The Hoh Rain Forest is known for mosses and lichen that hang from tree branches. (Courtesy of Korena Mafune)

One of the many natural wonders of Washington is located on the Olympic Peninsula: The Hoh Rainforest.

It’s also the location where UW School of Environmental and Forest Sciences fungi researcher Korena Mafune spends her days, climbing the tall trees to study moss and lichen. In a story about the beauty of the Hoh Rainforest, The Seattle Times interviewed Mafune about her perspective on the area.

The rainforest draws visitors from around the world, “And they come for that kind of ‘FernGully’, or … ‘Avatar’ kind of out-of-world aspect,” Mafune told the newspaper.

Read more about what can be seen in the Hoh Rainforest and how to plan your trip there here.