Beyond the Overlook
Olympic National Park · Rainforest guide

Hoh vs. Quinault Rainforest: We Loved the Quieter Option

We did not skip Hoh completely. We walked Hall of Mosses, which was quick and very cool. But we chose not to devote a much longer block of our trip to Hoh, and Quinault is why we never felt that we missed out.

Firsthand trip summer 2021 · Last reviewed September 2026 · How we review our guides

Hoh vs. Quinault Rainforest: We Loved the Quieter Option

Our choice: If you have time, see both. If logistics force a choice, do not assume Hoh is automatically the only worthwhile rainforest experience. Quinault was quieter and felt more immersive to us.

Tall old-growth forest in the Quinault area

Why Quinault worked so well for us

Quinault was our first real rainforest experience on this trip. We walked the Quinault Loop Trail and remember feeling like we could get deeper into the rainforest without fighting the same level of crowds. It felt lush, quiet and immersive.

Mossy broad-canopied tree in the Olympic rainforest

Hall of Mosses was still worth the stop

Hall of Mosses is short, and that was part of its appeal for our packed itinerary. We could see the famous Hoh rainforest environment without turning it into a major hiking day. NPS lists Hall of Mosses at about 0.8 mile.

So should you skip Hoh?

No. Hoh is famous for a reason. Our point is different: if the drive, crowds or schedule make a long Hoh visit awkward, Quinault can give you a fantastic rainforest experience. We left Olympic feeling like we had really experienced the rainforest, not like we had settled for a substitute.

Keep planning Olympic: our 4-day itinerary, best hikes, Mt. Storm King, Rialto to Hole in the Wall, and Hoh vs. Quinault.