Big trees, moss, ferns, fallen wood, water and quiet time. These are the walks I would prioritize for landscape and close-up photography, from Forks.
Keep the Hoh as the anchor. Add Ancient Groves for more old-growth atmosphere, or Marymere and Moments in Time for a forest–waterfall–lake day.
1.2-mile loop
Hoh area · roughly one hour from Forks
The natural extension of your Hall of Mosses morning: moss, ferns, nurse logs and river-edge scenes. Photograph broad forest layers, then slow down for tiny plants and textures.
Hall of Mosses plus Spruce is about two miles of loops before connector paths. Budget a long photographic morning rather than treating the short distance as a quick stop.
About 0.6-mile loop
Sol Duc Road · about 58 minutes from Forks (approximate)
My strongest additional pick for giant trunks, fallen wood, layered greenery and the feeling of being inside an ancient forest. Particularly suited to intimate woodland compositions.
Short does not mean flat: NPS describes multiple steep sections, narrow boardwalks and bridges. Confirm Sol Duc Road access for November before committing.
1.8 miles round trip
Lake Crescent · about 57 minutes from Forks (approximate)
A good mix of old-growth woodland, stream details and a 90-foot waterfall. Worth photographing the approach as well as the destination.
The final approach climbs toward the waterfall viewpoints. Expect wet footing. Combine with a leisurely lakeshore stop rather than a summit hike.
Flat 0.6-mile loop
Lake Crescent Lodge area · about 57 minutes from Forks (approximate)
The lowest-effort forest-and-lake alternative: take your time with bark, moss, roots and the transition to the lakeshore.
A good companion to Marymere, or a standalone choice when you want a short stroll and more downtime.
Approximately 1.6–1.8 miles round trip
Sol Duc valley · about 71 minutes from Forks (approximate)
A larger waterfall composition framed by deep forest; photograph streamside details along the approach. Can share a day with Ancient Groves if you feel like two walks.
NPS pages differ slightly on distance; allow extra wandering. Verify November road access; the resort/campground season is separate from trail access.
Choose a short out-and-back; full Ira Spring loop about 3 miles
Near Forks · gravel-road approach; confirm access
A wilder alternative for lush forest, wetland textures and a slower local outing when you do not want the Hoh drive.
Use a turnaround time rather than committing to the whole loop. Mud, creek crossings and access-road conditions can make it more involved than the mileage suggests. Confirm Forest Service conditions.
Long morning at Hall of Mosses; add Spruce if wanted. Bring lunch. Make Ruby an optional afternoon session, with time to settle into a composition before sunset.
One drive to Lake Crescent, one waterfall walk and one very short forest loop. Spend the remaining time by the lake rather than adding a summit.
Two relatively short walks in the same valley, subject to November road conditions. Choose this instead of the Lake Crescent plan if you want more deep forest and moving water.
A short Bogachiel outing or a return to a favorite beach is a valid full photography session. A few good compositions matter more than another pin on the map.
Look for fern layers, water droplets, bark patterns, moss on nurse logs and reflections in small pools. Pause on the trail to isolate details rather than stepping onto delicate vegetation. A wide view and a close study can come from the same stop.
Distances are walking totals or loops as labeled. Photo time can be much longer than ordinary walking time. Wet roots, steps, boardwalks and wind matter even on short trails. Check current access before departure.
Sources checked October 15, 2026. These descriptions are not a November access guarantee. Directions use Forks town center; no lodging location is included.