The state of Washington is home to several beautiful forests that attract visitors and hikers each year, and while they are all wonderful, Hoh Rain Forest is especially unique. This forest is like no other in the United States, with its thick, towering greenery and moss-covered trees. In fact, it’s quite reminiscent of the Forbidden Forest from Harry Potter. Chances are you probably won’t see any werewolves or unicorns in the area, but the astonishing natural beauty of Hoh Rain Forest is truly a fantasy of its own.
In Hoh Rain Forest, cloudy and wet days are the norm. The results of such a climate are absolutely breathtaking.
With sights that look as though they were picked right out of a fantasy novel, it's no wonder that this temperate rainforest is so popular among visitors. There is a large variety of giant trees around every corner, as well as an abundance of flora, fauna, and wildlife.
Clouds form over the lush trees of the rainforest, where precipitation is very frequent during the winter.
The towering trees of Hoh Rain Forest provide lots of shade to the ecosystem on the ground. Because of this, the forest is bursting with life around every corner.
Olympic Park, which Hoh Rain Forest is a part of, was first created in 1938 to protect what was referred to as "the finest example of primeval forests" by Congress. It is believed that today, Hoh Rain Forest looks just as it did roughly 5,000 years ago!
The two shorter loop trails are The Hall of Mosses Trail and The Spruce Nature Trail. The Hall of Mosses is well known for its feature of old growth in the forest. The Spruce Nature Trail showcases old and new growth in the area, which is also very magical to witness.
The Hoh River Trail is the main hiking trail in the rainforest. This is an out-and-back trail and can be more challenging if one so desires.
While it's perhaps not filled with dangerous, magical creatures beneath the surface, Hoh Lake is just as enchanting as the body of water described to be near Hogwarts.
Aside from the hundreds of species of plants thriving in this rainy climate, visitors will likely hear the sounds of wildlife as they venture into the forest. And if you're lucky, you may even see some of the animals that inhabit this beautiful place.
Have you ever explored this incredible forest? Let us know in the comments! To learn more about this magical setting in Washington, visit the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center website.
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