What a fantastic little hidden gem! We stopped at the Hard Rain Cafe after spending the morning exploring the Hoh Rain Forest, and it was exactly what we needed. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, and from the moment we walked in, we felt like more than just another customer. We ordered the Bigfoot Burger, the salmon burger, fries, onion rings, and coffee. Everything was fresh, flavorful, and hit the spot after a morning of hiking. The salmon burger was especially delicious, and the onion rings were perfectly crispy. The coffee was also a great pick-me-up before continuing our road trip. What really made this place stand out, though, was the outstanding customer service. The woman preparing our food took the time to chat with us, answer our questions, and even shared some excellent local tips--including a better route to see the famous Tree of Life. Those kinds of personal recommendations make traveling so much more enjoyable and are something you simply can't get from a navigation app. If you're heading to or from the Hoh Rain Forest, do yourself a favor and stop here. Great food, friendly people, and genuine Pacific Northwest hospitality made this one of our favorite stops on our Washington adventure. We would absolutely return and highly recommend it to anyone visiting the area! Check out our video on our socials @Reessroots read more

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This is literally the last stop to grab a meal before Hoh rain forest. The burgers and fries are very meh, but considering food is scarce in the general area, I'm not complaining. There's bit of a line and not too many seating. Restroom is porta potty. Check out their gift shop while waiting for food! read more

Hard Rain Cafe & Mercantile - Cafes Near Me - Forks, Washington

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If you must stop here, by all means do so, however don't say you haven't been warned. The line to order was also the line to pay for other non food items, so there's a wait if it's crowded. After ordering food it took about 30 minutes after that. Turkey sandwich simple, which was fine, the salad however boring an unimaginative. Snack choices were disappointing, mainly fun size Pepperidge farm goldfish and veggie sticks.. It felt like the owners are not even trying. The only redeeming items were the huckleberry flavored taffy and chocolate. Next time we'll keep driving. read more

Food options are very scarce in the southwest portion of the National park; this may be your only choice all day. The burgers are very plain, nothing fancy, and as pre-made as possible but given the location, it is what it is. Restrooms are port a potties! read more

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This little cafe is so charming. On the way to HOH rain forest a last minute chance to get food and gifts. They had a lovely gift shop with a wide variety as well as food. The Mt. Olympus burger was thing I ate my whole trip! I would recommend if they're open. We ordered they told us it would be 25-30 minutes, went on a walk, and when we came back it was ready! One of the highlights of my whole trip because of the delicious burger and service! read more

Hard Rain Cafe & Mercantile - Sweet treats - Cafes Near Me - Forks, Washington

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I'm giving this place 4 stars as it is a sweet spot close to the Hoh Rainforest of Olympic National Park. We were there on a beautiful sunny day and it was beautiful to sit outside and enjoy lunch after our early morning hikes. However, this restaurant has a note on the door that seems to joke about when they will open and close, or if they will even show up to open the restaurant - which ended up being exactly what happened. Luckily a couple of guys finally opened up the kitchen and were able to serve quite a crowd of hungry hikers. The food items were basic and not worth the 4 stars, but I was just so hungry that I ate everything and was happy. read more

Hard Rain Cafe & Mercantile - Cafes Near Me - Forks, Washington

The must-stop gift shop and cafe at Hoh Rainforest. About 30 minutes south of Forks. You can enter the official rainforest a short distance from here. This place is kind of a relief as it's hard to find good retail or food in this area. It's a cute wooden building with a porch and some outdoor seating (no indoor seating). Generous gravel parking lot. Very busy when we were there and probably a lot of the time. Extremely courteous young man at the counter who told us his family has been in the area for a long time. Picked up a couple of stickers along with grabbing lunch - a very yummy BLT and fish & chips. Recommend. read more

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Great smash burgers, cute store. Took a while but the seats outside were a great place to wait and enjoy the scenery. The staff was awesome!

A very interesting place that's a gift shop along with a restaurant. We were traveling and it was lunch time and we were hungry, and the Hard Rain Cafe had an interesting name so we had to check it out. We ended up getting a Huckleberry Stuff, shot glass and tea shirt at the gift shop as well as lunch. Sitting on the patio was nice and we had salmon burger, salmon salad and ice tea and all were good! Although we don't know, it appears that it's a family business where mom cooks and at least one of her children is a server. So if you're wandering around Forks looking at the beautiful scenery and are hungry, check this place out both for food and souvenirs. read more

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We found the perfect spot! Good food, amazing staff and got some goodies to remember our trip to the Hoh Rain Forest. Hit the spot. Definitely recommend. We ordered, shopped around and then sat outside and ate every bite of our food. Shop and support small and local, the young gal and gentleman were great and the lady cooking who I think is the owner was great read more

I'm absolutely in love with Hard Rain Cafe! I originally stopped by because I saw a sign at Hoh Campground mentioning they had showers. When I asked about them, the man there was incredibly kind and friendly. Although the showers are temporarily down, he took the time to give me some great alternative recommendations, which I really appreciated. Since I was already there, I decided to grab a drink, and WOW, I'm so glad I did! They make some seriously great drinks. On top of that, the little gift shop area is full of the cutest souvenirs. What impressed me most is that it seems like just two people (who I assume are the owners) are running the whole place, and they're doing an amazing job. Everything feels thoughtful and welcoming. If you're in a hurry, this might not be your spot, BUT if you're able to slow down and enjoy the experience, it's absolutely worth it. I'll definitely be back! read more

Was out fishing and hiking all day, and decided to stop to grab some real food. Got a turkey sandwich on wheat. Nothing super exciting but I was asked if I wanted it toasted...and it turned into one of the best sandwiches I've ate (top 5 at least). Maybe I was just hungry.... But thanks! Friendly staff and fast. read more

So they have you stayed in line for 15 minutes and then they walk out and tell you after you stand in line watching the people in front of you order food watching them order food and they tell you hey we've taken our last food order we're not gonna do any more food after standing in land for 15 minutes I wouldn't recommend this place. I wouldn't stop to this place. It's bad business read more

This place has the added location bonus. It's a cute little cafe plus store where you can get your last min. souvenirs and lunch on your way in or out of the Hoh Rainforest. Was the food spectacular? No, not really. It was fine. Burgers and fries and onion rings (though Onion Rings were excellent). But after a 7 mile walk through the rainforest, it hit the spot. Since it was the closest food source, it was really great. Service is friendly but not fast - I'm sure they get backed up and so you just sit and wait. Nice outdoor seating - would recommend sitting on the benches in the grass because it's quite windy up top. read more

Hard Rain Cafe & Mercantile - Cafes Near Me - Forks, Washington

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The coffee here is so delicious! The gentleman kindly read off all the syrups for me and mixed two syrups (lavender and huckleberry). Very yummy! I told him I would be outside and he walked outside to bring my drink to me. He was so nice and just had great customer service overall. There were a lot of fun shirts and items in the shop too. Cute little place to stop in the way in to or out of the Hoh Rainforest! read more

Hard Rain Cafe & Mercantile - Outside the building - Cafes Near Me - Forks, Washington

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This was a great spot after our near by hikes! The 2 women working were so friendly and inviting. The food was really good- we had two sandwiches and onion rings, onion rings were cooked perfectly! I really wanted to try and take home some of the a Huckleberry syrup because well, how can that not be amazing! Lucky for me the nice woman overheard me talking about how I only had a carry on and she offered to ship me some! This was a big highlight of the trip as my bf and I tap trees for syrup every year and love to try new ones! All around 15/10 experience read more

Hard Rain Cafe & Mercantile - Cafes Near Me - Forks, Washington

This place was an unexpected gem after hitting Hoh Rainforest. The service, food, and experience was 10/10! We loved sitting on the porch and The ladies running the place were so sweet. Everything we had was excellent -- from double cheeseburgers to BLTs to fries to salads, this place knows what they're doing and does it SO WELL read more

Very hospitable with surprisingly great food! The bigfoot burger was amazing and the employee who checked us out was incredibly friendly. Offered the "puppy platter" and water for our dog. Also gave us a recommendation for a pretty trail to try nearby. I will definitely be visiting every time I go through here just for the experience alone. Beautiful views to compliment your food as well. 5 stars! :) read more

Hard Rain Cafe & Mercantile - Cafes Near Me - Forks, Washington

The only place to grab some decent food in hoh rainforest. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience. My husband and I placed our order first, then shopped the merch, and by the time we were ready to check out merchandise our food was done. We had the most positive upbeat cashier despite a constant line of miserable customers complaining about wait times. I wish people would really get a grip. You're in one of the most beautiful places, sit outside enjoy the scenery, and shove a burger in it! read more

Such a cute little road side stop. It was a perfect spot to grab a quick bite from their grill and peruse the shop. It was a beautiful day to sit outside on the lawn and we enjoyed the food as well. read more

Hard Rain Cafe & Mercantile - Cafes Near Me - Forks, Washington

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We visited hard rain cafe to spend the night with our trailer. This place is about a 20 minute drive to the Hoh rainforest visitor center, very convenient. Some of the spots have water and electrical hookups for our trailer, there is no sewer or dump station. The bathrooms have showers and are very clean. The only negative was arriving mid day was a VeRY busy time for the cafe, people park everywhere - even in front of the campsites. It was a bit chaotic. It was difficult to navigate with our trailer (25 ft). Also, the people who were working were busy satisfying food and drink orders and were not easily available to direct us to a campsite. We chose our own campsite behind the cafe and we almost pulled in to one that was occupied. Be sure to check the electrical panel for the red "site occupied" sign. The coffee was tasty and the bacon egg and cheese was delicious. There are a lot of cute items in the store and some snacks and drinks. Would recommend this place while visiting the hoh rainforest! read more

Hard Rain Cafe & Mercantile - Cute place - Cafes Near Me - Forks, Washington

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Went on an October day trip to the Hoh, with plans to eat in Forks, but as we were leaving we decided to stop to eat at Hard Rain Cafe & Mercantile. Great decision. I had the Bigfoot Burger, and it was one of the best burgers I've had in a long time. Triple Bacon, Double Ham, and Turkey sandwiched with 2 beef patties, and all the regular burger fair, but the Huckleberry BBQ sauce set it off. Just told my wife I'd consider doing that 6 hour round trip drive anytime just to have that burger. 10/10 read more

Hard Rain Cafe & Mercantile - Bigfoot Burger - Cafes Near Me - Forks, Washington

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The food is not fast food, which is a plus. It was flavorful and the fries were crispy. The person working was very personable and friendly and handled multiple customers with much respect. This was a cute little OUTDOOR cafe. No indoor seating, as the space is not big enough. The seating is covered and adequate. We stopped on our way around the peninsula and we did get to enter the HoH Rainforest before we got to the closed part of the road to the national park visitor center at the HoH. read more

This was a great stop that we ran into during our visit to Olympic National Park. We loved their selection of coffees, sandwiches, burgers, and sides. Breakfast seems like it would be delicious here too! We sat outside on a gorgeous summer day on their patio and it was fantastic. We loved their mercantile store as well too -- great selection of souvenirs if that is your thing. As an aside, there is a great little well-maintained trail (about 2 miles round trip) that starts right across the parking lot of the store which takes you to a fantastic view of Mount Olympus. We didn't have a chance to go to Hurricane Ridge so this was a great option! read more

Friendly folks offering mid food for a high price. It was fine; and what should be expected of an outpost near a very touristy destination. No complaints from my end. read more

Very cute small cafe and shop. I got the salmon burger and a small hot vanilla latte and my husband got a deluxe burger and Red Bull spritzer. We would both recommend our orders to anyone passing by. The fries were exceptionally delicious. Salty and crispy. The burgers a nice filling portion and a great hot meal after a rainy hike. The service was also very nice and the people working that day were exceptionally kind with great recommendations read more

What an unexpected gem we ran across as we were exiting the Hoh Rainforest area of Olympic NP. We stopped in for a quick snack and were pleased that they had a full menu of items so my husband and I decided to grab a full lunch instead! I got the BLT and my husband got a burger. The food was really good! My only complaint is that fries did not come with your sandwich, and they costed around 4.50 each and the size was super small for the price. The service was great, our server was super friendly and the food came out in a timely manner. In addition to food, snacks, and drinks they also had souvenirs, t shirts, etc. We are so glad we stopped here for a quick, easy, clean place to eat and relax. read more

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It had some seating available but it was busy and we wanted to stay in the car as it was raining and chilly damp. For 2 guys working they really had it down to an art - orders - beverages and food - and a long line to keep moving and they did a fantastic job. I just had chicken fingers and French fries as it was easy finger food but they were crispy and hot and well done! They had lots of coffee and tea - being out of the area huckleberry tea was new and a risk but I gave it a shot (not my cup of tea personally) but it is also a little gift shop and so far tbh - better than many other gift shops I have seen! read more

Hard Rain Cafe & Mercantile - Cafes Near Me - Forks, Washington

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My friend and I stopped in after a long morning of exploring the Hoh Rainforest. It's a conveniently located roadside store with a small but nice selection of eats and souvenirs. I ordered the salmon burger which was delicious and washed it down with huckleberry tea which was refreshing. We sat out on the front porch and enjoyed the surroundings while we waited for our food. Service was great and the food came out not too long after we ordered it. They do have a bathroom but you have to go behind the property to find it. We were so happy to find such a cute little place to rest and refuel. Would definitely return next time I'm in the area. read more

Hard Rain Cafe & Mercantile - Salmon burger and huckleberry iced tea - Cafes Near Me - Forks, Washington

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A great stop to have a quick lunch or breakfast. They had Gluten Free bread which was such a nice surprise! The service was amazing and quick. I had the loaded grilled cheese on GF bread and my friend had a chicken sandwich with bacon and they were both awesome! Highly recommend refueling here! read more

Great service and vibes! Food was bomb af and prices are very good. I saw Bigfoot here too!

The last place before the park and the food and service are good. I had the salmon burger and fries. I have to say that rarely am I into fries although I eat them a decent amount. The fries were really well done and had great texture to them. I enjoyed the burger as I get tired of beef so it is nice to have some other options. read more

It's a teeny little gift store and kitchen with a basic menu. That said it wasn't all that bad. They have ample parking right off the road to and from the Hoh Rainforest. The location is obviously why you wend up here. Seating is all outside with about half of the seating in the shade. The place was very crowded mid-week (June) but they ran an efficient and fast operation. Do be ready to order when it's your turn. The food wasn't extraordinary or anything but it was pretty decent and surprisingly tasty for basic fare. The food was cooked well the burgers were surprisingly tasty, and the grilled cheese with pesto was spot on. The fries were mediocre though. The location is obviously ideal for anyone leaving the Hoh Rainforest. Forks doesn't have many options. The few places we did try during our stay in Forks were very basic and unsurprisingly mediocre. If you're into Denny's-type food it's probably okay but if you have any level of culinary standards it's pretty depressing how bad the food in Forks is. So honestly Hard Rain Cafe was not bad at all given the options. However, if you are heading to Lake Crescent after your trip to the Hoh Rainforest I would hold out for the food at the Lake Crescent Lodge which was very good. The views there were outstanding and you'll be able to linger there at the lodge after your meal even if you aren't staying there. If you aren't heading to the lake or are on a tight budget this may be the best option between here and Forks. read more

We were glad to find dinner here on our way back from exploring the Hoh Rain Forest. We weren't looking forward to the limited choices in Forks late on a Tuesday evening but then there was the Hard Rain Cafe! Chicken burgers hit the spot and they had plenty of outdoor covered seating which we appreciated. The mercantile part of the business had basic grocery items plus specialty gift foods (think huckleberry jam, salmonberry syrup, candies and teas) along with camping supplies and souvenirs. There is also a campground associated with the business. A nice find... read more

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I'm giving Hard Rain a full on 5... why? Because it's the quaintest thing ever, it's an oasis after a full day in Hoh, it was OPEN (finding open restaurants anywhere on the peninsula can be a challenge), the seemingly grumpy cashier fellow was actually the nicest guy, and the food was great! We opted for burgers - flat top cooked so they get that nice crust with a nice slab of yellow American cheese. I give extra points for having on the menu a "plain 'ol" - just a burger and cheese - no lettuce, tomato, condiments, etc - some of us are purists. We also got an order of fries and an order of onion rings. Additional points for offering the choice of ketchup, ranch, or BBQ sauce for the sides! Such a simple thing but again, exactly what we needed! Do no hesitate to stop! You'll be glad you did! read more

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We stopped here after hiking through the rainforest. We weren't expecting too much and just wanted a snack. When we arrived, we were greeted by friendly staff and an extensive menu. We both got a salmon burger and thoroughly enjoyed it. It was simple, juicy, and clearly fresh. We also got some cool souvenirs which was great as we were not near the main visitors center in Port Angeles. Definitely recommend this spot for a quick stop for food and souvenirs! read more

This is a great little place. It's on the road to the Hoh Rain Forest. Service was fast. Maybe it was because I had hiked a couple trails in the morning, but I thoroughly enjoyed the outdoor seating, burger and fries! I would go there again! read more

My wife and I ate here on a Monday afternoon after doing some hiking. The staff was very friendly, knowledgeable about their food, and paid close attention to my severe nut allergy. The location accepts credit cards, but does not leave an option for a tip, unfortunately. The food took about 15 minutes to get. I had a delicious double cheeseburger and fries. The fries are sold separately, which for what we got, is pretty expensive--$4.50. The pictures posted to this review was before we nibbled on them! With that being said, the fries were stellar! Nice and crispy and comes with fresh condiments! My wife got the BLT without the T. The bacon was crispy and she enjoyed the sandwich. The patio is nice and quiet. It's peaceful to sit out and enjoy a relaxing meal after some hiking. Definitely check this Café out when you're driving by! read more

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Very delicious burgers, fries, and onion rings. A little pricey, which is expected since it's the only restaurant around the area, but had they great food and lattes. read more

A good stop to get some food. Got the latte and some food. The food is good! I really enjoyed the pesto burger. Price was reasonable, but the wait was so long. It was pretty busy in the afternoon when we came. Our food came out in 30-40 minutes. They have a clean restroom! read more

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