Recreation Region: Forks Area

Bogachiel Rain Forest Trail #825

Explore a lush temperate rain forest on easy to moderate hikes through old growth, hanging mosses, fern, maple, and wetlands. The Bogachiel is one of four Olympic ‘rain forest’ valleys. (The others are Hoh, Queets and Quinault). Part of the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail, it provides day-use in a magical valley below, access to Olympic National Park, or an epic adventure to Glacier National Park.

This dog and family friendly trail provides a great opportunity to view old growth rainforest in a wetland setting. Travel though old growth spruce, cedar and hemlock with hanging mosses and a floor of ferns. The Bogachiel River can be accessed at several points before the trail reaches Olympic National Park (ONP) boundary in 1.6 miles (no dogs are allowed in the Park).

There is a 3 mile wetland loop option via the Ira Spring Wetland Trail #825.1 (No horses are allowed on Ira Spring Wetland Trail). Cross Morganroth Creek to the Wetland Loop trail on the left (or east). Weaving through a fern forest, a short path leads to the mouth of the wetland and a State interpretive sign. This Loop Trail is a puncheon route that overlooks wetlands and rejoins the main trail in 1.4 miles. Head west (right) for a 2.9 mile roundtrip hike to the trailhead. Head east to the Park and continue on the Bogachiel River Trail which continues for 30 miles eventually reaching the Seven Lakes Basin and Sol Duc Hot Springs. Contact Olympic National Park for more information about trail conditions inside the Park.

There is a one mile loop via the Homestead Loop Trail #825.2 which begins at 0.3 miles from the trailhead where the main trail turns due east. The Homestead Trail begins to the west. The easy 0.3 mile loop turns south for river views and passes through alder groves of the 1890 Morganroth homestead, chronicled in Footprints in the Olympics. Return to the trailhead for a one mile hike.

Caution: Be sure to carry adequate drinking water, and be prepared for bad weather (wind and rain) by carrying rain gear and warm clothing. During hunting season, wear orange or other bright colors.

Specific Trail Information

Trail Type

Standard/Terra Trail — A trail that has a surface consisting predominantly of the ground and that is designed and managed to accommodate use on that surface.

General Information

Washington Trails Association, Backcountry Horsemen and other groups help to maintain Bogachiel Trail.

You must obtain a wilderness permit at an Olympic National Park office for all overnight trips in the Park.

Motorized vehicles are prohibited.
The trail is closed to mountain bikes at the Park boundary where Wilderness Regulatons apply.
Pets, including dogs, and firearms are prohibited in Olympic National Park.