Full-Day Olympic National Park Small-Group Hike: Hoh Rainforest, Rialto Beach & Sol Duc
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
6–8 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for people who can comfortably walk 4–6 miles over mixed terrain; basic endurance and balance helpful.
Overview
Spend a full day exploring the wild west side of Olympic National Park with a naturalist guide. From Rialto Beach tidepools to a four-mile Hoh River hike and the short Sol Duc waterfall trail, this small-group tour stitches coastal and rainforest highlights into one accessible adventure.
Full-Day Olympic National Park Small-Group Hike: Hoh Rainforest, Rialto Beach & Sol Duc
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The morning air on the west Olympic Peninsula tastes of salt and cedar. At the Park and Ride in Forks, a low- roofed tour van hums to life and an expert naturalist checks names while the coast fog lifts like a curtain. By mid-morning the van eases onto gravel roads that thread through a patchwork of alder and old-growth conifers; the guide points out Sitka spruce crowns dark against a pale sky and teases out a map of the day: Rialto Beach tidepools, the Hoh River Trail, Sol Duc Falls, and a stop at the Tree of Life.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Check the tide times
Low tide reveals the best tidepool life at Rialto; confirm tide charts the night before to avoid walking on slippery seaweed-covered rocks.
Layer for variable weather
Expect sun, drizzle, and wind in a single day—pack a breathable rain shell and insulating midlayer.
Wear sturdy, waterproof shoes
Forest trails are often muddy and roots are common; ankle-supporting trail shoes improve comfort and safety.
Bring binoculars and a camera
Small-group size makes it easier to stop for wildlife or macro shots—pack lightweight optics for birds and tidepool details.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Black-tailed deer
- Bald eagle
History
The Hoh River corridor has sustained the Hoh Tribe for generations; more recent history includes 19th- and 20th-century logging that shaped modern access roads and conservation responses.
Conservation
Olympic National Park manages fragile intertidal and old-growth habitats—stay on trails, avoid collecting biological specimens, and use established viewing spots to minimize impact.
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Adventure Hotspots in Forks, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Waterproof hiking shoes
Keeps feet protected on muddy rainforest trails and on rocky tidepools.
spring specific
Breathable rain jacket
Quick protection against coastal drizzle and wind during stops at beaches and viewpoints.
fall specific
Daypack with 1–2L water
Carries lunch, layers, sunscreen, and enough water for a full-day outing.
summer specific
Binoculars or macro lens
Helps spot bald eagles, river otters, and small tidepool creatures without disturbing them.
spring specific