August 2024: Washington State is a treasure trove of breathtaking landscapes, boasting majestic mountains, serene bays, and formidable volcanoes. Yet, what truly captivates me are the temperate rainforests, particularly the towering ancient pines of Olympic National Park. These remarkable forests are among the largest remaining old growth temperate forests in the contiguous United States. Their unique location near the Pacific Ocean and the Cascade and Olympic Mountain ranges makes them some of the wettest places on Earth. The constant rainfall fosters the growth of some of the most colossal trees you will ever encounter. The Olympic Peninsula is a rugged wilderness that was one of the last regions in the West to be thoroughly explored, and even today, its vast mountainous interior remains largely untouched, with roads leading only to the park’s fringes. Washington, and especially Olympic, is simply breathtaking. My first adventure in Washington was during the summer of 2020 when I explored the the temperate rainforests around Bellingham with my friend Evan. The experience was so enchanting that I returned four years later with my wife and our infant daughter for a memorable weekend camping in the Hoh temperate rainforest. The Hoh Forest, recognized as a World Heritage site, is a sprawling old growth forest that feels like stepping into another world. The ancient pines are enveloped in a lush tapestry of greenery, moss, ferns, and lichens, creating an enchanting atmosphere that could easily be home to mythical beings like elves and gnomes. Instead of fantasy creatures, we encountered Roosevelt Elk, and swarms of mosquitos.
Location of Hoh Rainforest in Olympic National Park
First trip to Washington in Bellingham Area
Sunset View of the bay from one of the State Parks near Belligham
My friend Evan on a lake hike
Abandoned wooden cabin being reclaimed by the temperate rainforest
During my first trip to Washington, it rained a lot and this drove many of the slugs out to feed
A swamp full of resonating bull frogs camoflaughed
My Daughter’s First Camping Trip in Hoh Rainforest
I’ve always wanted to visit the World Heritage site of the Hoh temperate rainforest in Olympic National Park, renowned as one of the wettest areas of the Pacific temperate rainforests and possibly the most beautiful. Camping there for two nights was a dream, as I believe that immersing oneself in a beautiful natural environment creates far more memorable experiences than staying in a comfortable hotel. I hope to instill this love of camping in my daughter, Indie, as I feel that it fosters a deeper connection to the land.
Of course, camping comes with its challenges. During the summer in the Hoh rainforest, we had to contend with swarms of insects like mosquitoes and horseflies. This was particularly concerning for me as I didn’t want my daughter to be covered in bites. However, she persevered through it, managing to enjoy the experience with only a few bites.
Indie’s hand on the window-Flight from San Diego to Seattle
We flew all of our camping gear to Seattle and rented a car for the 5-hour drive to Olympic National Park’s Hoh rainforest campground. I reserved our campsite a month in advance since spots fill up quickly. Due to a fire ban from dry conditions, we couldn’t have a campfire, which was a disappointment. Most of the rain in the forest falls in winter, not summer. Instead, we hung small lights on our tent and used an ashless flame to create a semblance of a campfire. We made meals in our camp oven and did our best to enjoy the experience despite the restrictions.
Location of our campsite in Hoh Rainforest in Olympic National Park
Location of our campsite in Hoh Rainforest in Olympic National Park
Tent cuddles
Indie in the tent
happy family in the tent
The campground felt spacious and uncrowded, with our campsite located near the Hoh River, where giant Roosevelt elk grazed. We were also surrounded by the lush rainforest, which added to the experience. The campground bathrooms didn’t have showers, so we brought our own pop-up shower tent and used water from the river for bathing.
Small little magical fairytale forest nook near our campsite
Indie in her camping chair having dinner
Indie in her camping chair having dinner
Indie in her camping chair having dinner
The Hoh Forest is one of the last refuges for the endangered Roosevelt elk in the USA. These elk were named after President Teddy Roosevelt, who helped protect them and the park. We saw a herd of these majestic animals grazing in the rainforest, both across the river and along the roadside near the campground.
Grazing Roosvelt Elk
The best part of the Hoh Forest is hiking through it and admiring the towering trees and lush undergrowth. I can’t emphasize enough how magical this place was. Despite its popularity, the trails were not very crowded, especially since we started hiking early in the morning before most visitors arrived. We hiked with Indie in a backpack, and from time to time, we would stop to take photos. However, the mountain lion warning signs served as a good reminder to stay close together in a place like this.
Paula and Indie
Paula in the Hoh Rainforest in Olympic National Park
Me carrying Indie
Location of Hoh Rainforest in Olympic National Park
Location of Hoh Rainforest in Olympic National Park
Paula carrying Indie
Me and Indie
A photo ofIndie right before her mom had tojump in and grab a rock from hermouth she tried to swallow
Indiein the Hoh Rainforest in Olympic National Park
My Daughter’s First Camping Trip in Hoh Rainforest
We also visited the Pacific coastline of Olympic National Park, but this area had many more tourists, making it less enjoyable for me. However, the massive piles of driftwood from the enormous rainforest trees washed ashore were quite interesting to see.
Coastline
Paula on the Pacific
On the drive back to Seattle, we took the northern route and visited the pine forests in the northern part of the park. These forests were different yet equally beautiful.
River near Sol Duc Falls
near Sol Duc Falls
near Sol Duc Falls
Indie touching a massive ancient pine forest tree that could easily be 1,000 years old