Maple Grove Off Hall of Mosses - Short Walk

A grove of huge, moss-laden maple trees towers over a forest floor thick with ferns.

A short detour from the Hall of Mosses loop branches to a grove of massive big leaf maple trees. This is an easy walk requiring no special fitness or gear. The trail is well-suited for families and those seeking a quick forest experience without committing to a longer hike.

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 1
Route Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty Level: Easy
Elevation Gain Feet: 50

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 1
Route Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty Level: Easy
Elevation Gain Feet: 50
Estimated Time: 30-45 minutes
Trail Surface: Dirt and roots with muddy, wet sections common
Trail Features: Massive big leaf maple grove
Old-growth lowland rainforest
Moss-covered forest floor
Lush understory vegetation
Trail Highlights: Ancient big leaf maple trees dominate both sides of the path, often 6+ feet in diameter. Thick moss coating trunks and rocks creates a primordial forest atmosphere. Perfect for photography and experiencing old-growth Pacific Northwest temperate rainforest.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: Branches from Hall of Mosses Loop trailhead, Hoh River Road
Parking Lot Size: 50-60 vehicles (main Hall of Mosses lot; shared trailhead)
Parking Fill Time: 9 AM on summer weekends; 10-11 AM on weekdays
Shuttle Required: 0
Shuttle Details: No shuttle service; drive to Hall of Mosses trailhead parking

Permits & conditions

Permit Details: None required
Fees: Entrance - Private Vehicle: $30.00 — Valid for seven consecutive days (NPS API, as of 2026-06-12)
Trail Status: Open
Seasonal Closures: No seasonal closures; year-round access when road is passable

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 1
Water Sources: No water sources on trail; carry all water you need
Accessibility: Flat forest walk with no stairs or steep grades. Muddy, wet conditions may challenge hikers with mobility limitations. No wheelchair-accessible features reported.

Safety & strategy

Hazards: Wet/slippery rock and tree roots
Frequent muddy sections
Occasional deadfall
Heavy rain exposure
Low visibility in thick fog
Hazard Details: Rainforest conditions mean perpetually wet surfaces. Moss-covered roots and rocks are extremely slippery, especially after rain. Deadfall occasionally blocks sections. Weather can deteriorate quickly; fog rolls in with minimal warning. Standard wildlife precautions apply (bears, elk, deer present in area).
Cell Service: Spotty to no cell service; do not rely on communications for emergencies
Crowd Level: Light to moderate; much less crowded than Hall of Mosses main loop
Peak Crowd Times: Summer weekends (July-August); early mornings and weekdays are quieter
Best Season: Late spring through early fall (May–September) for most stable conditions
Best Time To Visit: Late spring through early fall when conditions are driest. Visit October-November to see big leaf maples in fall color. Arrive at Hall of Mosses trailhead by 9 AM on summer weekends to secure parking before lot fills.
Tips Advice: Bring a rain jacket—this is rainforest country; afternoon showers common.
Wear waterproof boots; mud and wet surfaces are constant.
Start early (before 10 AM) to avoid congestion at Hall of Mosses trailhead.
Make noise; elk and deer frequent the Hoh area. Stay alert and don't approach wildlife.
Carry 1-2L water even on short walks; dehydration sneaks up in cool, wet climates.

More details

Park Area: Hoh Rainforest Area
Trail Markers: Well-maintained and marked; easy to follow
Dogs Allowed: Not allowed on most Olympic National Park trails; check current regulations at visitor center
Biking Allowed: Not allowed; foot traffic only
Shade Level: Fully shaded under dense forest canopy
Emergency Contacts: Call 911 or contact Hoh Visitor Center (approximately 0.5 miles from trailhead via Hoh River Road). Nearest ranger station: Hoh River Ranger Station.
Map Recommended: 1
Snow Dates: Rare; this elevation rarely receives significant snow
Mud Season: October through March (wet season); heaviest in December-January
Fall Colors Peak: October through November (big leaf maples peak color)
Bug Season: June through August (peak mosquito season in rainforest); dawn and dusk worst
Insider Tips: This side path is easily skipped if time is tight—most visitors stick to Hall of Mosses main loop. You'll encounter fewer people.
Big leaf maples shine October-November; visit then for fall color reward.
Start at Hall of Mosses loop by 6:30 AM if you're targeting summer weekends to guarantee parking.
The forest floor is perennially muddy; gaiters protect your socks and boots from splatter.
Pause mid-walk to look up; most hikers fixate on footing and miss the canopy drama overhead.
Recent Updates: No recent closures or major trail work reported
Family Friendly Notes: Excellent for families with school-age children. Length and flat terrain suit young hikers. No reported steep drops or hazardous ledges. Very young children may struggle with muddy/slippery conditions; traction matters. Constant supervision recommended near any deadfall or unstable roots.
Nearby Facilities: Hall of Mosses trailhead has parking and restroom facilities. Hoh Visitor Center approximately 0.5 miles away via Hoh River Road (offers water, restrooms, ranger information). No food or supplies on-trail.
Review Summary: Hikers regard this as an easy, worthwhile detour from Hall of Mosses that sees far lighter traffic than the main loop. Most report the massive maple trees are worth the small time investment. Noted hazards: slippery surfaces when wet, which is most of the year in the Hoh.

Location

Frequently asked questions

Can my kids do this?

Yes. It's short and flat with no hazardous drops or scrambling. Keep an eye on footing when wet; this is slippery terrain. Most kids 5+ handle it fine.

Is this safe to do alone?

Yes, if you're capable of a short walk and aware of your surroundings. Tell someone where you're going. Cell service is spotty; don't rely on it for emergencies. Make noise for wildlife.

Do I need hiking boots?

Not essential, but waterproof boots are strongly recommended. This forest floor is perpetually muddy and slippery. Good traction prevents twisted ankles and soaked feet.

How crowded is this trail?

Much less crowded than Hall of Mosses main loop. You'll likely encounter fewer than 10 people, especially on weekdays or shoulder seasons.

Can I bring my dog?

Dogs are not permitted on most Olympic National Park trails, including this one. Check current regulations at Hoh Visitor Center before bringing pets.

What's the best time to visit?

October-November for fall maple colors and slightly drier conditions. Avoid early winter (December-January) when mud is heaviest. Summer weekends mean parking chaos.

What if it's raining?

Rain is normal here. Short walk + good rain gear = manageable day. Heavy rain or fog can reduce visibility. Skip only if lightning threatens.