Did you know that there's a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Washington? The Hoh Rainforest on the Olympic Peninsula sees the most tourists in summer. Still, this stunning destination in the Evergreen State may be at its most beautiful in the winter, but is worth visiting in any season.
Pack up what you need to stay warm and plan your trip to one of the world's most beautiful places!
Though there are three other rainforests on the peninsula, the Hoh Rainforest is among only 25 locations to receive World Heritage Site status in the United States. It comprises just 24 miles of low-elevation forests in the Hoh River valley, created thousands of years ago by glacial activity.
Washington has a reputation for being a rainy place, but this unique habitat puts the rest of the state to shame. Seattle might see 36 inches of rainfall annually, but the Hoh Rainforest gets as much as 14 feet! It goes without saying no matter what season you visit this other-worldly destination, pack your rain gear!
You'll find the forest on the west side of Olympic National Park in Washington, which receives over three million visitors each year. Most of these outdoor enthusiasts arrive in spring and summer, which is just one of the reasons I recommend planning your trip to the Hoh Rainforest for the winter.
Glittering sunshine may make the Hoh Rainforest look like a fairyland, but a dusting of winter frost makes this ancient forest look somehow more enchanting.
Inevitably, you'll still encounter other hikers on the trails that wind through this UNESCO site, but they'll be few and far between compared to the crowds that arrive in peak season. This relative quiet also increases your chances of seeing the wildlife that call Hoh Rainforest home.
Time your hike for early morning when a blanket of fog still sits low to the ground among the old trees. With a warm thermos of coffee in hand, I don't think there's anywhere more serene.
For lovers of the Evergreen State's beautiful landscape, it should come as no surprise that there's a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Washington. Imminently photogenic, dazzlingly gorgeous, and somehow still mysterious, the Hoh Rainforest continues to enchant all those who explore its ancient maze of trees. While it's worth visiting in the summer, I recommend planning your trip here for the winter, when the trails are relatively empty, and you can appreciate the other-worldly beauty of this special place in peace.
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