The Hoh River Trail (17.3 miles/27.8 km one way) is a starting point for backpackers headed toward Mount Olympus, but there's no rule that says you have to go that far! (If you do want to, contact the Wilderness Information Center to make a backpacking plan. www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/wilderness.htm has locations and hours). For a peaceful out-and-back day hike (aka just turn around and come back when you're ready), the first section of the Hoh River Trail is mostly level and often much quieter than other, more bustling areas of the park, the only sounds coming from bird songs and rushing water. Look for the beautiful, 60-foot (18 meter) cascade of Mineral Creek falls 2.8 miles (4.5 km) in!