I decided to do this trail because it's one of the more accessible winter options for people like me who get stressed about snow hiking. I showed up on Saturday evening, paid the $30 entrance fee at the Visitor's Center, checked out the Hall of Mosses and Spruce trails in the immediate area, then hunkered down for some sleep in my car. There were a couple other people doing the same, though not as many as I'm used to seeing in the summer time.
I got up at 5:30 and was on the trail by 6:30, going the first 60-90 min in darkness. The trail was flat, well marked, and wet (rainforest, duh) for the first 5 miles to 5 Mile Island. I jogged this portion, eager to pass the dark hours by putting some miles behind me since I couldn't enjoy my surroundings anyway. After that, the trail alternated from wet to snowy every 1/2 mile or so, never making up it's mind. The temperature also changed a few times, which was odd to me in addition to the snow since I knew I hadn't climbed any elevation. I figure there are some areas the sun doesn't hit, and others where wind tunnels from valleys must converge. I decided on keeping my puffer jacket on for the duration, even though I was often too warm.
When I got to the ranger station, I'm glad I noticed a sign pointing towards a "gravel bar" - a labyrinth of river stone gravel you can walk on out into the Hoh River. It wasn't until I was towards the middle of the open river area that I was able to see the incredible view! While you cannot see Olympus from here, you can see the ridge of mountains that parallel the river to the south, opposite Olympus, and they were gorgeous!
There were plenty of sights along this trail that made it a wonderful experience. I saw elk about 6 miles in (skiddish in contrast to the relatively tame ones that live in the Visitor Center parking lot!), deer, eagles, salmon, grouse, stellar jays, squirrels, and possibly a beaver or river otter that dove in right as I approached. The trees were amazing too! A neighbor of mine in Kitsap County remarked they were similar to what we see everywhere in the PNW, just slightly larger and mossier. I agree except the "slightly" was much more special to me I guess. I have dozens of pictures of random trees from this hike!
I recommend this hike to anyone wanting a flat, save, tame hike of any distance (you don't have to go all the way to the ranger station) during any season. Plush, the drive through Port Angeles, Crescent Lake, Forks and La Push made for some awesome road-trip stops.