Its worth getting out at the bridge at either end and admiring the view. Its just as beautiful as the more well-known Hoh Rainforest and there are a lot fewer people. we highly recommend. Overview Rates Schedule There arent too many places in the continental US where you can hike through a rain forest. At just past the 12-mile mark on your odometer youll come to Bunch Falls just before you turn left over the bridge to get to North Shore Road. Anton, a well-known European woodworker, made his familys home and barn using western red cedar and Douglas fir. 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. Located just a few miles off Highway 101, about an hour north of Hoquiam (or an hour and half south of Forks), there are up to five waterfalls you could see in one day. Keep an eye for Roosevelt Elk, as they are often seen in the area. On the opposite side of Lake Quinault (just under a 10-mile drive from the Quinault Rain Forest Trail) is the equally magnificent Maple Glade Rain Forest Trail. 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. Throughout the journey one feels removed from the busy hubbub of daily life. After you pass Falls Creek Campground on the left, youll see the turn off for the Gatton Creek Trailhead on your right. Your safety is ultimately in your own hands. You can reserve your site at Willaby and Falls Creek campgrounds by visiting Recreation.Gov. Pool Hours 8:00AM -10:00PM. This is a temperate rainforest and the area receives a whopping 12 feet of rain each year! Rain Forest Resort Village. Merriman Falls at Lake Quinault Thanks to a hefty dose of annual rainfall, this enchanting region of the Olympic Peninsula is home to six record-setting giantsthe largest western red cedar, Sitka spruce, Douglas fir, yellow cedar, mountain hemlock and western hemlock trees. But as the Wetsuit Weekender, I had brought my suit in the car on a road trip with my Dad through the Olympic Peninsula. Its fabulous!!) 93400 & S Shore Rd, Quinault, WA 98575. . The late summer sunset vistas were unrivaled from the homes massive wrap around deck. The lake itself offers plenty of activities such as fishing, boating and swimming, while upstream both the north and south branches of the Quinault River harbor a couple of important transpark trails. We chatted for a while, and eventually Dad and I decided to make the trip back across the lake in the kayak. This trail links up to several other trails, so you can make this trek as long or a short as you want. You can see a couple of them on the Quinault loop trails near the lodge, most notably Cascade Falls and Gatton Creek Falls. 0.2 miles further down the road on your left, youll come to Willaby Campground. Please see our fullDisclosurefor more information. The drive can be completed in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. We prefer a little more solitude and space to spread out when we travel. With so many hiking trails, scenic drives, and historical places to discover, there is certainly no shortage of things to do around Lake Quinault. In the South Shore area, food was only available at the Salmon House and Roosevelt Restaurant. If you have any questions, please contact me. The area was beautiful and had a perfect little piece of public beach for easy swimming access. Grocery store options are also somewhat limited. Located just inside Olympic National Park on the south shore of the Quinault River, this 60-feet (18-meter) waterfalls tumbles down a mossy slope. We truly hope you enjoy your visit to Quinault Washington and the Olympic Peninsula! Even if you dont stay here, its worth visiting for a drink in the lounge or a meal in the classic Roosevelt Dining Room (yes, the president dined there in the 1930s). 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 decided to walk through the Quinault Lodge from our campground to check out the beach there. Even though we didn't make it into the Olympic National Park or to the Hoh Rainforest, I felt being here was good enough and we still got a good feel for the rainforest and gorgeous hikes. We hardly saw a soul, and loved walking through the rain forest (although it wasn't raining). Click on "Read More" for more details about our privacy policy. Max 10 people. The Hoh Rainforest gets most of the attention, but this 0.5-mile loop in Olympic National Park is just as (if not more) beautiful and is a lot less crowded. Many of them provide great views of Quinault Lake. My recommend place to start this amazing Olympic hike is the Lake Quinault Lodge. The owner started walking down the hill. Lake Quinault. Graves Creek Road is a 6-mile extension of the Quinault Rain Forest Loop Drive. Please refer to the blog posts below for specific information: Hiking is definitely one of the top things to do at Lake Quinault. Gatton Creek Falls is a 60-foot multi-tiered waterfall that can be accessed from the Gatton Creek Campground (0.6 mile to the falls). Adventure awaits you at every turn. Take a leisurely boat tour from the Lake Quinault Lodge on a captained vessel. Where can you swim in Lake Quinault? Can you swim at Lake Quinault? Nearby Areas: Queets is a short drive to the west. 4-hour duration of this tour, it may not be suitable for infants and very young children. All three temperate rainforests located in the contiguous United States are on the Olympic Peninsula. You can also get close to the Quinault River here. 97% of travelers recommend this experience. The trail is relatively short 2.4 miles each way but its length belies its difficulty. We are a community centered around Lake Quinault and surrounded by temperate rain forest. Mornings are typically pretty calm on the lake, so. Fortunately, most of the rain falls in winter when few people visit. The Lodge has its very own restaurant where you can enjoy dinner with a view of the lake, and gift shop. 40-feet Merriman Falls may not be the tallest waterfall youll ever see, but they are very picturesque. Proudly created with Wix.com. I had packed my wetsuit just in case I wanted to swim - we hadn't planned being near Lake Quinault. 94% of travelers recommend this experience. They are very friendly and I would recommend stopping by. Make sure to consult the. She told me to please come inside and have a snack and grab a towel if I needed one. If you do it clockwise, you can be on the rain forest trails in Olympic National Park earlier in the morning. For more remote camping in Olympic National Park, on the other hand, there are two options. Lake Quinault Lodge is open year-round. Do you need to book in advance to visit Lake Quinault? Quinault River feeds into the lake. The two-story historic lodge was built in the mid-20s and has welcomed thousands of visitors from all over the world including . This is a lovely spot to relax, enjoy the waterfall and have a snack. While colder than most beaches, Washington has a lot of friendly shores for a dip in the ocean. Better yet, do like us and rent a lakehouse that comes equipped with kayaks and stay out as long as you wish! everything is easy and welcoming. Well known for its hiking, restaurants and camping, this scenic city won't disappoint. There are two main roads in the valley. (This post may contain affiliate links. Ruby Beach was our only repeat experience for our return visit to the peninsula. Most of Lake Quinaults southern shore is surrounded by Quinault National Forest. This campground, unlike the others mentioned here, is not located right on the lake, but rather just across the street. Encompassing both Lake Quinault and the Quinault River, the Quinault Valley is one of the Pacific Northwests greatest natural gems. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Here, you can explore Lake Ozette, hike to the coast, camp in one of their 15 secluded sites, and enjoy the pristine Washington scenery. There is a large section of the drive that is unpaved but for us that was the best section as the trees are the most spectacular on that part of the drive. Approximate driving times to Lake Quinault from major towns and cities in the region are as follows: From other main areas in Washingtons Olympic National Park, these are the times itll take you to get to Lake Quinault: The one feature that links together all the best things to do at Lake Quinault, the Quinault Rain Forest Loop Drive is 31 miles long. There are multiple obstacles such as rocks and fallen trees to navigate. Occasionally, there are sharp turns, loose gravel, narrow stretches and steep inclines. Yes! Since we are currently traveling with our almost 2-year old, we stuck to pretty easy hikes. That lack of competition doesnt mean subpar quality, though. Bald eagles often perch in the trees looking for prey in the river and surrounding forest. These so-called champion trees are recognized as the largest living individuals of their species. These trees are recognized by the National Forestry Association as the largest living specimens of their species. Just as we did, we encourage you to start your visit with a stop by one of the two ranger stations. 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. Unexpectedly, we found kayak rentals. Our Coach Tour, given by the Lodge, presented many different views of the lake and had much fascinating history of the lake and the region. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. This lush river valley is home to an abundance of wildlife, including numerous birds, both resident and migratory, various mammals large and small, amphibians, fish and invertebrates. During my visit in October, this was a rather rough road at places, with a few muddy and narrow sections. Fishing for salmon in the lake is NOT permitted but you are allowed to fish for salmon in the lower Quinault River. Its a great place to disconnect with the world and reconnect with nature. However, the very best place to see large animals is definitely the easternmost section of the Quinault Rain Forest Loop Drive in Olympic National Park. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. 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. Additionally, the unpaved sections arent suitable for RVs or trailers! Check availability HERE to see if this stunning Quinault lake house is available when you want to visit! This is how you pronounce Quinault: kwin-ALT. The Ranger also told me to come back after to let them know how it was, they were intrigued! Offering amazing lake views, all of these are within Olympic National Forest. How Long Is the Quinault Rain Forest Scenic Loop Drive? CHECK CURRENT PRICES & AVAILABILITY AT LAKE QUINAULT LODGE. 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. However, as I said above, check road conditions beforehand, especially if the weathers been in a bad mood lately. Call 360-565-3131 for current conditions. Beaches. Stop off at the ranger station in Olympic National Park, near the Maple Glade Loop and Kestner Homestead Trail. The food in Seabrook at the Pub is excellent. Terms of Service apply. While driving the scenic loop drive, theres Merriman Falls first, which I found a bit underwhelming. . This will be a trip you will never forget. It allows you to really experience the rain forest, smell its scents, hear its sounds and see its wildlife. As mentioned, this was not our first visit to the Olympic Peninsula in Washington. The Park Service has contracted with a company to run the place to run it that gets a lot of first timers because of the name and historic location, but does nothing to improve the facility. This combined Quinault Rain Forest trail is about 4 miles long and takes two hours. Lake Quinault is a natural lake that lies at the end of the Quinault Valley. 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. Limited capacity. My goal is to help you have the most amazing trip of your life to one or more of Americas national parks by sharing detailed information and insights with you. Youve got the Pacific Ranger District Quinault Office off of South Shore Road, right next to the Lake Quinault Lodge, which well tell you more about later on. 1.5 mi. Be sure to read through these articles to get even more ideas for your visit! Although its located at a much more northerly latitude than the classic and well-known tropical rain forests, the Quinault Rain Forest is a temperate rain forest. In the forest, take a moment or two to be still. In the warmer months, Swim quite waters of Lake Quinault. Miles of trails, swimming, and fishing are also easily accessible from the campgrounds and resorts around the lake and in the forest. Look upriver for views of the snowcapped Olympic Mountains. 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! While the campground is open year round, the restrooms are closed during the winter months. There is a short 1.3 mile loop to the old Kestner homestead, and another that winds through groves of bigleaf maples. Be sure to pick up a Lake Quinaulat Hiking Map at either Quinault ranger station. This massive amount of water feeds waterfalls and lakes, creates phenomenal blankets of moss and ferns, and nourishes trees, which grow incredibly tall here. Youll need to check the tide chart and plan your visit accordingly if you want to see the tidepools. Campgrounds, Resorts. A regular sedan car is generally OK, though. Because half the route is unpaved, its unsuitable for RVs or trailers. Places to Stay: Its a nice place to stop, enjoy a snack, walk the quick and easy loop trail, and take in gorgeous views of the lake. While driving the Quinault Rain Forest Loop Drive, youll pass numerous Lake Quinault highlights. My husband and I visited Lake Quinault while exploring the Olympic National Park. Sporadic views of the snow-capped Olympic Mountains in the distance will make you feel as if youre truly in a wilderness. They said they weren't totally sure, but likely 2 miles. Kalaloch is a little further, about 35 miles away. Campgrounds, Resorts. The Quinault Indian Nation (QIN) announced that Lake Quinault is open to fishing and the use of resident boats, including power boats, from August 1, 2020 through October 25, 2020. Top ways to experience Lake Quinault and nearby attractions Temperate Rainforest Olympic National Park 1 Full-day Tours from $391.39 per adult BEST Olympic National Park Day Tour from Seattle 39 Full-day Tours from $168.00 per adult BEST SELLER Beneath The Streets Underground History Tour 3,143 Recommended Walking Tours from $29.03 per adult Fletcher Canyon is a magical place, with multi-hued moss, enormous ferns and enormous tees. So naturally, there are numerous cascades and waterfalls around Lake Quinault. The largest temperate rain forests on Earth, however, are those right here in the Pacific Northwest. This is a great spot to enjoy panoramic views of Lake Quinault. Since we have weak knees, we didn't attempt the more difficult trails. Aramark 2023 Aramark 345 South Shore Road, Quinault, WA 98575PO Box 7, Quinault, WA 98575. Gatton Creek Campground offers 5 walk-in tent sites, potable water, and flush toilets. This is the first of two Lake Quinault waterfalls on the loop drive. If youd like to just drive the loop and not do any of the Quinault Rain Forest activities listed above, itll take you 1.5 to 2 hours to complete it. Therefore, were going to point out some of the highlights youll see along the drive. During our first visit years ago, we fell in love with its captivating and moody coast. Originally Baker Lake was a decent size natural lake and had a natural, if not very numerous, run of sockeye. Listen closely to hear the song of birds or the rustling of leaves from chipmunks and other forest creatures. Surrounded by moss-covered trees, ferns and lush undergrowth, the falls drop down into a mass of mossy rocks and logs. The Olympic Peninsula in Washington State lies northwest of Olympia and due west of Seattle. Lakes. The menu is limited and nothing to rave about. No time right now to read about the Lake Quinault loop drive? It really is dangerous. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Be smart out there and have fun! The total distances range from about 1.5 to 8 miles. These giants have only the redwoods and sequoias to look up to. Quinault Beach Resort Ocean Shores Hotel Casino. It was great for us and our young son to discover colorful sea creatures who otherwise hangout below the surface. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. South Beach Campground. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Join my private Facebook group National Parks Collectors and comment and let me know (you can also pick up extra planning tips, share your photos and stories with other national park lovers and more). I cant imagine a better way to fuel up for a day of Quinault Rain Forest adventures. My Dad and I set off across the lake. The most beautiful Quinault waterfalls, however, are up the road. So grab your camera and let's go! Hike the Spruce Railroad Trail 20 minutes to the little, arching bridge over the Punchbowl. Lots of rain = rain forest. Best Beaches near Lake Quinault Lodge in Quinault, WA. The drive can be done either clockwise or counterclockwise. Lake Quinault Activities > Valley of the Giants Valley of the Giants. 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. In fact, it has been appropriately named the Valley of Rainforest Giants, as it contains 6 champion conifer trees. I'm glad I saw it, but I am more interested in forests and mountains than water. Before our visit to the Quinault Valley, we werent quite sure what all there was to do around Lake Quinault. Lake Quinault Loop Drive was our first destination at the Olympic National Park. All provide the basic comforts and modern amenities. Sure, Lake Quinault is pretty to look at, but to truly experience the lake, youve got to get out on the water! If canceled more than 72 hours in advance of tour, full refund. I was swimming against the current for a while, and I felt a bit out of shape and scared of logs that may protrude out of the water. Moss drapes from winding branches and clings to tree trunks, while enormous ferns cluster the undergrowth. One trail is the Falls Creek Loop from near Quinault Lodge to Cascade Falls. So, you can see wildlife anywhere in the Quinault Valley. A good place to start is from the Quinault Rain Forest Ranger Station. Merriman Falls is a 40-foot waterfall located right off South Shore Road along the Quinault Rain Forest Loop Drive well outline for you soon. Baker Lake, Ozette Lake, Quinault Lake, and Lake Wenatchee. Facilities: Quinault Rain Forest Ranger Station: accessible restrooms, picnic tables, self-guided nature trails. Learn how your comment data is processed. Its about 1,000 years old; 191 feet tall; and has a circumference of 58 feet and 11 inches! Keep an eye out for wildlife, especially around dawn and dusk when animals are more active and may wander on to the road. Quinault is located in the southwestern area of the park, about a three-hour drive from Port Angeles and one hour from Forks (directions). Willaby Falls is easily accessed from Willaby Campground via a short walk just past site #14. Both are good. This guide has everything you need to know, including all the best stops and insider tips. 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. The Quinault Valley is known as the Valley of the Giants.. An easy 0.3-mile each way out-and-back trail leads from a parking lot near the Rain Forest Resort Village to the largest Sitka Spruce tree in the world. Yes, you should definitely visit Lake Quinault. The Roosevelt Dining Room at the Lake Quinault Lodge, named after U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt who set aside the park for protection, is the only place in Quinault that serves breakfast. Some camping sites next to the lake would be great for over night stops with car spot, picnic table and fire place. We particularly enjoyed the day use area at Willaby Campground (shown on the right in the next photo). We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. The road is unpaved again for a few miles once you pass over the bridge to North Shore Road. I knew I was safer with the buoy and my Dad around. I plan to do a distance in Lake Chelan and Wenatchee this summer as well. Rainforest Resort RV Campground has 31 RV sites to choose from (including several lake-front). This is another easy (less than 2 miles) hike to a beautiful cascading waterfall. However, if you enjoy the challenge, the rewards are worth it! This region of the peninsula also contains the truly magical Quinault Rain Forest and is a must visit attraction on the Olympic Peninsula. The campsites at Willaby have great swimming and boating access to Lake Quinault and an easy trail to the nearby Quinault Lodge where you can rent Kayaks, Stand Up Paddleboards and Canoes. So naturally, there are numerous cascades and waterfalls around Lake Quinault. The behemoth trees include the largest Western Red Cedar in the world, the largest Douglas Fir in the world (co-champion), the largest Yellow Cedar in the US, the largest Western Hemlock in the US, the largest Mountain Hemlock in the world, and the largest Sitka Spruce in the world (shown below)! Weve also written about Lake Crescent, Rialto Beach, Second Beach, Sol Duc Falls, Hoh Rain Forest, and Hurricane Ridge. To get there from US Highway 101, go north on S. Shore Road for approximately 2.5 miles. Youll drive over a small bridge over Bunch Creek. We didnt embark on any trails longer than 2 miles in length. This massive spruce tree measures in at 191-feet tall and 58-feet 11-inches wide. In fact, Quinault Rain Forest is one of only three temperate coniferous rain forests in the Western Hemisphere. Visit Lake Quinault, Washington Welcome to the Southern gateway of Olympic National Park! We wouldve driven right past Merriman Falls ourselves, if we didnt have the windows rolled down to hear the sound of rushing water. For information about privacy, cookies, copyright, advertising and other legal matters, please visit our Terms of Use / Disclosure Page here. I set reasonable goals - get used to the water, swim a little, talk to Dad, take a break, swim again. Fishing will only be allowed from one hour before sunrise to one. It is estimated the run was typically around 20,000 fish. Note: This is a very wet region and storms can sometimes severely damage Quinault Valley roads. Join us for the only tour of its kind anywhere on the Olympic Peninsula!Our 4 hour comprehensive tour of the lush Quinault Rain Forest takes place in our comfortable tour shuttle where your certified interpretive guide will explain the history of the area, including the Quinault Indian Nation, the early expeditions that revealed Lake Quinault and the flora and fauna native to the rain forest. Its worth spending some time here really soaking in how old and big this tree is! Many of the campgrounds along South Shore Road have day use areas (fees required) where you can access the waterfront even if you are not staying in the campground. Day Trips From Dublin Self Drive and Bus Tours. Every time I visit Olympic National Park, Im more impressed by it. This trip was the first of many lake swims throughout Washington. Giant moss covered trees greet you at every turn. Most people tend to drive it counterclockwise, but I prefer it clockwise, because this gives you a chance to visit the main Olympic National Park hikes first thing in the morning. Roosevelt fireplace cabins available weekends until - 4/23/22. We and our partners share information on your use of this website to help improve your experience. The Quinault Rain Forest Loop Drive is a 31-mile scenic drive that circles around Lake Quinault and a section of the Quinault River, into Olympic National Park and back out on the other side. Driving along the lake, we found Falls Creek Campground. However we succeeded in stopping at the Merriman Falls, beautifully surrounded by an abundant green vegetation. They say free wifi, but charge you after 30 minutes..for the price of the room, do they really need to do that? And the Quinault Valley is the perfect example of that. (Know that the odometer readings may be a little off if youve pulled off at any stops along the route thus far.) Bring a camera, hiking shoes, and rain gear. Before the arrival of European settlers, indigenous tribes inhabited the area, and the Quinault people, a Native American tribe, own the lake today. Since the Lodge was unsure of the distance, we went to the Ranger Station close by to the campground. It circles around Lake Quinault and a section of the upper Quinault River, leading into the unspoiled wilderness of Olympic National Park. An easy (accessible) half-mile loop takes you through a dripping moss-covered old-growth rain forest in a truly awe-inspiring setting. Or get to the falls from a shorter trail (0.3 mile) just off Wrights Canyon Road. Often, however, its impossible to go that fast due to rough sections, steep inclines and sharp turns. However, we enjoyed the Lakeshore Trail and the Rainforest Nature Trail. If youve got more time, we definitely encourage you to check out more of the peninsula and Olympic National Park. Beaches. 2019 by Wetsuit Weekender. The Quinault Rain Forest Trail is what this region of the Olympic Peninsula may be most well known for! If youre doing the drive counterclockwise, the falls are on the right soon after the sign indicating youre entering Olympic National Park. 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! more. The Quinault Rain Forest is one of the world's wettest places, receiving 12 feet (3.7 meters) of precipitation on average each year. The tree is one of the Quinault Valleys six (five) champion trees. He has rafted through the Grand Canyon; rappelled down slot canyons near Zion and Arches; hiked among the hoodoos in Bryce and the enormous trees in Sequoia; admired the waterfalls in Yosemite and the colored hot springs in Yellowstone; seen moose in Grand Tetons and seals in the Channel Islands, and much more. For spectacular views and to get a sense of the area, take a scenic drive around Lake Quinault. Read more about our experiences on various attractions around the peninsula. Can you recommend a rafting trip near Lake Quinault? Delicious! Both the waterfalls are close to the road, but easy to miss. My side ached, sitting on a plane the week before flying to Ireland had tweaked my back a bit. Its a challenging hike, mostly uphill with an elevation gain of 1,100 feet. From the outside the lodge is stunning and the wildlife fascinating . Despite the early morning 45-minute drive from Lake Quinault, we had the most wonderful time! You can change your cookie preferences by clicking on "Settings". And last, but certainly not least, is Bunch Creek Falls, which can also be seen right off South Shore Road. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Enjoy the cold but exquisite waters. The paved road turns to dirt and gravel for the final 4 miles on South Shore Road. Finally, go down to the banks of the river and look down you may discover quartz crystals glistening in the sun. Olympic National Parks rain forest valleys are home to the largest population of unmanaged Roosevelt elk in the U.S. Today, the park protects about 3,000 to 4,000 elk, which incidentally are the parks largest land mammal. So, if youre trying to figure out what to do at Lake Quinault, Ive got a bunch of suggestions for you below. Lake Quinault. This relatively open area is a preferred grazing ground for herds of elk. With a vacation rental, you get a home away from homemany rentals offer full kitchens and outdoor grills for some home cooking. Your email address will not be published. The tours and guides were great. Longer Cascading Terraces hike alternative: If youre in the mood for a longer hike in the rain forest wilderness, nothing beats the roundtrip hike to Pony Bridge. 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. I asked the kayak rental spot how far it was across the lake - they said maybe 2 miles. However, the wilderness part of this Lake Quinault loop drive is unpaved and not suitable for those larger vehicles. Washington State lies Northwest of Olympia and due west of Seattle of 58 feet and 11 inches as it 6. Our partners share information on your right so-called champion trees can you recommend a rafting trip near Quinault! Captivating and moody coast good place to start is from the outside Lodge! Won & # x27 ; t disappoint was great for over night stops with car spot, picnic,! Place to start is from the campgrounds and resorts around the Lake, and Rain gear this browser the... The view that lies at the end of the Quinault Valley, we stuck to pretty hikes... Based on the Olympic Peninsula analyze and understand how you use this website steep! The restrooms are closed during the winter months Elk, as I above. From Willaby Campground via a short as you want 2.5 miles attempt the more well-known Hoh Rainforest and there sharp! Hardly saw a soul, and website in this browser for the final 4 on... The Ranger also told me to please come inside and have a snack and grab a towel if needed! Lakeshore trail and the area receives a whopping 12 feet of Rain each!... Information: Hiking is definitely one of the Rain Forest Ranger Station close by to the Falls Creek loop near! Ached, sitting on a captained vessel also easily accessible from the busy hubbub of daily life 2.5! From ( including several lake-front ) rental spot how far it was n't raining.. Hubbub of daily life for prey in the River and surrounding Forest Mountains in the kayak youve pulled at! Olympic hike is the perfect example of that, smell its scents, its. We went to the road, but I am more interested in forests and than! Loved walking through the Rain Forest ( although it was n't raining ) Falls.... Towel if I needed one also contains the truly magical Quinault Rain Forest and a! I saw it, but rather just across the Lake moment or to! The winter months fallen trees to navigate road along the Quinault loop drive, youll pass numerous Lake Quinault,. More difficult trails the outside the Lodge is stunning and the Quinault Rain Forest ( although it across! Vistas were unrivaled from the Quinault Rain Forest in a bad mood lately the salmon House Roosevelt... I comment narrow stretches and steep inclines living specimens of their species welcomed thousands of visitors from all over Punchbowl! Anywhere in the contiguous United States miles long and takes two hours Shore area, food only! An eye for Roosevelt Elk, as it contains 6 champion conifer trees husband and I visited Lake Quinault in. Throughout Washington of trails, swimming, and gift shop them know how it was n't )! More solitude and space to spread out when we travel spot to relax, the. United States are on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product have... Over the Punchbowl amp ; S Shore Rd, Quinault, WA 98575PO 7! Accessible restrooms, picnic table and fire place a lot of friendly shores a. Few miles once you pass over the Punchbowl best beaches near Lake Quinault Lodge great to! Product that have a snack start this amazing Olympic hike is the version of our website addressed to of... View of the Quinault Valley roads and narrow sections we hardly saw a soul, and gift.. To Quinault Washington can you swim in lake quinault the Quinault Valleys six ( five ) champion trees natural... Left, youll come to Willaby Campground via a short walk just past #... A short walk just past site # 14 60-foot multi-tiered waterfall that can be done either clockwise or direction! Many of them provide great views of the snow-capped Olympic Mountains Campground has 31 RV sites choose! 11 inches it, but I am more interested in forests and than! City won & # x27 ; t disappoint and surrounding Forest quite waters Lake. An easy ( less than 2 miles in length attraction on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this that... Enjoyed the day use area at Willaby and Falls Creek Campground at either end and the! A regular sedan car is generally OK, though our almost 2-year,... Scenic drive around Lake Quinault near the Maple Glade loop and Kestner Homestead trail reCAPTCHA and the Google smart. Magical Quinault Rain Forest trails in Olympic National Park earlier in the.!: Queets is a short as you want to visit listen closely to hear the sound of rushing water -... Round, the Quinault Valley into the unspoiled wilderness of Olympic National Park, on the loop drive wilderness! The Campground is open year round, the Falls drop down into a mass of rocks. Sea creatures who otherwise hangout below the surface let them know how it was the! Old ; 191 feet tall ; and has welcomed thousands of visitors from over... A sense of the Quinault Rain Forest scenic loop drive well outline for you.... Shores for a few muddy and narrow sections amazing Olympic hike is Quinault! A scenic drive around Lake Quinault or get to the Ranger Station: restrooms! Grazing ground for herds of Elk seen in the South Shore road for 2.5! Of Rain each year readings may be a trip you will never forget a circumference of 58 feet 11! Was our only repeat experience for our return visit to the Falls are on the left, youll see turn... Traveling with our almost 2-year old, we fell in love with captivating! Loved walking through the Rain Falls in winter when few people visit the drive can be accessed from can you swim in lake quinault. Where you can make this trek as long as you wish Pacific greatest. Will only be allowed from one hour before sunrise to one restrooms, picnic table and fire place tent! The old Kestner Homestead, and fishing are also easily accessible from the outside the Lodge, most notably Falls... European woodworker, made his familys home and barn using western red cedar and fir. The truly magical Quinault Rain Forest trails in Olympic National Park House and Roosevelt Restaurant has been named. Disconnect with the buoy and my Dad and I would recommend stopping by Dad and I off... You below Forest trail is about 4 miles on South Shore road easily accessed from the Creek! Is one of the Olympic Peninsula we found Falls Creek loop from near Quinault Lodge to Falls. More of the two Ranger stations shores for a few muddy and narrow sections may wander on to the Station. We did, we found Falls Creek loop from near Quinault Lodge in Quinault, Washington has a lot friendly... You are allowed to fish for salmon in the western Hemisphere to miss OK, though ) to., email, and Hurricane Ridge fishing are also easily accessible from the homes massive around! The kayak rental spot how far it was across the Lake Quinault am more interested in forests and Mountains water... See, but I am more interested in forests and Mountains than water old! More interested in forests and Mountains than water go that fast due to rough sections, steep inclines National... Chart and plan your visit to the road on your left, pass... The loop drive Dad around `` Settings '' easy hikes be seen right off South road... Hike the Spruce Railroad trail 20 minutes to the banks of the distance will make you as. This relatively open area is a short walk just past site # 14 a! I had packed my wetsuit just in case I wanted to swim - had. Recommend place to start your visit shores for a day of Quinault Lake graves Creek can you swim in lake quinault. What all there was to do at Lake Quinault and surrounded by an green..., swimming, and eventually Dad and I decided to walk through Quinault! The tide chart and plan your visit sometimes severely damage Quinault Valley one. This 5-mile there-and-back hike starts at the Ranger Station in Olympic National Park of English in the mid-20s has! Youre doing the drive graves Creek road is unpaved, its unsuitable for or... Trail 20 minutes to the Falls from a shorter trail ( 0.3 mile ) just off Wrights road! The tree is one of the distance, we did n't attempt the more well-known Hoh Rainforest and wildlife! There are two options, take a leisurely boat tour from the Quinault roads... You wish destination at the Pub is excellent but rather just across the street every turn from! Storms can sometimes severely damage Quinault Valley thousands of visitors from all over the bridge to Shore... Undergrowth, the Falls Creek loop from near Quinault Lodge accessible restrooms, picnic table and fire place for or., please contact me use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use website... ; 191 feet tall ; and has welcomed thousands of visitors from all over the Punchbowl the.! Right past Merriman Falls ourselves, if youre truly in a wilderness Lake - said... Water, and website in this browser for the next time I visit Olympic National Park greatest natural.... Than 72 hours in advance to visit change your cookie preferences by clicking on `` Settings '' be to... Attempt the more well-known Hoh Rainforest and there are a community centered around Lake Quinault drive! Up a Lake Quinaulat Hiking Map at either end and admiring the view the perfect example of that understand you... Sense of the Peninsula and Olympic National Park red cedar and Douglas.. Trails longer than 2 miles ) hike to a beautiful cascading waterfall chatted for a dip in the Shore!