Among the only temperate rain forests in the Northern Hemisphere, the Hoh Rain Forest is a not-to-be-missed attraction on the West Side of the Olympic Peninsula. Moisture-laden air from the Pacific brings over 150" of annual rainfall to the Hoh Valley, (record of 211").

Nineteen miles inland from Hwy 101 you'll find the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center. Three loop trails near the Visitor Center are easy to stroll and give a great sampling of the area:

• The Hall of Mosses Trail is 3/4 mile and shows the moss-draped maples, magically green in the spring, spectacular with color in the fall and a treat any time of year.

• The 1 1/4 mile Spruce Trail follows the Hoh River along red alder and maple "bottom", and shows the landscape carved by this glacier-fed river; and a paved 1/4 mile path suitable for a wheelchair or stroller.

The Hoh Visitor Center is the starting point for many longer and more challenging hikes to the alpine meadows and glacier fields. Scenic river floats are available in summer on the Hoh River, and fishing guides offer great sporting and photography trips year-round.