Hike the Spruce Railroad Trail 20 minutes to the little, arching bridge over the Punchbowl. 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. Be sure to read through these articles to get even more ideas for your visit! Rain Forest Resort Village. The Quinault Valley is a wilderness gateway to alpine meadows, jeweled lakes and ice-carved peaks. Many locals climb the cliff and jump into the Punchbowl, but please, don't do this. They are very friendly and I would recommend stopping by. 1.0 mi. I took a lot of breaks, more than normal. From the outside the lodge is stunning and the wildlife fascinating . This lodge is one of the classic national park lodges and inns. 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. Outside temperatures can get pretty warm in the later summer months, so the lake is a welcomed reprieve from the heat. Lake Quinault Lodge, managed by Aramark, operates under special permit by U.S. Forest Service in Olympic National Forest. I'd attempted to swim Lake Quinault once before, but giant logs and no safety kayak prevented my crossing. 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. Or get to the falls from a shorter trail (0.3 mile) just off Wrights Canyon Road. Then look up at the trees. NOTE: I am not an expert and this site is meant to give you tips on OWS and some ideas for adventures. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. (The lake is open seasonally during the summer and closed during the winter.) Experience the enormous ferns and magical moss of the temperate rain forest as part of the trail goes through Willaby Creek Canyon. So naturally, there are numerous cascades and waterfalls around Lake Quinault. There are often ranger-led hikes to Maple Glade. At about the 3.5 mile mark (on your odometer), youll see the Rain Forest Resort Village and Salmon House Restaurant on your left. There are two campgrounds in the Quinault Valley, the North Fork campground has 9 campsites and the Graves Creek campground has about 30. An easy (accessible) half-mile loop takes you through a dripping moss-covered old-growth rain forest in a truly awe-inspiring setting. The Kestner family, however, stuck it out and spent 4 decades in the valley. I cant imagine a better way to fuel up for a day of Quinault Rain Forest adventures. Or be your own captain and rent a canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddle board from the lodge. This is a lovely spot to relax, enjoy the waterfall and have a snack. All provide the basic comforts and modern amenities. Area Status: Open. The mineralized spring waters then rise to the surface along a larger crack or fissure. Moss drapes from winding branches and clings to tree trunks, while enormous ferns cluster the undergrowth. We recommend booking Lake Quinault tours ahead of time to secure your spot. They say free wifi, but charge you after 30 minutes..for the price of the room, do they really need to do that? For information about privacy, cookies, copyright, advertising and other legal matters, please visit our Terms of Use / Disclosure Page here. This is an unspoiled wilderness landscape, complete with (seasonal) salmon struggling against the swift current below you. The Quinault Valley, which encompasses both Lake Quinault and the Quinault Rain Forest, is easily one of my favorite places in this extraordinary national park. Surrounded by moss-covered trees, ferns and lush undergrowth, the falls drop down into a mass of mossy rocks and logs. Plus the lodge is an hour's drive away from the Pacific Ocean via Highway 101. I'd attempted to swim Lake Quinault once before, but giant logs and no safety kayak prevented my crossing. Im James and I am a national park expert. They said they weren't totally sure, but likely 2 miles. This massive spruce tree measures in at 191-feet tall and 58-feet 11-inches wide. Gatton Creek Campground offers 5 walk-in tent sites, potable water, and flush toilets. Its just as beautiful as the more well-known Hoh Rainforest and there are a lot fewer people. Can you swim at Lake Quinault? The surroundings are breathtaking. 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. Visit Lake Quinault, Washington Welcome to the Southern gateway of Olympic National Park! And youve got the Quinault River Ranger Station along North Shore Road. We really think the Quinault Rainforest Loop Drive needs to be a part of your Olympic Peninsula itinerary. I didn't plan to swim across Lake Quinault. 93% of travelers recommend this experience. Privacy Policy and While colder than most beaches, Washington has a lot of friendly shores for a dip in the ocean. 97% of travelers recommend this experience. My Dad and I set off across the lake. 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. Campgrounds, Resorts. Falls Creek Campground also has 21 sites/10 walk-in (16 max for RVs), potable water, and flush toilets. more, Temperate Rainforest Olympic National Park. Anton, a well-known European woodworker, made his familys home and barn using western red cedar and Douglas fir. The road is unpaved again for a few miles once you pass over the bridge to North Shore Road. On the other hand, if youre planning on seeing the above-described Quinault attractions and doing some Lake Quinault hiking, you should count on at least one full day. Most rooms dont have a phone or TV. The boat tour has a great reputation. The tree is impressive by any standards. 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. There are several buildings, including the main house, a (reconstructed) barn and several sheds, plus fences, a small orchard, and even somewhat randomly a bathtub in the middle of a field. BOOK A FULL-DAY PRIVATE TOUR FROM SEATTLE TO LAKE QUINAULT & THE QUINAULT RAINFOREST. Quinault River feeds into the lake. Explore different ways to experience this place. Call 360-565-3131 for current conditions. 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. Many hikes are located along South Shore Road and, more often than not, leave from one of several campgrounds. Before long, you pop out of the forest on to the remains of an old farm. I'm beyond the age of having little kids, and I think this place would be a great stop for families to let the kiddies out of the car and run around. (The lake is open seasonally during the summer and closed during the winter.) Logo designed by Christa Yung, www.christayung.com. Yes! I knew I was safer with the buoy and my Dad around. For shorter visits, the valley has a scenic loop drive and short trails through temperate rain forest in both Olympic National Park and Olympic National Forest. It features a large sitting area, restaurant, grassy lawn with wonderful lake views, boat rentals and lake access. From lodges, inns and resorts to a variety of campgrounds, whatever accommodation style you prefer, youll find it here. Most of Lake Quinaults southern shore is surrounded by Quinault National Forest. This is the location of the worlds largest Sitka spruce tree, too. Open part-time in summer as staffing allows, with information, exhibits, book and map sales. . If you're really serious about OWS, a swim coach is probably helpful. Olympic National Park is one of the best U.S. national parks for wildlife viewing thanks to its unique combination of landscapes and ecosystems. The place to swim is the Devil's Punchbowl. The paved road turns to dirt and gravel for the final 4 miles on South Shore Road. If youre driving the loop clockwise, soon after the bridge, youll see the falls on your left. 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. It circles around Lake Quinault and a section of the upper Quinault River, leading into the unspoiled wilderness of Olympic National Park. The most beautiful Quinault waterfalls, however, are up the road. Miles of trails, swimming, and fishing are also easily accessible from the campgrounds and resorts around the lake and in the forest. I thought maybe she'd tell us we weren't allowed to land at Lochaerie either, but instead she congratulated me for swimming across the lake. We and our partners share information on your use of this website to help improve your experience. If you have a regular vehicle, you can drive it most of the time, but go slowly and keep an eye for potholes. Just beyond that is the sign leading to the (0.3 mile) trail for the Worlds Largest Sitka Spruce Tree. more. 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). Lake Quinault - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos). Youll need to check the tide chart and plan your visit accordingly if you want to see the tidepools. 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. 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. Some things to keep in mind for the Quinault loop drive: It takes about an hour to drive around Lake Quinault, but you should leave at least two hours for the loop drive to enjoy the highlights along the way. It has coverage for all youll need. Make sure to consult the. 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. While driving the Quinault Rain Forest Loop Drive, youll pass numerous Lake Quinault highlights. (Its not too well marked.) We proudly offer our Lake Quinault Rainforest Tour year-round, departing fromLake Quinault Lodge- the only guest accommodations directly inside the rainforest. For the kids and those young at heart, an arcade/game room can be enjoyed, there is also an indoor swimming pool, gift shops, lake access, and a sauna. Driving along the lake, we found Falls Creek Campground. Stop off at the ranger station in Olympic National Park, near the Maple Glade Loop and Kestner Homestead Trail. This trip was the first of many lake swims throughout Washington. The loop road travels through forests and wetlands, at times turning into a gravel road with abundant potholes, in places climbing steep hillsides with sharp drop-offs. Therefore, were going to point out some of the highlights youll see along the drive. Heres a look at our first visit to the Olympic Peninsula. Or, if you'd prefer, stretch your legs on one of the area's many hiking trails, like . For more information, please read our Privacy Policy.). Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Take a scenic 30-mile drive around the lake. There are activities for all or just enjoying the great view. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. James Ian has traveled to 82 countries and all 7 continents. In the late 1800s Anton Kestner built this homestead (1891) for he and his young family (his wife Josepha and their 7 children). Many settlers who attempted to make the peninsula their home either abandoned or sold their claims within 10 years of settling. Incredibly beautiful. I just didn't know when I may use it for a long-distance swim! It is estimated the run was typically around 20,000 fish. I was thankful for the kindness of strangers. In fact, it has been appropriately named the Valley of Rainforest Giants, as it contains 6 champion conifer trees. . With hikes as brief as a half-mile and as lengthy as 20 miles, youre bound to find something that suites your hiking desires. The six used to include the worlds largest Western Red Cedar tree, but this fell down in a storm in 2016 and the trail to the fallen tree has since been closed. The drive takes you along the north and south shores of the lake and into the heart of the Quinault Valley. To get there from US Highway 101, go north on S. Shore Road for approximately 2.5 miles. (More on where we stayed in a bit. Continue on to about the 21-mile mark where youll find a parking area to take a quick stroll to the Kestner Homestead. In the southwestern corner of Olympic National Park lies one of its most accessible wilderness areas. A large portion of it is unpaved, but its graded and generally in decent condition. No hiking is required to lay eyes on these beautiful falls. I swam a little to the left and the owner of the private cabin came over to us. Make sure to consult the Getting Around page for mileages to different park destinations. Cruise though lush forests and past gushing waterfalls on this 30-mile loop. Lets start with the one thing that links all other Lake Quinault activities. 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. (I drove it twice with my front-wheel-drive VW Jetta.) It allows you to really experience the rain forest, smell its scents, hear its sounds and see its wildlife. 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. call the Inn and ask them about that. Other activities include sightseeing, hiking, backpacking, photography, fishing, bicycling and kite flying. Soft light filters through the leaves. Baker Lake, Ozette Lake, Quinault Lake, and Lake Wenatchee. How Much Time Does the Quinault Rain Forest Scenic Drive Take? There are two main roads in the valley. The Lodge has its very own restaurant where you can enjoy dinner with a view of the lake, and gift shop. The whole effect is like something from a fairytale. Facilities: Quinault Rain Forest Ranger Station: accessible restrooms, picnic tables, self-guided nature trails. This is a great spot to enjoy panoramic views of Lake Quinault. Beautiful park like woods and trails. Sockeye are unique in that they require a lake to rear in as fry, so the river they . Pool. 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. Terms of Service apply. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Please see our fullDisclosurefor more information. Our spontaneous move from Gravescreek to Falls Creek worked out seamlessly - Ranger Station close by, perfect swimming beach at the campground, general store for beer and wine refills and kayak rentals. Lake Quinault Loop Drive was our first destination at the Olympic National Park. 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. Click on "Read More" for more details about our privacy policy. In the warmer months, Swim quite waters of Lake Quinault. Walk across the bridge, look around, look up, look down, take a deep breath. 600 E. Park Avenue It is estimated to be about 1,000 years old! 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. 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. Lake Quinault Lodge is located on Lake Quinault just outside the southwest border of Olympic National Park. Youll cruise through magical rain forest scenery, past beautiful waterfalls, and alongside a wild river. If you have an RV or trailer, this road is not recommended. Youll head under the bridge on South Shore Road and soon there after see the falls on your right. Just as we did, we encourage you to start your visit with a stop by one of the two ranger stations. Best Beaches near Lake Quinault Lodge in Quinault, WA. The area was beautiful and had a perfect little piece of public beach for easy swimming access. Lake Quinault is an exceptional choice for ease of waterfall viewing. 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. Top ways to experience Lake Quinault and nearby attractions Temperate Rainforest Olympic National Park 1 Full-day Tours from $391.39 per adult Best of Olympic National Park from Seattle: All-Inclusive Small-Group Day Tour 307 Recommended Bus Tours from $308.06 per adult Viator Exclusive Tour- Olympic National Park Tour from Seattle 45 Recommended This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Typically when you go to the beach, you crave blue skies and sunshine. Quinault Rainforest Tour All three temperate rainforests located in the contiguous United States are on the Olympic Peninsula. You can see them from the road, but if you park carefully along the side of the road, you can walk a short distance over some rocks (take care, as they can be slippery!) Swimming in Lake Quinault is absolutely allowed if youre willing to brave the cooler northwestern temperatures. The star accommodation at Lake Quinault is without a doubt the Lake Quinault Lodge. Otherwise, Ruby Beach is still a piece of magnificent shoreline filled with driftwood, seastacks, and stacked rocks. Grocery store options are also somewhat limited. 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. Originally Baker Lake was a decent size natural lake and had a natural, if not very numerous, run of sockeye. We particularly enjoyed the day use area at Willaby Campground (shown on the right in the next photo). We proudly offer our Lake Quinault is absolutely allowed if youre driving the Loop clockwise, soon after the,! Off at the Olympic Peninsula itinerary some ideas for your visit with a view of the classic National.! And flush toilets driving along the Drive Lake access of breaks, more normal. Start with the buoy and my Dad around you through a dripping moss-covered Rain... 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