Hoh Rain Forest & Rialto Beach Guided Tour — Full-Day Olympic National Park Adventure
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
9 hours (full-day)
Fitness Level
Moderate cardiovascular fitness and the ability to walk 2 miles on uneven, sometimes wet terrain; comfortable sitting during van transfers.
Overview
Spend a day moving from the saturated hush of the Hoh Rain Forest to the wind-swept drama of Rialto Beach. This full-day guided tour blends natural-history interpretation, old-growth forest walks, and coastal exploration—perfect for travelers who want a concentrated Olympic National Park experience.
Hoh Rain Forest & Rialto Beach Guided Tour — Full-Day Olympic National Park Adventure
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The van eases out of Port Angeles before dawn, headlights cutting through mist as cedars and firs march past like patient giants. By the time you step under the low, green canopy of the Hoh Rain Forest, the air smells of wet earth and old wood; moss drips from branches and the forest feels alive to a slow heartbeat. Your guide points out the Hall of Mosses trailhead, and for the next two hours the world reduces to a narrow boardwalk, the hush of spores and fern fronds, and the vertical scale of Sitka spruce that reach three hundred feet into the sky.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Layer for wet weather
Bring waterproof outer layers and quick-dry base layers—rain and mist are likely even in summer.
Check tide charts
Plan to hit Rialto around low tide for safe access to sea stacks and tidepools.
Sturdy footwear
Wear waterproof hiking boots with good traction for muddy forest trails and slippery driftwood on the beach.
Bring snacks and water
There’s a brief stop in Forks, but carry water and high-energy snacks for the guided hikes and long drive times.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Black-tailed deer
- Bald eagles and coastal seabirds
History
The Hoh River valley and coastal shores are ancestral lands of the Hoh and Quinault peoples; traditional knowledge informs many place names and local stewardship practices.
Conservation
The area is managed for wilderness values—stay on designated trails, avoid disturbing tidepool life, and pack out all trash to protect sensitive intertidal and old-growth habitats.
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Adventure Hotspots in Port Angeles, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Waterproof hiking boots
Keeps feet dry and provides traction on muddy trail and wet driftwood.
Waterproof shell and layers
Protects against persistent drizzle and variable temperatures in the rainforest and on the coast.
Daypack with water bladder or bottles
Carry snacks, water, and extra layers for the hikes and beach exploration.
Binoculars and a small camera
Helps spot birds in the canopy and capture sea stacks and tidepools at Rialto.