Day Trip to Hoh Rain Forest & Rialto Beach: Guided Tour from Port Angeles
Spend a day with a naturalist exploring the moss-carpeted Hoh Rain Forest and the sea-stack rim of Rialto Beach. This guided tour from Port Angeles combines old-growth forest walks, coastal hikes, and local interpretation in one well-paced outing.
The Experience
Before You Go
Waterproof footwear
Trails in the Hoh are often muddy and the beach has wet driftwood; sturdy waterproof boots and good traction are essential.
Check tide times
Low tide reveals more beach and access to sea stacks; consult your guide and local tide charts before exploring the shore.
Dress in layers
Bring breathable base layers and a waterproof outer layer—the weather shifts quickly between forest and coast.
Bring snacks and cash
There’s a scheduled stop in Forks for coffee and snacks; small purchases and tips are easier with cash or card available.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Hall of Mosses viewpoint early in the hike when light filters through canopy
- •Short walk to nearby tributary streams for quiet wildlife viewing away from main trail
Wildlife
- •Black-tailed deer
- •Roosevelt elk (occasional sightings near forest edges)
Conservation Note
Visitors are asked to stick to trails, pack out trash, and avoid disturbing intertidal life to protect delicate forest understories and coastal ecosystems.
The Hoh Rain Forest sits on lands traditionally used by local indigenous peoples; the region's place names and seasonal use reflect long-standing cultural ties.
Photographer's Notes
- • Hall of Mosses loop (foreground ferns, moss-draped trunks)
- • Old-growth Sitka spruce grove (scale shots)
- • Rialto Beach near Hole-in-the-Wall at low tide (sea stacks and surf)
What to Bring
Waterproof hiking bootsEssential
Keeps feet dry on muddy forest loops and wet coastal driftwood.
Waterproof shell jacketEssential
Protects against frequent rain under the canopy and wind on the beach.
Daypack with water and snacksEssential
Holds layers, lunch, water, and camera while on guided hikes.
Tide chart or tide app
Helps time coastal exploration safely around low and high tides.
Common Questions
How long is the guided hike in the Hoh Rain Forest?
The guided portion is about 2 miles and typically takes around 1.5–2 hours, covering the Hall of Mosses and Spruce Nature Trail.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult; participants should be able to manage uneven terrain for several hours.
Will I see wildlife on this tour?
Wildlife sightings are possible—black-tailed deer and occasional elk in forest margins, seabirds and tidepool creatures on the coast—but they are not guaranteed.
What is the total drive time from Port Angeles?
Plan for roughly 4–5 hours of roundtrip driving as part of the nine-hour tour schedule, including stops.
Are park entrance fees included?
Yes, Olympic National Park entrance fees are included in the tour price.
Can the tour be cancelled for bad weather?
The tour operates rain or shine; cancellations for weather are not standard, so bring appropriate gear.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
9 hours
Location
Port Angeles, Washington
Difficulty
moderate
Fitness Level
You should be comfortable walking 2 miles on uneven forest trails and standing/walking on rocky beach terrain for 1–2 hours.
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