We entered the temperate rain forest and first set up camp because it would surely start misting again. We then paid the park fee and started down the nature trail behind the unimpressive visitor center. As we crossed a bridge, Alan commented on how crystal clear the water looked. The mossy curtain hanging from a sloping tree and the green moss swaying in the gentle current like octupus tentacles impressed me. Green swaying moss covered the entire stream floor. The trail soon split and we chose the Hall of Moss trail. Alan and I began taking pictures of the misty forest. Alan took a short side trail into a ferny grove surrounded by green, mossy branches. I followed, doubled back, and then continued along the main trail to a side trail leading to see the maple grove. I soon spotted an impressive display of moss decorated maple branches. I really liked how much the first tree looked like some sort of dark demon. It reminded me of a cloaked Ring Wrath from LOTR. The maple grove also looked neat. The hall of mosses held many impressive sites. To start, the trees were enormous! We often saw trees 8-10' in diameter and larger. A sign said that the trees often reach a height of 210' tall. The entire forest is draped and decorated with curtains of green moss. We saw trees of all shapes and sizes. Occasionally, the trail would parallel a downed giant for a couple hundred feet. Alongside the ancient giants, small mossy branches often congested the forest. Roots slither around the ground and down tree trunks sometimes coalescing with with neighboring plants. Where trees stand nolonger, massive stumps remained and likely will remain for quite some time.
We completed the loop and started the Hoh River Trail. The scenery continued to improve as we hiked. The forest is so lush green and beautiful. As we hiked, we never lacked spectacular scenery. The forest remained gorgeous and populated by ancient trees. After 2 miles, we took a side trail out to the Hoh River and took pictures. Then we kept hiking. The trail left the river and we began following a small creek occasionally crossing bridges. The forest became less dense and the trees became even more spectacular. We passed several enormous trees at least 10' in diameter. I rather felt that we were traversing Middle Earth because the size of the trees was so unreal. As we neared these looming giants, I'd often circle around them staring up in wonder. Light continued to dim in the sky as we progressed further. After another 2 miles as it became harder and harder to see, I decided to turn around. We now stood 4.3 miles straight line from the visitors center so probably about 4.5 miles by trail. We flew back at tope speed for 3 miles. We were really moving! After that, my knee started to bother me a bit so we slowed a little until we reached the cars. We ate dinner and I stretched under the shelter of the visitor center and eventually headed off to bed. To La Push
Hall of Moss
So Mossy!
Looks kind of mystical.
Hall of Moss
Ferns, mossy branches, and fall colors.
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Hall of Moss
I love this tree. He's soo cool!.
So pretty.
Hall of Moss
Crazy roots.
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Hall of Moss
They're holding hands. Aww.
Ooh, looks like something magical going on in the woods.
Hall of Moss
Stump.
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Hall of Moss
Stump 2.
What a footprint.
Hall of Moss
I wish one of those roots would lift up and crush my Nalgene.
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Hall of Moss
They have big chipmunks in Washington :)
The foggy, misty Hoh River rushes downstream.
Hoh River
Handheld - gotta love image stabilization.
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Hoh River
Alan takes a tripod picture.
Alan takes a tripod picture.
Hoh River
Pretty water.
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Hoh River
Neat water movement.
Flow Hoh River Flow!
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