This Otherworldly Lush Forest Is Considered The Quietest Destination In America

Today, noise is an inescapable part of our lives. Whether you live in a bustling city or its outskirts, things like cars, planes, appliances, televisions, and phones surround most of us constantly. In the cacophony of it all, have you ever wondered where you might find a quiet place in America to escape?  Well, believe it or not, such a place exists: Hoh Rainforest in Western Washington State, an otherworldly, lush forest considered the quietest destination in America and the world.

The Hoh Rainforest was formed by glacial activity thousands of years ago. It's situated within the Olympic National Park, a 3,600-square-mile peninsula adorned with ancient trees, evergreen mountains, diverse valleys, oceans, volcanic beaches, and cascading waterfalls. Although there are other rainforests on the peninsula, the Hoh Rainforest is something altogether unique. But how can we quantify this place as the "quietest destination in America?"

Well, through the passionate work of Emmy Award-winning acoustic ecologist Gordon Hempton, aptly titled "One Square Inch of Silence." In this project, Hempton used decibel readings to study and identify areas with minimal noise pollution in order to promote respect and protection for such serene places. The Hoh Rainforest stands out as the quietest among 11 other designated quiet zones in the United States. You can actually see this process explored in the critically acclaimed documentary "Soundtracker: A Portrait of Gordon Hempton" (2010). Even renowned filmmaker Ken Burns praises the film as a "remarkable journey and quest for imperiled Nature" (via Soundtracker Press and Media).

As one of the strangest natural wonders, the Hoh Rainforest boasts one of the most remarkable ecosystems in the United States. It receives 14 feet of rain annually, plus an additional 30 inches from mist and fog. This abundant moisture supports a rich diversity of plant life, including many species of moss that thrive as epiphytes (meaning they grow on other plants without harming them),  towering Sitka Spruce, and the colossal Western Hemlock.

As for animals, expect to see majestic Roosevelt elk, cougars, and bears. The waters are home to 37 native fish species, including Pacific salmon, the tiny Olympic mud minnow, and Crescenti trout. Unique to this region are the Olympic marmot, Olympic snow mole, and Olympic torrent salamander, found nowhere else in the world. It's no wonder the Hoh Rainforest is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve, attracting over 3 million visitors annually.

Like the wild animals and plant life that thrive here, the quietest spot in the United States is something to be discovered. Marked by Gordon Hempton, this location is indicated by a small red stone on a mossy log. This subtle marker helps maintain its secrecy and prevents visitors from disturbing it, ensuring the preservation of its tranquil ambiance. However, finding this small square inch by chance in the 24-mile Hoh Rainforest is nearly impossible. For those who prefer precise coordinates, you can locate it at N 48.12885°, W 123.68234°.

For the best experience, plan your trip in winter when the forest's otherworldly beauty is at its peak and visitors are at their low. Moreover, winter frost adds an enchanting sparkle, making the landscape even more mesmerizing. To ensure a quiet visit regardless of the season, it's essential to be mindful of your own noise. First, minimize any anthropogenic noise (noise created by human activity). Opt for clothing and gear without rustling fabrics, clinking metal, or loud zippers. Make sure any non-essential electronic devices are set to silent. Tread lightly on the trails and limit your group size to reduce overall noise. Additionally, take brief pauses in areas with abundant moss, as moss naturally absorbs sound, enhancing the tranquility around you.

Consider exploring trails like the 0.8-mile Hall of Mosses or the 1.2-mile Spruce Nature Trail for an enchanting loop hike year-round. For those looking for a more intermediate hiking experience, try the 5-mile out-and-back hike with views of century-old trees lining the Hoh River. The Hoh Rain Forest is open daily from April to November but only on weekends from December to March, with camping and hiking accessible year-round. Unfortunately, the Hoh Rainforest isn't always left in peace. The U.S. Navy's use of the airspace above for training contributes to noise pollution. Although there have been objections against using the airspace, more effort is needed to ensure that the quietest destination in America remains a natural sanctuary of silence.