About
Length1.2 mi
ShapeLoop
DifficultyEasy
Elevation gain50 ft up
Typical time45 min
TrailheadHoh Rain Forest Visitor Center
SurfaceLevel packed gravel
Best seasonJuly to September for the high country; the rainforest and coast work year round if you accept the rain. Hurricane Ridge road can close in winter storms.
DogsNot allowed
What you'll see 🌊 River or creek🌲 Old growth

A short rain forest loop, the Spruce Nature Trail packs incredible variety into just 1.2 miles (1.9 km). This is a great place to look for the fascinating phenomenon known as "nurse logs" - fallen trees which provide a place for new seedlings to grow. You can see them at every stage, from the new-fallen log with brand new baby trees sprouting on it to the rows of centuries-old trees whose "nurse log" has long since rotted away, leaving them standing in a perfectly straight line, called a colonnade. The trail also winds past the Hoh River, with its unique pale blue glacial waters flowing down from Mount Olympus to the Pacific. Full Accessibility Description Length: 6,645 feet, 1.25 miles; Loop: 6,040 feet, 1.14 miles Surface Type: Compacted gravel Typical Trail Width: First 350 feet: 6 feet; 350-720: 3 feet; 720-6,040 feet: 2-3 feet Typical Running Slope: First 400 feet: under 5%; remainder fluctuating uphill and downhill with numerous steep grades typically less than 50 feet in length ranging from 7-25%, interspersed with gentle stretches Typical Cross Slope: Less than 2% Elevation Gain/Loss: Less than 65 feet Accessible Parking: Van-accessible parking immediately across from park information boards Description: The Hoh parking area has five van-accessible parking spaces. From the parking area, cross the crosswalk and turn right to reach the trailhead where several boards display information about the area. From the information boards, proceed forward for 310 feet to an intersection. There is a bench on the left at 200 feet. At the intersection, go to the right. At 350 feet cross the 30-foot bridge. The trail narrows from 6 feet to 3 feet after the bridge. From 400 to 455 feet, the trail climbs at 14-17% grade to another intersection. The Hoh River Trail is to the left. Proceed to the right for the Spruce Nature Trail. Continue downhill for 50 feet at 8-11% grade, followed by 30 feet of uphill at 6-8% to reach the start of the loop trail. Turn left and continue uphill at 14-17% grade incline. At 640 feet, there is a staircase with nine stairs. The steps are 4-6 inches high with long treads between, sloping upward at 8-11%. At the top of the staircase, continue uphill at a maximum grade of 10% for 750 feet, completing the longest continuous climb of the trail. After this point, the trail is a series of ups and downs with more level sections in between, before meeting back at the beginning intersection to complete the loop.

Tips
Half the crowd of the Hall of Mosses and arguably better forest. Roosevelt elk graze the river flats.
Location

Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center

Other Hikers
No one has logged this trail yet.
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Trail data: USGS National Map / PAD-US, the National Park Service, state agencies, and © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Access and conditions change — check with the managing agency before you go.