How to Elope in the Hoh Rainforest

Dec 8

Your Guide to the Hoh Rainforest & Hall of Mosses Trail

Below is everything you need to know to plan an elopement or wedding in the Hoh Rainforest of Washington state. As one of the largest temperate rainforests in North America, it’s a truly unique and breathtaking venue that is accessible year-round for folks who love the Pacific Northwest. Keep reading to see more photos of a Hoh Rainforest elopement, plus

Why You Should Get Married in the Hoh Rainforest
Best Place to Elope in the Hoh Rainforest
Steps to Planning a Hoh Rainforest Elopement
How to Get to the Hoh Rainforest
Best Time of Year to Visit the Hoh Rainforest
ADA Accessible Areas in the Hoh Rainforest
Things to Do in the Hoh Rainforest
Bringing Your Dog to the Hoh Rainforest
Hoh Rainforest Photography Package

The national park sign as you enter the Hoh Rainforest that states "HOH: Olympic National PArk. Elevation 573 feet."

A couple in wedding attire are standing in front of a hundred-foot-tall moss-covered tree. They are looking up at the rainforest.

A couple in the Hoh Rainforest look at each other with smiles on their faces.

Why You Should Get Married in the Hoh Rainforest

You should consider the Hoh Rainforest as your destination for an adventure elopement or outdoor wedding if you love old-growth forests, time outdoors, wildlife, and the diverse landscape of the Pacific Northwest. The Hoh Rainforest is close to many other hikes throughout Olympic National Park that can take you along the rocky coastline, into the mountain peaks, or wandering along endless forest trails.

I get a lot of inquires from people who are looking for “Twilight vibes,” and I have to say you’ve come to the right place if that’s you! Moss-covered branches on ancient groves of hundred-foot tall trees are the first thing you see when you arrive in the Hoh Rainforest. The ground is a soft, sometimes soggy, layer of rich soil that feeds miles and miles of sword ferns and other native plants that thrive in this cloudy, rainy place. It’s an environment you can’t find in many other places on earth, which is just one of the things that makes it so special!

Ready to Start planning?

Best Place to Elope in the Hoh Rainforest

Hall of Mosses Trail

The Hall of Mosses Trail is my favorite spot for elopements in the Hoh Rainforest because it is a loop hike with dozens of beautiful places to stop for photos, enjoy a quiet ceremony, or step aside for a little bit of privacy without leaving the trail. There are a few narrow spots where I do not recommend having a ceremony, because it would be impossible for other visitors to pass you easily, but there are other places where it’s easy to forget you’re not alone amongst the thick moss and dripping leaves of these 300-foot trees.

The environment acts as a natural sound dampener, which makes it one of the quietest places on earth. Sure, there is the constant drip drip drip after it rains, the occasional tweets and twitters of birds, and the soft brush of ferns as you walk through overgrown foliage, but you won’t hear the drone of traffic or other noises we associate often with being outdoors. It’s the perfect place to share private vows in true privacy.

If you really want to enjoy the place all to yourself, choose an off-season date or early morning hour to begin your hike. The Hall of Mosses Trail is open to the public 24/7 year-round, though I personally recommend it from May-October.

See more images from this Hall of Mosses elopement in the Hoh Rainforest.

A couple who just got married are dancing in the hoh rainforest in washington state. The one wearing a white dress is being "dipped" by the person in a suit.

Steps to Planning a Hoh Rainforest Elopement

1) Create a list of your priorities

The first thing you need to do is set your list of priorities. What is most important to you? Is it the venue, photographer, date, another vendor, or something else? Whatever is your first priority, make it happen! If that first priority to make this event perfect is a vendor—reach out to them asap!

For elopements, it’s standard to begin with booking your photographer. You really want to prioritize connecting with someone who you will enjoy inviting into this special moment. Often, I’m the only other person present for an elopement, and it’s very important to me that each couple I work with feels supported to be fully themselves.

2) choose a Date

Book that top priority—venue, vendor, or other scheduling consideration. Choose a date and get it set! Once you’ve booking your top priority for a date, it’s time to start planning. You’ll be able to reach out to other vendors to check their availability, begin sending out save-the-date’s to any guests, and finalize so many other choices. It’s at this stage that you begin to find plans falling into place.

3) Choose a ceremony location

This decision can be made anywhere in the planning stage. If you’re bringing guests, you’ll need to know your ceremony location earlier. If you’re eloping just the two of you, you can decide on this up until the days before! Of course, you’ll need to know a general location. But, for example, if you’re eloping on a hiking trail and want to choose the best spot based on what feels right in the moment, I am happy to be flexible.

4) Reserve any bookings or reservations

Now it is time to make sure you have everything all set! A place to stay, your vendors, your travel arrangements, etc. You’ll also want to check up on any other permits that may be required, especially if you’re choose a ceremony location on public lands.

Olympic National Park does have a permitting system in place for weddings. However, I have spoken with the park rangers and multiple couples over the years who’ve been told you do not need a permit for a two-person elopement. You do need a permit if you plan to bring a group of guests along for the adventure, or if you want to do any kind of set-up. I recommend keeping it simple and letting the beautiful nature of the PNW act as your backdrop.

5) Have your dream wedding!

You’ve done the leg work, properly prepared, settled all the details, and now all that’s left to do is get hitched! Your wedding is going to be gorgeous in such a beautiful place—I can’t wait to celebrate with you!

A bride and groom who just said "I do" have their first kiss. They eloped outdoors in the forest.

Where is the Hoh Rainforest?

“In the state of Washington, under a near constant cover of clouds and rain…”

The Hoh Rainforest is on the Olympic Peninsula of Washington state. The closest town is Forks, which is nearly a 4-hour drive from Seattle. It’s definitely not one of the most accessible locations, but if you love a roadtrip it is one of the most beautiful places you’ll ever see. The rainforest is part of a vast 10,000 acres that is being conserved for future generations of visitors and the abundant wildlife that live in this incredible biodiverse landscape.

The Hoh is actually one of four rainforests in Washington state. The others are the Quinault, the Queets, and the Bogachiel, but they are all part of the Olympic National Park area and borders of the individual forests are not always obvious to visitors. To visit the Hoh, you drive along the Hoh River until you reach the Hoh Rainforest Visitor Center, where there is ample parking, a picnic area, and the trailheads to hiking trails.

How to Get to the Hoh Rainforest

From Port Angeles

Head west on Highway 101. After about 68 miles, turn left on Upper Hoh Road, which turns into Hoh Valley Road. Proceed to the trailhead, near the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center at the end of this road.

From Seattle

The fastest route is usually to take the I-5 south through to Olympia. Take exit 104 for Highway 101 North toward Aberdeen/Port Angeles. Keep left to stay on the WA-8 W and follow signs for Montesano/Aberdeen. Continue on until you can take a right onto the US 101-N just past Aberdeen. Continue on Highway 101 for about 94 miles, then take a right onto Upper Hoh Road, which turns into the Hoh Valley Road. Proceed to the trailhead, near the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center at the end of this road.

You can also take the one of the ferries from Seattle to the east side of the Olympic Peninsula and take the northern route through Port Angeles.

A couple are holding hands in front of an officiant as they get married in the forest.

Best Time of Year to Visit the Hoh Rainforest

Spring

Late spring is probably my favorite time of year to visit the Hoh Rainforest. The summer visitor season has not yet started, so the trails are quiet. The forest is waking up from a long, wet winter and the mossy, green foliage is the most vibrant color it is all year. If I could choose the best time of year to visit the Hoh Rainforest, I would likely choose late-May to mid-June.

Summer

If I had to choose a second-best time to visit the Hoh, it would be summer. It’s certainly a more accessible time of year—the trails are dry, shops and amenities are all open, and the small towns are alive with visitors. That also makes it the most difficult time to plan for. The lines are longer, the wait times are extended, and it’s harder to find a place to stay. You’re less likely to find privacy, unless you’re willing to wake up for sunrise. Which, if you’re open to it, I highly recommend!

Fall

Autumn in an evergreen rainforest isn’t your typical autumn. The greens are trending a little more brown after a long dry summer season, but the general vibes for the rainforest are exactly what the name implies. It’s still a busy time of year as outdoor recreation enthusiasts are vying for last adventures before the cold of the winter sets in. I find that visits in the fall still feel a bit summery in Olympic National Park—the forest really appreciates a bit of a reset in winter, which is when the rains come to wash away everyone’s footprints.

Winter

I like to call winter in Olympic National Park messy season. This is when you’re going to be encountering deep, thick mud on all the trails. If you’re not afraid of that, you’ll find a uniquely private time in the forest, because the fact is that most people don’t want to brave the mud. The Pacific Northwest has swiftly-changing weather, so there’s always the chance you’ll choose a lucky day where the sun shines between the soggy branches, but you’re just as likely to see thick grey clouds and heavy rain for days at a time. Winter in the Hoh is a gamble, but it’s still uniquely beautiful.

ADA-Accessible Areas in the Hoh Rainforest

The Hoh Rainforest is one of the more accessible locations in Olympic National Park for visitors with physical/mobility requirements. The area around the visitor’s center is mostly paved, and both the bathrooms and picnic area include features that make it easier to navigate. However, it’s not perfect. If you have a specific request, please call the Hoh Visitor Center at 360-374-6925 for more information.

The 3 trails from the Visitor’s Center are unpaved. Below, I offered all the information available through Olympic National Park to relay expected trail conditions. However, note that accessibility standards can change due to weather, fallen tree branches, and saturated ground conditions.

If your accessibility needs are related to deafness/hearing impairment, here is more information on ways Olympic National Park can support your visit.

Service animals are allowed anywhere in Olympic National Park, including on trails.

The Hoh Visitor’s Center

When open, the center is wheelchair-accessible
The visitor’s center is often closed January & February
The center has information about the rainforest, as well as exhibits to learn more

Hoh Picnic Area

There are accessible restrooms and one picnic site with table extensions

Hoh Campground

Accessible restrooms (Loop A & B)
There are paved campsites
There are some picnic table extensions (Loop A)
There is access to the amphitheater