Are dogs allowed on Hoh River Trail to Blue Glacier?

No, dogs are not permitted on Hoh River Trail to Blue Glacier. This is typical in many national parks and wildlife refuges — check for a nearby dog-friendly alternative.

Do I need a permit to hike Hoh River Trail to Blue Glacier?

Yes, Hoh River Trail to Blue Glacier requires a permit. Wilderness permit required to backpack overnight toward Blue Glacier; lower day-hike needs none. Apply through the issuing agency at https://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/wilderness-reservations.htm before your visit — many systems run lotteries with fixed application windows.

How difficult is Hoh River Trail to Blue Glacier?

Hoh River Trail to Blue Glacier is rated difficult. It is 9.9 miles long with 3,501 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty ratings reflect a combination of distance, elevation gain, and terrain — your experience will depend on your fitness level and trail conditions.

What is the best season to hike Hoh River Trail to Blue Glacier?

Hoh River Trail to Blue Glacier is best hiked in summer. Conditions vary year to year — check the trail status and weather forecast before your visit.

DifficultOut and Back

Olympic National Park/Washington

Hoh River Trail to Blue Glacier

Forks, Washington

9.9 mi

Distance

3,501 ft

Elev. Gain

7h 33m

Est. Time

Out & Back

Route Type

Difficult

Difficulty

About This Trail

Imported description

Journey through the Hall of Mosses temperate rainforest to the Blue Glacier on Mount Olympus. Experience all ecosystems from ancient rainforest to alpine ice.

Trail Conditions

Open

Updated Apr 19, 2026 — may be out of date

No recent condition reports. Be the first to share what you see on the trail.

Hazards & Warnings

Wildlife encountersChanging weatherFlash flood dangerCold waterSlippery rocksAltitude sickness riskAfternoon thunderstormsSteep sectionsLimited water

Trail Details

No dogs
Kid-friendly

Route Type: Out & Back
Surface: Mixed Surface

Permit required

Apply through the issuing agency. Many systems run seasonal lotteries or fixed application windows — confirm current dates on the agency page.

Wilderness permit required to backpack overnight toward Blue Glacier; lower day-hike needs none.

Get permit

Official sources & verification

Managed by National Park Service

Verify before you go

Reserve or permit

Apply for permit
Required permit application for this trail. Many systems run seasonal lotteries or fixed application windows — confirm current dates here.

Source of truth

National Park Service unit page
Alerts, conditions, and the unit's plan-your-visit page.

Verify by phone or mail

Operator:360-565-3130
Address:Olympic National Park Visitor Center, 3002 Mount Angeles Road · Port Angeles, WA · 98362

Best Seasons

Summer

Highlights

Hoh RainforestBlue GlacierGlacier MeadowsElk herdsOld-growth giants

Reviews

No reviews yet

Be the first to share your experience and help others plan their visit.

Verified from National Park Service public trails dataset

Trail centerline: National Park Service public trails dataset. Source ↗

Hunt context

This trail crosses hunting units

During hunting seasons, wear blaze orange and check regulations — see the Washington hunting page

Hoh River Trail to Blue Glacier

About This Trail

Trail Conditions

Trail Conditions

Hazards & Warnings

Trail Details

Best Seasons

Highlights

Reviews

No reviews yet

This trail crosses hunting units

Nearby Trails

Hoh River Trail to Blue Glacier Trail

Hoh Rain Forest Hall of Moss

Spruce Nature Trail and Hall of Mosses Loop

Hoh River Trail to Hoh Lake Trail

Hoh River Trail to Mineral Creek Falls

Hoh River Trail

Other trails in Olympic National Park

Hurricane Ridge Trails

Marymere Falls Trail

Mount Storm King

Hoh Rain Forest Hall of Moss

Sol Duc Falls Nature Trail

Staircase Rapids Loop

Campgrounds near this trail

Hoh Campground - Olympic National Park

Hoh Rain Forest - Olympic National Park

Cardlin Run

Hyak

South Fork Hoh Campground

Twentyonemile

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