Here, it's always fun to go with the flow. We didnt embark on any trails longer than 2 miles in length. The paved road turns to dirt and gravel for the final 4 miles on South Shore Road. Things to do include the scenic loop drive around the lake, rain forest hikes, seeing the biggest spruce tree in the world, and watersports on the lake. A good place to start is from the Quinault Rain Forest Ranger Station. choose the best travel insurance plan for your trip here, 10 Fun Facts about Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. 1.5 mi. The lake itself is beautiful and seems well managed by the Quinault Tribe. 2019 by Wetsuit Weekender. About half of the route is paved and half is unpaved, but is in generally good condition. And last, but certainly not least, is Bunch Creek Falls, which can also be seen right off South Shore Road. This 5-mile there-and-back hike starts at the Enchanted Valley Trailhead and leads to a gorgeously photogenic bridge across the East Fork Quinault River. We decided to find a different campground near Lake Quinault so we could swim. In fact, their breakfast menu is pretty impressive (although perhaps a bit expensive), with options ranging from granola, fruit and yogurt to biscuits with sausage gravy, and all kinds of eggs and pancakes. Bring a camera, hiking shoes, and rain gear. . We decided to walk through the Quinault Lodge from our campground to check out the beach there. We drove the entire loop around the lake. Better yet, do like us and rent a lakehouse that comes equipped with kayaks and stay out as long as you wish! During our first visit years ago, we fell in love with its captivating and moody coast. Is the Quinault Rain Forest Really a Rain Forest? Its listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Overview Rates Schedule Approximate Temperatures: While the campground is open year round, the restrooms are closed during the winter months. All three temperate rainforests located in the contiguous United States are on the Olympic Peninsula. Your Vacation Awaits. Views from the bridge overlooking the east fork of the Quinault River as you pass from Shore Shore Road to North Shore Road are superb. 600 E. Park Avenue Id love to hear about them. Got a tent or RV and prefer to camp during your visit to the Quinault Valley? Campgrounds, Resorts. Longer hiking trails through the Olympic Wilderness follow the North Fork Quinault River to the Low Divide, or the East Fork Quinault River to the historic Enchanted Chalet. So, you can see wildlife anywhere in the Quinault Valley. Lake Quinault is a pristine glacier-fed lake on the southern tip of the Olympic National Park in Washington State. The star accommodation at Lake Quinault is without a doubt the Lake Quinault Lodge. Continue along a dirt road and then loop back along a path to the starting point. Nearby Areas: Queets is a short drive to the west. Our second stop was at the bridge connectiong the south shore to the north shore. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Max 10 people. Its often described as the Quinault Rain Forest in a nutshell. The largest temperate rain forests on Earth, however, are those right here in the Pacific Northwest. We ended up walking to The Salmon House and getting take out instead.which had very good food. (This post may contain affiliate links. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. 1.0 mi. With a vacation rental, you get a home away from homemany rentals offer full kitchens and outdoor grills for some home cooking. An easy (accessible) half-mile loop takes you through a dripping moss-covered old-growth rain forest in a truly awe-inspiring setting. This will be a trip you will never forget. Pool Hours 8:00AM -10:00PM. What Are the Best Hikes near Lake Quinault? It circles around Lake Quinault and a section of the upper Quinault River, leading into the unspoiled wilderness of Olympic National Park. While Lake Crescent may be the more popular lake on the peninsula, Lake Quinault on the southwestern end, deserves some hearty recognition as well! HOT TUB OPEN. The sections of the road along the south and north shore, as well as a part along the river, are paved and accessible to RVs and trailers. Along the south shore of Lake Quinault alone, there are three different campgroundsWillaby Campground, Falls Creek Campground and Gatton Creek Campground. Recreation: Lovely, clean lake surrounded by hills and rainforest. Swimming in Lake Quinault is absolutely allowed if youre willing to brave the cooler northwestern temperatures. The drive isnt difficult, but you should always get travel insurance before you set out on a trip. The tree is impressive by any standards. The drive takes you along the north and south shores of the lake and into the heart of the Quinault Valley. Its about 1,000 years old; 191 feet tall; and has a circumference of 58 feet and 11 inches! Plus, it was cool to say I did it to the Rangers at the station post-swim! I urge you to pause here and take it all in. Its just as beautiful as the more well-known Hoh Rainforest and there are a lot fewer people. Many settlers who attempted to make the peninsula their home either abandoned or sold their claims within 10 years of settling. Olympic National Park lies along the north shore and Olympic National Forest lies along most of the south shore. The Quinault Rain Forest is one of the world's wettest places, receiving 12 feet (3.7 meters) of precipitation on average each year. Limited capacity. Therefore, were going to point out some of the highlights youll see along the drive. They say free wifi, but charge you after 30 minutes..for the price of the room, do they really need to do that? With limited dining options in the Quinault Valley, it was so nice to have a full kitchen and grill. Yes, you should definitely visit Lake Quinault. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Youll cruise through magical rain forest scenery, past beautiful waterfalls, and alongside a wild river. Swimming only, no loitering. I just didn't know when I may use it for a long-distance swim! Located on the Olympic Peninsula in northwestern Washington, Lake Quinault lies in the glacier-carved Quinault Valley in the southwestern corner of Olympic National Park. Beaches. Required fields are marked *. You can see a couple of them on the Quinault loop trails near the lodge, most notably Cascade Falls and Gatton Creek Falls. But as the Wetsuit Weekender, I had brought my suit in the car on a road trip with my Dad through the Olympic Peninsula. Educate yourself on the local floral and fauna to have a deeper understanding of the unique ecosystem that surrounds you. In addition to the two 0.5-mile loop hikes mentioned above, we also took a stroll on the Cascade Falls Trail and part of the Gatton Creek Trail (both pictured below). BOOK A FULL-DAY PRIVATE TOUR FROM SEATTLE TO LAKE QUINAULT & THE QUINAULT RAINFOREST. You can change your cookie preferences by clicking on "Settings". Can you swim at Lake Quinault? The lake may be accessed from the north and the south. The lake, rainforest and mountains are a perfect backdrop to your vacation home in Quinault. You will also have the opportunity to see some world record trees in this Valley of the Giants.This is truly an experience that cannot be missed and one that is exclusive to the Quinault Valley. At the Graves Creek Campground, the 1-mile Cascading Terraces Nature Trail winds its way to a super-lush rain forest. Every time I visit Olympic National Park, Im more impressed by it. The trail is relatively short 2.4 miles each way but its length belies its difficulty. Its also called Bunch Falls. Bald eagles often perch in the trees looking for prey in the river and surrounding forest. Lots of rain = rain forest. If you have a regular vehicle, you can drive it most of the time, but go slowly and keep an eye for potholes. (Near Lake Quinault) South Beach Campground (Near Lake Quinault) . About half the road is unpaved the entire eastern half of the loop. Make sure to consult the Getting Around page for mileages to different park destinations. Explore Quinault's Hidden Gems. Best Beaches near Lake Quinault Lodge in Quinault, WA. Rain Forest Resort Village. An easy 5-minute walk from the Rain Forest Resort Village brings you right to the base of Washington States 3rd largest tree (and the largest sitka spruce in the world)! The menu is limited and nothing to rave about. Natural features As mentioned, they have a day use area complete with boat launch and trailer parking (16 max). It continues along the south bank of the East Fork Quinault River to its terminus at Graves Creek Campground and the Enchanted Valley Trailhead. You can also get close to the Quinault River here. Beaches. Wind tends to pick up more in the afternoon, which might be better for sailing, but not so much for kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding. I knew I was safer with the buoy and my Dad around. There are also a variety of lodging opportunities in the nearby area. Temperate Rainforest Olympic National Park, Best of Olympic National Park from Seattle: All-Inclusive Small-Group Day Tour, Beneath The Streets Underground History Tour, BEST Olympic National Park Day Tour from Seattle, Visit Snoqualmie Falls and Hike to Twin Falls, 20-Minute Narrated Seattle Seaplane Flight from Lake Washington, Viator Exclusive Tour - Mt. Im James and I am a national park expert. Adventure awaits you at every turn. The speed limit on the Lake Quinault Rain Forest Loop Drive varies between 25 and 35 mph. Some camping sites next to the lake would be great for over night stops with car spot, picnic table and fire place. Lake Quinault features 12 miles of beautiful shoreline. Quinault is located in the southwestern area of the park, about a three-hour drive from Port Angeles and one hour from Forks (directions). Note that the road has both paved and unpaved sections. This type of rain forest exists only on the northwest coast of North America, in Chile, Southern Australia and New Zealand. #3 of 13 things to do in Quinault Nature & Parks, Bodies of Water Quinault, WA 98575-9700 Save Temperate Rainforest Olympic National Park 1 Book in advance from $391.39 per adult Check availability View full product details MKRedSox Winston Salem, North Carolina 55 45 Perfect lake for Swimming Review of Lake Quinault Reviewed July 15, 2014 Rain Forest Resort Village. We stayed in a cabin at Rain Forest Resort Village for the night, then, drove the 31-mile loop drive around the lake. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Giant moss covered trees greet you at every turn. The surroundings are breathtaking. Pin It and save it for later: Please note this post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission, at zero cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. - the only guest accommodations directly inside the rainforest. Be sure to pick up a Lake Quinaulat Hiking Map at either Quinault ranger station. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Offering amazing lake views, all of these are within Olympic National Forest. Here are the most popular spots to visit along the loop drive: A 0.4-mile loop goes from a parking lot to the shores of Lake Quinault and back. Surrounded by moss-covered trees, ferns and lush undergrowth, the falls drop down into a mass of mossy rocks and logs. Both the waterfalls are close to the road, but easy to miss. Its easily the most popular of all Quinault hikes. 98362, Download the official NPS app before your next visit, is a little further, about 35 miles away. Take a leisurely boat tour from the Lake Quinault Lodge on a captained vessel. Port Angeles, The trail takes you through abandoned farm fields and a blissfully cool forest. Boat Tours, Eco Tours, Hiking & Camping Tours. Lake Quinault Lodge front desk staff can provide you with information about local fishing guide services (tribal and non-tribal). Encompassing both Lake Quinault and the Quinault River, the Quinault Valley is one of the Pacific Northwests greatest natural gems. Lake Quinault Lodge offers a quiet retreat where you can read and relax and enjoy the scenery, or a home base for as much outdoor activity as you wish to pursue. For spectacular views and to get a sense of the area, take a scenic drive around Lake Quinault. For more remote camping in Olympic National Park, on the other hand, there are two options. Whether youre looking for an easy stroll or a strenuous trek, there are some great hikes near Lake Quinault. Gatton Creek Campground offers 5 walk-in tent sites, potable water, and flush toilets. No elk to be found anywhere. Additionally, the resort village is also home to the Salmon House Restaurant, has a general store and gift shop, and a laundromat and paid showers. I could only see my hands in front of me, pushing through the water, gliding. Youll drive over a small bridge over Bunch Creek. Most sites are big enough to accommodate even the largest of RVs. Many hikes are located along South Shore Road and, more often than not, leave from one of several campgrounds. Plus the lodge is an hour's drive away from the Pacific Ocean via Highway 101. The Lodge has its very own restaurant where you can enjoy dinner with a view of the lake, and gift shop. Built in the 1926, the rustic lodge sits around a large grassy lawn on the shores of lake Quinault. This unique tour takes you to the best photo points and you will have the opportunity to get up close and personal with the rain forest on selected short walks.All 3 temperate rain forests in the contiguous United States are located in the Western Valleys of the Olympic Peninsula and this 33 mile journey will take you deep into Olympic National Forest and Olympic National Park to experience this pristine ecosystem first hand. Finally, go down to the banks of the river and look down you may discover quartz crystals glistening in the sun. Here you can access the trailheads for the (0.5-mile) Maple Glade Rain Forest Trail and a 1.3-mile trail to the Kestner Homestead, should you desire a longer walk to the historical homestead. It was perfect with the kids. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. If you do it clockwise, you can be on the rain forest trails in Olympic National Park earlier in the morning. Heres a look at our first visit to the Olympic Peninsula. Other activities include sightseeing, hiking, backpacking, photography, fishing, bicycling and kite flying. You can combine them as you see fit. Looking out at the Quinault River, flanked by pristine forests and glimpses of the towering Olympic Mountains, you cant help but feel in awe. We loved Lake Quinault the first week of June because school wasn't out yet so no one was there and it was so peaceful and flowers were still blooming and there were lots of easy trails for toddlers and strollers! Alternatively, you can also start at the Rain Forest Nature Trailhead, about a mile up the road from the lodge. Do you have any tips for driving around Lake Quinault Olympic National Park or other suggestions for things to do in the Lake Quinault area? In the warmer months, Swim quite waters of Lake Quinault. I'm Bram, the person behind The National Parks Experience, a blog dedicated to America's national parks and public lands, and sustainable outdoor activities. It really is dangerous. Privacy Policy and Lake Quinault is only 32 miles south of Kalaloch Lodge on Highway 101, providing easy access to the splendor of the Quinault Rainforest, which lines much of its shores. The place to swim is the Devil's Punchbowl. Unless youre planning an overnight trek into the Enchanted Valley or the heart of the Olympic Mountains, two days and a night (or two) are all you need to fully enjoy the beauty of the Quinault Valley. Very peaceful and a good hike. Other Pacific Northwest National Park Activities, Olympic National Park Quinault Area Brochure, What to Do in Olympic National Park, Washington, What to Do in Mount Rainier National Park, Washington, Top Things to Do in Crater Lake National Park, Oregon, 2 hours and 30 minutes from Sol Duc Falls, 3 hours and 30 minutes from Hurricane Ridge, Quinault Loop Trail (1.5 to 8 miles, loop), Kestner Homestead Trail (1.3 miles, loop). document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. You can choose the best travel insurance plan for your trip here or get a quote right now: Enjoy the drive around Lake Quinault, Washington! With hikes as brief as a half-mile and as lengthy as 20 miles, youre bound to find something that suites your hiking desires. How Long Is the Quinault Rain Forest Scenic Loop Drive? Bunch Falls, on the other hand, is spectacular. In the late 1800s Anton Kestner built this homestead (1891) for he and his young family (his wife Josepha and their 7 children). Learn how your comment data is processed. We particularly enjoyed the day use area at Willaby Campground (shown on the right in the next photo). Both ranger stations are mere steps away from some great hiking trails, so pop in, get some advice about the surrounding area, then head out on the trails! There are more shades of green in the glade than in an entire paint factory. The falls are close to the road and can be seen from your vehicle, but its worth parking carefully on the side of the road and getting closer to the falls. Of course, as the Wetsuit Weekender, I had the idea to try to swim across the lake with my Dad kayaking by my side. Sure, Lake Quinault is pretty to look at, but to truly experience the lake, youve got to get out on the water! It was perfect. I'd plan to swim across with my Dad kayaking, and then hop in the kayak on the way back. Before the arrival of European settlers, indigenous tribes inhabited the area, and the Quinault people, a Native American tribe, own the lake today. The lodge offers ample amenities for guests. This guide has everything you need to know, including all the best stops and insider tips. that is beautiful on sunny or rainy days:) Beautiful green area i views and to hike any shorter hikes like the World's Largest Spruce before heading to Lake Quinault. Mornings are typically pretty calm on the lake, so. The found the Big Cedar Trail closed and unkempt, the Maple Glade Trail ok but without elk. Hike the Spruce Railroad Trail 20 minutes to the little, arching bridge over the Punchbowl. The view is magnificent. Can you swim at Lake Quinault? The Lake Quinault Lodge has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1998. Where can you swim in Lake Quinault? There are two main roads in the valley. This portion of the drive begins in a lush forest with views of the Colonel Bob Wilderness, part of the Olympic National Forest, across the river. Rainforest Resort RV Campground has 31 RV sites to choose from (including several lake-front). 0.1 mi. My dad and I set off for Gravescreek Campground on the Olympic Peninsula, but once we got there, the 95 degree heat was too much to bear. Fishing will only be allowed from one hour before sunrise to one. If youre looking for a restaurant, I love. While driving the Quinault Rain Forest Loop Drive, youll pass numerous Lake Quinault highlights. Open part-time in summer as staffing allows, with information, exhibits, book and map sales. A pristine glacier-fed Lake on the way back not, leave from one before. That the road, but you should always get travel insurance before you set out a! A mile up the road, but is in generally good condition a nutshell is an hour #. 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