Five Mile Camp

Hello, Washington outdoor enthusiasts! Are you yearning for the mystical allure of an ancient rainforest, the serene whisper of a wild river, and the profound peace that only deep wilderness can offer? For many of us in the Evergreen State, the call of the wild is an undeniable force, drawing us to explore the incredible natural wonders that define our home. Today, we're taking a closer look at a truly special destination for those seeking an immersive outdoor experience: Five Mile Camp. Located within the breathtaking Olympic National Park, this backcountry gem provides a unique opportunity to connect with one of the world's most enchanting temperate rainforests.

Five Mile Camp isn't your average drive-up campground; it's a destination for hikers and backpackers who are prepared to venture a few miles into the heart of the Hoh Rain Forest. This camp offers a quintessential Olympic Peninsula experience, characterized by towering ancient trees draped in moss, vibrant green undergrowth, and the soothing sounds of the Hoh River flowing nearby. Whether you're planning a day hike to witness its beauty or an overnight stay to truly soak in the rainforest's magic, Five Mile Camp promises an unforgettable adventure that highlights the unparalleled natural heritage of Washington.

Five Mile Camp is a designated backcountry campsite situated along the famous Hoh River Trail, deep within Olympic National Park in Washington, USA. As its name suggests, it is located approximately five miles from the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center and the Hoh River Trailhead. This trailhead serves as the primary access point for the camp. The Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center is accessible by road, typically via US-101 on the Olympic Peninsula, then turning onto Upper Hoh Road (WA-106). The drive to the Hoh Rain Forest can take several hours from major Washington cities like Seattle or Tacoma, but it's a scenic journey that sets the stage for the natural wonders ahead.

Once at the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center, access to Five Mile Camp is exclusively by foot. The Hoh River Trail is renowned for its relatively flat and easy-to-follow terrain, especially in its initial miles. This makes the hike to Five Mile Camp accessible to a wide range of hikers, including families, though it still requires a moderate level of fitness due to the distance. The trail winds through incredibly lush, old-growth temperate rainforest, offering stunning views of the Hoh River. While the trail is generally well-maintained, conditions can vary with weather, so checking with Olympic National Park for current trail status before your trip is always advisable. The popularity of the Hoh Rain Forest means the trailhead and parking lot can get crowded, especially during peak season, so arriving early is recommended.

As a backcountry campground within a National Park wilderness area, Five Mile Camp provides essential, minimalist services designed to support responsible wilderness camping and preserve the natural environment. Campers should be prepared for a self-sufficient experience.

• Designated Campsites: Five Mile Camp offers established campsites, which are cleared areas suitable for pitching tents. These sites help concentrate impact and protect the surrounding fragile rainforest ecosystem.

• Pit Toilets: Basic pit toilets (outhouses or privies) are available at the campground. These are crucial for proper waste management in a wilderness setting.

• Bear Wires/Food Storage: Given the presence of wildlife, including bears, the campground is equipped with bear wires or other designated food storage systems. Campers are required to properly hang or store all food and scented items to prevent attracting animals.

• Fire Rings: Many sites include fire rings for campfires, though fire restrictions are common, especially during dry periods. It is imperative to check current fire regulations with Olympic National Park before your trip, as bans are frequently in place to protect the rainforest.

• Water Access: Water is readily available from the Hoh River, which flows adjacent to the campground. However, all water collected from natural sources must be filtered, purified, or boiled before consumption to ensure it is safe.

• Backcountry Permits: An overnight backcountry permit is required for camping at Five Mile Camp. These permits help manage visitor numbers, protect the wilderness, and ensure ranger awareness of who is in the backcountry. Permits should be acquired in advance from Olympic National Park.

• No Potable Water/Trash Cans: Unlike developed campgrounds, Five Mile Camp does not offer potable (drinking) water or trash cans. Campers must pack in all their water or carry a reliable filtration system, and strictly adhere to "Leave No Trace" principles by packing out all trash.

Five Mile Camp offers a truly immersive experience in one of Washington's most iconic natural landscapes. Its features and highlights are deeply tied to its unique rainforest setting:

• Hoh Rain Forest Immersion: The camp is nestled deep within the Hoh Rain Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, allowing campers to be fully surrounded by its unique ecosystem of towering Sitka spruce and western hemlock, draped in mosses and ferns.

• Riverside Location: Situated directly along the Hoh River, the campground offers picturesque views of the clear, braided river and the soothing sounds of its flow, providing a tranquil backdrop for your stay.

• Old-Growth Forest Exploration: The trail to and from Five Mile Camp winds through magnificent old-growth forest, providing opportunities to marvel at ancient trees and the rich biodiversity of the temperate rainforest.

• Wildlife Viewing: The Hoh Rain Forest is home to Roosevelt elk, deer, and various bird species. While encounters with larger animals like elk are possible, proper food storage is essential to maintain wild animal behavior.

• Photography Opportunities: The ethereal beauty of the rainforest, with its lush greenery, misty atmosphere, and unique light filtering through the canopy, makes it a photographer's paradise.

• Solitude and Disconnection: While popular, especially during summer, Five Mile Camp still offers more solitude than roadside campgrounds. The lack of cell service and amenities encourages a true disconnect from modern life.

• Access to Further Backcountry: For more adventurous backpackers, Five Mile Camp can serve as a base or a stopover for longer trips further up the Hoh River Trail towards destinations like Olympus Guard Station or even the Blue Glacier on Mount Olympus.

• Year-Round Hiking (with considerations): The Hoh River Trail is often accessible year-round due to its lower elevation compared to mountain trails, offering a unique opportunity to experience the rainforest in various seasons, including the quieter, misty beauty of winter.

Address: Washington, USA (Specifically, Five Mile Camp is a backcountry site along the Hoh River Trail in Olympic National Park, Forks, WA.)

As Five Mile Camp is a backcountry site and not a traditional staffed campground, there isn't a direct phone number for the camp itself. For all inquiries regarding permits, trail conditions, regulations, and planning your visit to Five Mile Camp, it is essential to contact Olympic National Park directly.

Olympic National Park Wilderness Information Center:

Phone: Please refer to the official National Park Service website for Olympic National Park (nps.gov/olym) for the most current phone numbers for their Wilderness Information Center, as well as updated information on backcountry permits, regulations, and trail conditions. It is highly recommended to check this resource well in advance of your planned trip.

For Washingtonians, Five Mile Camp offers a quintessential wilderness experience that perfectly encapsulates the diverse and magnificent landscapes of our home state. We are incredibly fortunate to have easy access to a place as globally unique as the Hoh Rain Forest, and Five Mile Camp places you right in its mystical heart. This isn't just a camping trip; it's an immersion into an ancient, living ecosystem, a truly unforgettable journey that every Washingtonian should consider.

The accessibility of the Hoh River Trail, despite being a backcountry route, makes Five Mile Camp attainable for a wide range of hikers. It’s a fantastic opportunity to introduce slightly more challenging backpacking to those who are ready for it, without requiring extensive mountaineering skills. The ability to complete it as an overnight trip or even a long, rewarding day hike, allows for flexibility in planning, making it an ideal local adventure.

Furthermore, the experience of being entirely surrounded by the Hoh Rain Forest, sleeping among its towering giants, and waking to the sounds of the river and the rainforest itself, provides a profound sense of peace and disconnection from the everyday grind. In our busy lives, having such a pristine, wild escape just a drive and a hike away is an invaluable asset. For those of us who cherish our state's natural heritage and seek to truly unplug and reconnect with nature, Five Mile Camp is not just suitable—it's an essential Washington experience that will leave you refreshed, inspired, and deeply appreciative of our wild places.