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.” Because the river is formed by glacial runoff, that origin appears straightforward. 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 is the actual history behind the name? It appears to be lost to time.
Regardless of the name, there’s no question as to the allure that draws visitors back to the rainforest year after year. Throughout the winter season, rain falls frequently in the Hoh Rain Forest, contributing to the yearly average of 140 inches (3.55 meters) of precipitation each year. The result is a lush, green canopy of both coniferous and deciduous species. The mosses and ferns that blanket the surfaces add another dimension to the enchantment of the rainforest.
