Hoh Rain Forest
The day's trip would see us head south to the Hoh River which we would follow east to the Hoh Rain Forest Visitos's Center.
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Before
reaching the Visitor's center, where the park's trailheads converged,
we took rest stops along the river. The Hoh River is a glacier-melt
river that is highter and colder in the summer from ice melt, and depends
on rain to feed it in the winter.
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A
way up the Hoh Forest entrance road there is a beautiful stop which
displays a giant Sitka Spruce tree, called the Rain Forest Monarch,
which is 270 feet high and 12.5 feet in diameter.
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Touted
as the third best hike in the world, the Hoh Rain Forest trails all
begin here. We decided to take the 3/4 mile Hall of Mosses trail before
lunch and attack the other afterwards.
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Among
our first encounters were the lowly Banana Slug and the Blue Heron.
Both attest to the abundant moisture. The forest boasts an average rainfall
of around 240 inches/yr, all in the winter.
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It
was impossible to capture the feel of the forest on film. The mosses,
ferns and huge trees contributed to an ambiance that is only attainable
by being there.
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Our
morning ended with a down hill walk to the picnic area behind the visitor's
center.
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After
lunch we enjoyed the sunshine along the Spruce Trail.
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About
two thirds way along the Spruce Trail the Hoh River we found that the
Hoh River runs through it. The water's cloudy light blue color is a
tell tale characteristic of a glacier fed river.
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Probably
too late in the day for an unnamed traveler, we left the forest and
headed for the beaches.
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