Skip Europe This Summer: This Rainforest in Washington Is a Local Natural Wonder

It is a commonly held belief that rainforests can only exist near the equator, as they need heat and humidity. This is true, but it’s only true for tropical rainforests. There are two kinds of rainforests, with the other one being temperate rainforests. Similarly to tropical rainforests, these forests also have thick canopies and a high biodiversity but have cooler climates, which changes the type of flora and fauna that exist. Multiple temperate rainforests exist in Europe, such as the Fragas do Eume in Spain, and are very popular summer destinations. However, temperate rainforests also exist in the United States, and the Hoh Rain Forest is arguably more stunning than any other such forest and is equally, if not more, deserving of a visit. 

The Olympic Peninsula in Washington contains one of the largest temperate rainforests in all of the United States: the Hoh Rain Forest. It also happens to be one of the wettest places in the country, with a yearly average of 140 inches of rain. Think the name sounds familiar? Well, the mega-hit book series "Twilight" was set in nearby Forks, Washington. But instead of vampires and werewolves lurking around the corners, you’ll find elk, bobcats, otters, black bears, and, if you’re lucky, maybe even the endangered northern spotted owl. 

Part of the Olympic National Park, you do have to pay to access the rainforest. But, as part of your visit, there are trails, restrooms, camping sites, picnic tables, and educational centers. Hiking is the chosen activity for most travelers, since the area is so visually different from other forests in the Pacific Northwest. Spruce, cedar, maple, and fir trees dominate and create an exceedingly thick canopy where little light reaches the ground. On the ground are all manner of ferns, mosses, and nurse-logs — dead trees that fall and allow for new life to grow on it. There’s also the famous “one square inch of silence,” which has been deemed as one of the quietest places in the United States. 

In comparison, the Fragas do Eume is in Northern Spain and is considered to be one of the best preserved riverside Atlantic forests in Europe. It’s a bit unique in that it’s a temperate rainforest where the dominant tree variety is oak, but there’s also chestnut, birch, ash, alder, yew, and more. Similarly to the Hoh Rain Forest, the trees create a canopy where little light can reach the ground, thus creating a perfect environment for ferns (over 200 species exist here).

Another similarity to the Hoh Rain Forest is that the land is crossed with rivers and waterfalls, and multiple trails allow you to see as much of the park as possible. However, one big difference between the two comes in the form of a monastery that has existed for ten centuries: the San Xoán de Caaveiro monastery (which also happens to be one of the most visited areas of the park). Another is that, according to AllTrails, the organization and maintenance for the park seems to be somewhat lacking.  

So, although the idea of summering in Spain may seem like an ideal situation, you do not need to look beyond the United States for a temperate rainforest like the Fragas do Eume. As you can tell, the Hoh Rain Forest can more than meet your needs and can give you a trip that you’ve never experienced before! But, perhaps you think differently and believe there’s a different temperate rainforest that's better to visit? Use our nomination form and tell us all about it!