Trails lead through thick rain forests in the Hoh.
NPS Photo
From the Olympic National Park WEBSITE
The Hoh Rain Forest, pronounced “Hoe”, earns its name from the ever-flowing Hoh River that carves its way from Mount Olympus towards the Pacific Coast. However, where the name originates, is up for debate. The word “Hoh” undoubtedly comes from Native American languages; possibly the Quileute word “Ohalet” which means “fast moving water” or “snow water.” Since the river itself forms from glacial runoff, that origin seems straightfoward. Other explanations state that the Quinault word “Qu,” meaning “boundary,” could be the root of the name as a river as massive as the Hoh certainly forms a formidable boundary across the landscape. A third consideration claims that the word “Hoh” translates to “man with quarreling wives.” What the actual history behind the name is appears to be lost to time.
I was planning a trip to the Hoh Rain Forest ( it’s a little over an hour from where I live ) when life kicked my head in and I set the plan aside.
But I’m starting to think it’s time to make the trip and see the sights because for real- how could anyone live so close to such a great place and NOT go there?
