Tour Overview
7:30 AM: Hoh Rain Forest and Rialto Beach Tour (8-9 Hours)
About the Tour
Experience Olympic’s coastal temperate rain forest and diverse ecosystems within the Hoh Rain Forest and at Rialto Beach. After a scenic two-hour drive around Lake Crescent, through Forks, and deep into the Hoh Rain Forest, our guests typically have two hours to explore the moss-laden trails amongst ancient old-growth evergreens within the Hoh. After departing the rain forest and a scheduled stop in Forks, we take advantage of our western location and make a short driving detour to Rialto Beach along the Pacific Coast. We generally have one or two hours to hike and explore the Olympic Wilderness Coast at Rialto alongside massive sea-stacks, driftwood logs, and coastal forests.
Tour Price
$125 per person + taxes/fees
Tour Schedule
April 1 - May 22: Saturday
May 23 - Sept 15: Thursday, Saturday, Monday
Sept 15 - Oct 31: Saturday
Tour Gallery
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Tour Summary
Itinerary Description
Hoh Rain Forest: Our 7:30 AM departure helps us get a head start on the crowds, as we strive to arrive at the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center between 9:30 AM - 10:00 AM. After 10:00 AM, there can be a 1-2 hour wait at the Hoh entrance fee station due to the parking lot reaching capacity. We typically spend two full hours to explore the moss-laden trails at the Hoh. Our guide will likely feature two scenic loops through the Hall of Mosses (0.75 mi) and Spruce Nature Trail (1.25 mi). Big leaf maple trees, endless sword ferns, ancient old-growth Sitka Spruce trees, and an incredible variety of mosses, lichens, and micro-plants make this rain forest come to life! If we’re lucky enough, we may even encounter the impressive Roosevelt Elk Herd.
Forks: After a morning of rain forest explorations, our tour group will drive back into Forks for a scheduled stop at Forks Outfitters & Thriftway, which has a full grocery store, grab & go deli items, a coffee shop, and neat local souvenirs. After this quick stop, we’ll make the 20-30 minute drive to Rialto Beach, where we generally build in time for a picnic lunch and snacks upon arrival.
Rialto Beach: Based on our itinerary timing, we generally have one or two hours to explore this stunning section of the Olympic Wilderness Coast. At Rialto Beach, there are picnic tables and beach logs to eat lunch and a beautiful rugged coastline to explore. Because the tides change daily, every visit to Rialto will yield a different experience. With high tides, enjoy watching the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean. During low tides, trek and out back toward Hole in the Wall as time permits and ask our guide about tidepooling for special low tides less than 2 feet. After an afternoon visit to Rialto Beach, we will make the 1 hour 30 minute drive back to Port Angeles.
Itinerary Outline
7:30 AM: Departure
Morning: Hoh Rain Forest (2 hr)
Mid-Day: Forks (15-20 min)
Afternoon: Rialto Beach (1-2 hr)
3:30 PM / 4:30 PM: Return
Timing and destinations subject to change based on weather, group pace, and road conditions.
Itinerary Breakdown
Drive Time: 4-5 hours
Sightseeing Time: 3-4 hours
What’s Included
Naturalist Guided Hiking Tour
National Park Entrance Fees
Roundtrip Transportation
Meet-up Location
Port Angeles Wharf 115 E Railroad Ave, Port Angeles, WA 98362
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Additional Details
Naturalist Guided Hiking Tour
The Hoh Rain Forest is one of the most compelling tour destinations for our Naturalist Hiking Guides. Along the Hall of Mosses Trail (0.75 mi loop) and Spruce Nature Trail (1.25 mi loop), our guide will overview the incredible biodiversity of the mosses, lichens, and micro-plants, discuss the natural history of the ancient old-growth evergreen trees, and ecological impact of the glacier-fed Hoh River. As tides, time, and parking permits, our guide may lead some guided explorations at Rialto Beach, identifying the unique geology and erosion of the Olympic Wilderness Coast, while keeping an eye out for Bald Eagles, Sea Otters, Harbor Seals, and with incredible luck, a whale.
Hiking Trails
We typically cover 2-4 miles on this guided tour. Our guide will hike on the following trails for varying amounts of time and mileage based on the itinerary timing, group pace, weather conditions, and overall traffic. There are options for guests to hike less at each destination.
Hoh Rain Forest: From the Visitor Center, our guide will generally start with the 0.75 mile Hall of Mosses, followed by the 1.25 mile Spruce Nature Trail loop. There are a few sets of nature stairs, but both loops are generally flat and well-maintained.
Rialto Beach: Our itinerary timing and tides will dictate the amount of hiking at Rialto Beach. We generally hike out-and-back toward Hole in the Wall (1 mile one-way) and hike through a rocky beach, softer sand, around logs, and through a seasonal creek crossing.
Seasonal Itinerary Adjustments
Spring: Time may be prioritized at the Hoh Rain Forest instead of Rialto Beach due to seasonally higher water levels in Ellen Creek, which limits hiking access at Rialto Beach.
Summer: Hoh Rain Forest trails will be top priority, but there may be shortened time due to entrance fee station delays. If the parking lot is full at Rialto Beach, our guide will have to stay with the tour van and Rialto Beach explorations may be self-guided.
Fall: Beautiful fall colors and wildlife viewing will be the priority at the Hoh Rain Forest. During afternoon low tides, hiking to Hole in the Wall may be feasible at Rialto Beach.
All Seasons: If there is an afternoon low-tide at 1 foot or lower, our guide will make efforts to prioritize tidepooling at Rialto Beach.