County and is the only way to the visitor center, campground and trailheads. It is mostly gentle, with one twistier stretch, and the drive ends at the visitor center and trailhead area. Two short trails start there: the Hall of Mosses, an 0.8-mile loop, and the Spruce Nature Trail, a 1.2-mile loop.
The drive is 16.2 miles and takes about 35 minutes.
Along the way
- US 101 junction
- Hoh Rain Forest
Good to know
- There is a park entrance fee. In summer the line at the entrance can run up to two hours, so the park suggests arriving before 8 a.m. or after 5 p.m.
- The visitor center is generally open Friday through Sunday in spring and fall, and daily in summer.
- There is no food in the Hoh Rain Forest, and the nearest gas is about 31 miles away.
- The area has closed before because of road damage, so check conditions.
Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check Olympic National Park: alerts and conditions.
Questions about this drive
How long is the Upper Hoh Road to the Hoh Rain Forest?
US 101 to the Hoh Rain Forest on Upper Hoh Road is 16.2 miles on this drive and takes about 35 minutes.
When should I visit the Hoh Rain Forest to avoid lines?
The National Park Service recommends arriving before 8 a.m. or after 5 p.m. in summer to avoid entrance waits that can reach two hours.
Is there gas or food at the Hoh Rain Forest?
No. There is no food service in the Hoh Rain Forest, and the closest gas station is about 31 miles away.
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More drives near here
Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.



