Hoh Campground Review: A Black and Jewish Couple's Adventure in Olympic National Park
The Hoh Rainforest. Even the name conjures images of dripping moss, towering trees, and an almost mystical ambiance. To celebrate Ben finally finishing his PhD dissertation, we – Maya and Ben, a Black/Jewish married couple in our early 40s – decided to immerse ourselves in its verdant embrace with a camping trip to the Hoh Campground (47.8593° N, 123.9368° W). Maya, an avid birdwatcher and amateur mycologist, was practically vibrating with excitement at the prospect of spotting rare fungi and elusive birds. Ben, a fly fisherman at heart, dreamed of battling (and hopefully landing) a trout in the legendary Hoh River. This trip was more than just a vacation; it was a reset, a chance to reconnect with nature, and a celebration of a significant milestone. Join us as we share our experiences, the good, the challenging, and the downright hilarious, in this iconic corner of Olympic National Park.
The Road to the Rainforest: A Winding Journey
Getting to the Hoh Campground is an experience in itself. After turning off Highway 101, the road narrowed, and the world transformed into a tunnel of green. Towering trees, draped in emerald moss, crowded the roadside, creating a sense of almost claustrophobic beauty. The road twisted and turned, following the contours of the landscape. "Ben, are you sure this is the right way? My stomach is doing loop-de-loops," Maya asked, clutching the dashboard. Ben, eyes glued to the GPS, replied confidently, "Relax, it's an adventure! Besides, the anticipation will make the destination even better!" He wasn’t wrong, though the winding road certainly tested Maya’s motion sickness remedies. The drive provided a perfect introduction to the rainforest's immersive environment, a prelude to the tranquility and wildness that awaited us.
Settling In: Site B21 and the Springbar Saga
We were assigned to Site B21, a decent spot nestled amongst the ferns. The real adventure, however, began with the tent. Ben, in a moment of misguided confidence, insisted on setting up our vintage canvas Springbar tent (Vagabond 4 model) himself. "I got this, Maya, no problem," Ben declared, rolling up his sleeves. Two hours later, covered in sweat and wrestling with a tent pole, he muttered, "Maybe I should have watched that YouTube tutorial again…"
The vintage charm of the Springbar tent comes with a learning curve. Eventually, with a combination of teamwork (and a healthy dose of Maya's patience), we got it erected. The moral of the story? Even experienced campers can benefit from a refresher course. The struggles were worth it however as the canvas tent provided a dry and relatively warm place to sleep, a welcome refuge from the damp surroundings.
Campground Rules: Raccoons and Marshmallow Mayhem
The Hoh Campground, like all campgrounds in Olympic National Park, has strict food storage requirements. Raccoons are notorious for their culinary adventures, and campers are strongly advised to keep all food and scented items locked in bear-resistant canisters or their vehicles. We took the warning seriously, storing everything in our trusty Pelican Elite cooler. Or so we thought.
We were awakened late one night by a rustling sound outside the tent. Peeking through the canvas, we saw a raccoon, bold as brass, pulling a bag of marshmallows straight from our Pelican Elite cooler! "Hey! Get out of there!" Ben yelled groggily, to no avail. The raccoon, unfazed, scurried off into the darkness with its prize, leaving us with a valuable lesson: raccoons are resourceful, and even the best coolers aren't foolproof. We woke up the next morning to find marshmallow remnants scattered near the tent. We found marshmallow flavored coffee with the remains of our fluffy treats! So, if you plan to camp at the Hoh, be extra vigilant about your food storage. Learning how to avoid raccoons at Hoh Campground is critical!
Bathroom and Showering: Embracing the Wilderness
The Hoh Campground offers basic amenities: pit toilets. Showers are not available. While not luxurious, the facilities were clean and well-maintained. We opted for a more civilized approach to hygiene, utilizing our portable camping shower with a Zodi Outback Gear Hot Tap. Heating water on our propane stove, we created a makeshift shower area amongst the ferns.
"The cool mist from the rainforest mixing with the warm water…it’s surprisingly refreshing," Maya said, closing her eyes. The smell of damp earth filled the air. Showering amidst the ferns was an experience unlike any other. It was a sensory symphony of cool mist, warm water, and the earthy fragrance of the rainforest. The portable shower offered a welcome respite from the dampness and allowed us to feel refreshed and rejuvenated after a day of hiking and exploring.
Activities: Exploring the Rainforest's Wonders
The Hoh Rainforest offers a multitude of activities for nature enthusiasts. We spent our days hiking, birdwatching, fly fishing, and simply soaking in the ambiance.
Hiking the Marymere Falls Trail
One of our favorite hikes was the Marymere Falls trail around Lake Crescent [https://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/marymere-falls-trail.htm]. The trail meandered through lush forest, leading to the stunning Marymere Falls. Maya, ever the dedicated mycologist, was in her element, identifying different species of fungi along the way. "Look, Ben, Amanita muscaria! Isn't she a beauty?" she exclaimed, pointing to a vibrant red-capped mushroom with white spots. Ben, while less enthusiastic about fungi, appreciated Maya's passion and the stunning beauty of the rainforest. The Marymere Falls trail offered a perfect blend of natural beauty and moderate exercise, making it a highlight of our trip.
Fly Fishing Frustrations (and Lessons)
Ben, armed with his fly rod and a healthy dose of optimism, was determined to catch a trout in the Hoh River. The river, however, proved to be a formidable adversary. The thick brush along the riverbank made casting a challenge, and the elusive trout seemed determined to avoid his offerings. “Just one bite, that’s all I need,” Ben said, wading deeper into the river, only to snag his line on an overhanging branch. Despite his best efforts, the trout remained elusive. While he didn't catch any fish, he learned a valuable lesson: sometimes, the joy is in the pursuit, not the catch. Find the best fly fishing spots near Hoh Campground for future success.
Birdwatching Bliss
Maya, equipped with her Swarovski EL 8x32 binoculars and the Merlin Bird ID app on her phone, reveled in the rainforest's avian diversity. She enthusiastically identified various bird species, her excitement contagious. She spotted a barred owl, its distinctive hoot echoing through the trees, and a varied thrush, describing its call with delight. The Hoh Rainforest is a birdwatcher's paradise, and Maya made the most of it, adding several new species to her life list. The Hoh Rainforest birdwatching guide is essential if you are looking for a unique experience.
Stargazing Under a Canopy of Stars
One of the most magical aspects of camping in the Hoh Rainforest is the incredible darkness. Far from city lights, the night sky explodes with stars. We spent hours lying on our backs, gazing at the celestial tapestry. We observed Orion and Ursa Major, marveling at the Milky Way. "It's like someone spilled glitter across the sky," Maya whispered in awe. The stargazing opportunities in the Hoh Rainforest are unparalleled, offering a humbling reminder of the vastness of the universe. Look for the best campgrounds Olympic National Park for stargazing.
Camping Cuisine: Rainforest Flavors
Our camping meals were a culinary highlight of the trip. One evening, we prepared salmon grilled on cedar planks over our propane stove, accompanied by foraged chanterelle mushrooms sautéed in butter and garlic (responsibly harvested, of course). The combination of the smoky salmon and the earthy chanterelles was a taste of the rainforest itself. We responsibly foraged for the mushrooms, ensuring we only took what we needed and left plenty behind for the ecosystem.
The Hoh Rainforest Ambiance: Sensory Overload
The Hoh Rainforest is an experience for all the senses. The smell of damp earth permeates the air, mingling with the fragrance of cedar and spruce. The sound of rain dripping from the trees creates a constant, soothing soundtrack. The feel of moss on our skin is soft and cool. The air is thick with moisture, and the sunlight filters through the canopy in dappled patterns, creating an ethereal glow. The rainforest's ambiance is both invigorating and calming, a reminder of the power and beauty of nature. The Hoh Rainforest camping expectations vs reality: you WILL get wet!
Final Thoughts: A Rainforest Reset
Our camping trip to the Hoh Campground was more than just a vacation; it was a journey of reconnection, celebration, and discovery. We faced challenges (tent setup struggles, raccoon encounters), reveled in natural beauty (hiking, birdwatching, stargazing), and savored the unique ambiance of the rainforest. As a Black and Jewish couple, we appreciated the opportunity to escape the everyday and immerse ourselves in the tranquility of nature. The experience left us feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and deeply grateful for the opportunity to explore this incredible corner of the world. Ready for your own Hoh adventure? Book Hoh Campground Site today!