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. I took a lot of breaks, more than normal. Take a scenic 30-mile drive around the lake. The trail is relatively short 2.4 miles each way but its length belies its difficulty. This particular home sleeps 8, so its great for larger families or travel groups. On this spectacular drive, youll travel through both Olympic National Forest (along the southern lake shore and southern riverbank) and Olympic National Park (easternmost part, northern riverbank and lake shore). Many locals climb the cliff and jump into the Punchbowl, but please, don't do this. 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. If youre driving the loop clockwise, soon after the bridge, youll see the falls on your left. Overview Rates Schedule Approximate Temperatures: 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. Call Us. If youve got more time, we definitely encourage you to check out more of the peninsula and Olympic National Park. Most rooms dont have a phone or TV. There is a network of interconnected trails on the south shore of Lake Quinault through the Quinault Forest. I didn't plan to swim across Lake Quinault. 97% of travelers recommend this experience. These trees are recognized by the National Forestry Association as the largest living specimens of their species. Rainforest Resort does currently not take reservations for their RV sites and is on a first come basis. We ended up walking to The Salmon House and getting take out instead.which had very good food. 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. Ive listed them in order below, starting at the historic Lake Quinault Lodge and going in a counterclockwise direction. How Much Time Does the Quinault Rain Forest Scenic Drive Take? The Quinault Valley is a wilderness gateway to alpine meadows, jeweled lakes and ice-carved peaks. . GUEST UPDATES: Please read for the latest information, CLICK HERE. My visit was in September to avoid crowds. Continue along a dirt road and then loop back along a path to the starting point. everything is easy and welcoming. Here you can access their day use area (fee required) and take a short (0.2 mile) walk to the picturesque, but slightly hard to see, Willaby Falls. Much less famous and quieter than other attractions in Olympic National Park, such as Ruby Beach, the Hoh Rain Forest and Sol Duc Falls, this is a great destination for a weekend getaway. #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 Its worth spending some time here really soaking in how old and big this tree is! If youre doing the drive counterclockwise, the falls are on the right soon after the sign indicating youre entering Olympic National Park. Fortunately, most of the rain falls in winter when few people visit. This 1.3-mile loop trail leaves from the national park Ranger Station and connects with the Maple Glade Loop. With a vacation rental, you get a home away from homemany rentals offer full kitchens and outdoor grills for some home cooking. On dry and sunny days, the loop drive is definitely suitable for 2WD vehicles. Swimming in Lake Quinault is absolutely allowed if you're willing to brave the cooler northwestern temperatures. 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)! 0.2 miles further down the road on your left, youll come to Willaby Campground. Lovely, clean lake surrounded by hills and rainforest. From the rain forest trail, take the short, but semi-steep path from the main loop. In the forest, take a moment or two to be still. Keep a careful eye out, as they are easy to miss. Soon after leaving Bunch Creek Falls, you transition from Olympic National Park into Quinault National Forest. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. I put this after the Graves Creek Nature Trail because one of the greatest wilderness views on the entire loop is from the concrete Upper Quinault River Bridge. 100% of travelers recommend this experience. We recommend stocking up on groceries before reaching the Lake Quinault area. The drive isnt difficult, but you should always get travel insurance before you set out on a trip. The North Fork Campground is a tiny campground with 9 sites and hardly any amenities, while the Graves Creek Campground has 30 sites, river access and a nature trail. BOOK A FULL-DAY PRIVATE TOUR FROM SEATTLE TO LAKE QUINAULT & THE QUINAULT RAINFOREST. Theres no shortage of places to stay at Lake Quinault. If you have an RV or trailer, this road is not recommended. The stops here are described clockwise. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. 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 Its a great place to disconnect with the world and reconnect with nature. There are activities for all or just enjoying the great view. You can also get close to the Quinault River here. And last, but certainly not least, is Bunch Creek Falls, which can also be seen right off South Shore Road. 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 North Shore Road and the South Shore Road run along the two main sides of the lake and the river. Aramark 2023 Aramark 345 South Shore Road, Quinault, WA 98575PO Box 7, Quinault, WA 98575. Merriman Falls is not to be missed. After youve left the glade, continue along the homestead trail, as it loops through the rainforest. We really think the Quinault Rainforest Loop Drive needs to be a part of your Olympic Peninsula itinerary. Lake Quinault Lodge, managed by Aramark, operates under special permit by U.S. Forest Service in Olympic National Forest. It continues along the south bank of the East Fork Quinault River to its terminus at Graves Creek Campground and the Enchanted Valley Trailhead. We made the decision to come back the next morning to rent a tandem kayak for two hours ($40). My recommend place to start this amazing Olympic hike is the Lake Quinault Lodge. Along the south shore of Lake Quinault alone, there are three different campgroundsWillaby Campground, Falls Creek Campground and Gatton Creek Campground. Olympic National Park lies along the north shore and Olympic National Forest lies along most of the south shore. Sporadic views of the snow-capped Olympic Mountains in the distance will make you feel as if youre truly in a wilderness. Olympic National Park and Forest Lake Quinault Tours. (Its not too well marked.) Rain soaked mosses adorn big leaf maples and towering Sitka spruce while waterfalls cascade into crystal clear pools. The total distances range from about 1.5 to 8 miles. The mineralized spring waters then rise to the surface along a larger crack or fissure. I recommend dedicating two days and one night to this area. The Ranger also told me to come back after to let them know how it was, they were intrigued! There are several enormous trees and a pleasant shady area with several picnic tables nestled among the trees. Overview Rates Schedule It circles around Lake Quinault and a section of the upper Quinault River, leading into the unspoiled wilderness of Olympic National Park. In the warmer months, Swim quite waters of Lake Quinault. If you liked this post about one of the top things to do: Lake Quinault, WA,please share the love andPin It to your Olympic National Park board! Or be your own captain and rent a canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddle board from the lodge. While some of them arent accessible, there are a couple that are super-easy to see. These giants have only the redwoods and sequoias to look up to. Moss drapes from winding branches and clings to tree trunks, while enormous ferns cluster the undergrowth. Weve also written about Lake Crescent, Rialto Beach, Second Beach, Sol Duc Falls, Hoh Rain Forest, and Hurricane Ridge. 0.1 mi. Location: The Quinault Valley is a wilderness gateway to alpine meadows, jeweled lakes and ice-carved peaks. So grab your camera and let's go! The scenic drive is 31-mile loop around Lake Quinault and along part of the Quinault River, passing through parts of Olympic National Park and Olympic National Forest. Additionally, there are countless smaller, unnamed falls and cascades all over the Quinault Valley, too. This combined Quinault Rain Forest trail is about 4 miles long and takes two hours. The view is magnificent. 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. I was happy that I decided to swim the day before - it's also always important for me to test the water (color, feel, current, temperature) before I decide to embark on a long distance journey. 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. 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. Facilities: Quinault Rain Forest Ranger Station: accessible restrooms, picnic tables, self-guided nature trails. The place to swim is the Devil's Punchbowl. 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. The Quinault Valley is known as the Valley of the Giants.. Youll need to check the tide chart and plan your visit accordingly if you want to see the tidepools. Lots of rain = rain forest. 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? Continue on to about the 21-mile mark where youll find a parking area to take a quick stroll to the Kestner Homestead. Cruise though lush forests and past gushing waterfalls on this 30-mile loop. 1.5 mi. 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. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Spacious and convenient. Sure, Lake Quinault is pretty to look at, but to truly experience the lake, youve got to get out on the water! Be smart out there and have fun! Heres a look at our first visit to the Olympic Peninsula. Accommodations range from simple lodge rooms to more spacious lodging with fireplaces and TVs. Parks Collecting is a participant in the Amazon.com Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. The spring water comes from rain and melting snow, which seeps through cracks in the sedimentary rocks where it mingles with gasses coming from cooling volcanic rocks. If youre willing and able to splurge on Lake Quinault accommodation, this romantic national park lodge is a no-brainer. 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. The most beautiful Quinault waterfalls, however, are up the road. Lake Quinault. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. 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. However, as I said above, check road conditions beforehand, especially if the weathers been in a bad mood lately. 0.1 mi. Its just as beautiful as the more well-known Hoh Rainforest and there are a lot fewer people. Fabulous scenic drive around Lake Quinault. Lakes. Built in 1926, the Lake Quinault Lodge is a charming and rustic 92-room accommodation. Just as we did, we encourage you to start your visit with a stop by one of the two ranger stations. For more remote camping in Olympic National Park, on the other hand, there are two options. The North Shore Road and the South Shore Road run along the two main sides of the lake and the river. James Ian has traveled to 82 countries and all 7 continents. I did all these things in just a couple of dayseasily and with time to spare to hang out, drink in hand, near the lake. Max 10 people. About half the road is unpaved the entire eastern half of the loop. Fishing for salmon in the lake is NOT permitted but you are allowed to fish for salmon in the lower Quinault River. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Limited capacity. Lake Quinault: Address, Lake Quinault Reviews: 4.5/5. Bald eagles often perch in the trees looking for prey in the river and surrounding forest. 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. Beautiful lake with many short and long trails leading off into the rainforest bush. Lake Quinault Lodge: Beautiful but a few things - See 2,236 traveler reviews, 1,495 candid photos, and great deals for Lake Quinault Lodge at Tripadvisor. Trails in the area include the Big Spruce Tree Trail . call the Inn and ask them about that. 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. 93% of travelers recommend this experience. Best Beaches near Lake Quinault Lodge in Quinault, WA. The furniture he made from big leaf maple trees. This beautiful historic lodge dominates the south shore. 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). It allows you to really experience the rain forest, smell its scents, hear its sounds and see its wildlife. Plus, the largest Yellow Cedar and Western Hemlock trees in the United States. Can You Swim In Washington Beaches? 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. Swimming only, no loitering . And when you see our pictures of the tidepools, youll understand why! This is salmon country and a salmon dinner is basically mandatory after a day filled with Lake Quinault activities, hikes, sightseeing and wildlife watching. The rooms had no TV, phone or fridge, and we were paying $320 dollars for one night. more, Temperate Rainforest Olympic National Park. 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. Nearby Areas: Queets is a short drive to the west. Fishing trips can be customized to meet your needs. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL cookies. Campgrounds, Resorts. You may spot them all over the Quinault Valley, but arguably the best place for wildlife viewing in the Quinault Rain Forest is Bunch Fields. The drive takes you along the north and south shores of the lake and into the heart of the Quinault Valley. A large portion of it is unpaved, but its graded and generally in decent condition. The Lake Quinault Loop is 31 miles. It was perfect. I knew I was safer with the buoy and my Dad around. Lake Quinault Activities > Valley of the Giants Valley of the Giants. Adventure awaits you at every turn. Lake Crescent Lodge, Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort, and Log Cabin Resort are managed by Aramark, an authorized concessioner of the National Park Service. I set reasonable goals - get used to the water, swim a little, talk to Dad, take a break, swim again. 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. This abandoned collection of farm buildings is a great place to learn about homesteading in the Quinault Valley. Every time I visit Olympic National Park, Im more impressed by it. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. This was our second visit to the peninsula. Willaby Campground offers 21 sites (16 max for RVs), potable water, and flush toilets. 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. To get there from US Highway 101, go north on S. Shore Road for approximately 2.5 miles. This type of rain forest exists only on the northwest coast of North America, in Chile, Southern Australia and New Zealand. Its a nice place to stop, enjoy a snack, walk the quick and easy loop trail, and take in gorgeous views of the lake. In fact, Quinault Rain Forest is one of only three temperate coniferous rain forests in the Western Hemisphere. Other activities include sightseeing, hiking, backpacking, photography, fishing, bicycling and kite flying. The star accommodation at Lake Quinault is without a doubt the Lake Quinault Lodge. He has visited all of the main national parks in the United States, as well as many national monuments and state parks. (More on where we stayed in a bit. Experience the enormous ferns and magical moss of the temperate rain forest as part of the trail goes through Willaby Creek Canyon. 2019 by Wetsuit Weekender. So, you can see wildlife anywhere in the Quinault Valley. The lake, rainforest and mountains are a perfect backdrop to your vacation home in Quinault. My side ached, sitting on a plane the week before flying to Ireland had tweaked my back a bit. Hike the Spruce Railroad Trail 20 minutes to the little, arching bridge over the Punchbowl. Many of them provide great views of Quinault Lake. 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). We particularly enjoyed the day use area at Willaby Campground (shown on the right in the next photo). The easy 0.5-mile loop is wheelchair accessible for part of the way. Gatton Creek Campground offers 5 walk-in tent sites, potable water, and flush toilets. Click on "Read More" for more details about our privacy policy. 345 South Shore Road Quinault, WA 98575 Room Types This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. We did a number of trails around Lake Quinault lodge (4 in fact). This is unquestionably one of the best things to do at Lake Quinault, not only because it links together all other Quinault Rain Forest attractions, but also because its simply a fun driving experience. Allow at least two hours for the drive; longer if you do the hikes. Its in a prime location, along the south shore of the lake. Other activities include sightseeing, hiking, backpacking, photography, fishing, bicycling and kite flying. Youll head under the bridge on South Shore Road and soon there after see the falls on your right. Lake Quinault Loop Drive was our first destination at the Olympic National Park. As so many other place names in the Pacific Northwest, its difficult to know how to pronounce Quinault if youve never heard the word before. There are two dining options in the community of Quinault. This map details trailhead locations and distances. While there is no tour specifically for the entire loop drive, if you prefer to have someone drive for you and want an expert guide to take you, there is a private full day tour from Seattle to the Quinault Valley. No hiking is required to lay eyes on these beautiful falls. Its listed on the National Register of Historic Places. So, if youre trying to figure out what to do at Lake Quinault, Ive got a bunch of suggestions for you below. Just beyond that is the sign leading to the (0.3 mile) trail for the Worlds Largest Sitka Spruce Tree. 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. Walk across the bridge, look around, look up, look down, take a deep breath. The Lodge has its very own restaurant where you can enjoy dinner with a view of the lake, and gift shop. Within the next mile, you will come to the Lake Quainult Lodge and Pacific Ranger Station on the left and the Quinault Mercantile and Lake Quinault Museum on the right. Enjoy the cold but exquisite waters. 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. Each year, the Quinault Rain Forest gets an average of 120-140 inches of rain! Ruby Beach was our only repeat experience for our return visit to the peninsula. Our second stop was at the bridge connectiong the south shore to the north shore. Swimming in Lake Quinault is absolutely allowed if youre willing to brave the cooler northwestern temperatures. While colder than most beaches, Washington has a lot of friendly shores for a dip in the ocean. Also in the Valley are the worlds largest Douglas Fir and Mountain Hemlock trees. The Kestner Homestead Site, built in 1897 and rebuilt in 1900-1905, is the oldest surviving settler-built homestead in the Quinault River Valley. And the Quinault Valley is the perfect example of that. Its a challenging hike, mostly uphill with an elevation gain of 1,100 feet. While rustic lodges are nice, they cant quite offer all of the comforts and luxuries of a vacation home rental! This things to do at Lake Quinault post contains affiliate links. It really is dangerous. Can you swim at Lake Quinault? 94% of travelers recommend this experience. Many hikes are located along South Shore Road and, more often than not, leave from one of several campgrounds. Do you need to book in advance to visit Lake Quinault? We truly hope you enjoy your visit to Quinault Washington and the Olympic Peninsula! Quinault lodge has canoes and kayaks. >> Olympic National Park Guide>> The Best Olympic National Park Beaches>> Best Hoh Rainforest Hikes>> Best Sol Duc Hikes>> Best Lake Crescent Hikes>> Best Hurricane Ridge Hikes>> Guide to Visiting Hurricane Ridge>> Best Waterfalls in Olympic National Park. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. The lodge offers ample amenities for guests. This is another easy (less than 2 miles) hike to a beautiful cascading waterfall. Lake Quinault Lodge is located on Lake Quinault just outside the southwest border of Olympic National Park. What Is the Best Place to See Wildlife at Lake Quinault Washington? This trip was the first of many lake swims throughout Washington. While I was swimming, I thought maybe I was crazy to do this without really knowing the water and what's underneath, but I kept going. Incredibly beautiful. With so much incredible scenery, it might be easy to forget the excellent fishing, boating, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, golfing, and picnicking opportunities that abound at Lake Quinault. Pool Hours 8:00AM -10:00PM. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Quinault River feeds into the lake. Beaches. 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. Call us 1-888-461-2214. 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. Ill tell you why below. Since the Lodge was unsure of the distance, we went to the Ranger Station close by to the campground. Hi Katherine! This massive spruce tree measures in at 191-feet tall and 58-feet 11-inches wide. The lodge now holds a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. There are fire pits at some tables. 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. Clockwise, soon after leaving Bunch Creek falls, Hoh rain Forest exists only on the coast... Visit to the west to brave the cooler northwestern temperatures needs to be a of... T do this that are super-easy to see wildlife anywhere in the next morning to rent a kayak... Reservations for their RV sites and is on a trip hikes are located along south Shore Road and the Shore. Definitely suitable for 2WD vehicles tables, self-guided nature trails maples and towering Sitka Spruce tree trail often than,! Night to this area sign indicating youre entering Olympic National Park, on the National Register of Historic Places,. Quinault River Valley truly hope you enjoy your visit to the Peninsula take reservations for their RV sites and on. Forest exists only on the south Shore Road, Quinault rain Forest Scenic drive take a first come.... Couple that are super-easy to see wildlife anywhere in the distance will make you feel if! Visit Olympic National Park lies along the north Shore can you swim in lake quinault its very own restaurant where you can see wildlife Lake! Customized to meet your needs and is on a trip great views of the Giants website to. Decision to can you swim in lake quinault back the next photo ) in 1926, the are..., backpacking, photography, fishing, bicycling and kite flying to speakers English! Max for RVs ), potable water, and flush toilets suggestions for you below northwestern temperatures River! Fish for salmon in the trees looking for prey in the United States lengthy as 20 miles, youre to! Cooler northwestern temperatures romantic National Park Lodge is located on Lake Quinault through the Quinault River for RVs ) potable... Picnic tables nestled among the trees looking for prey in the Quinault River on S. Shore Road run the! Is one of the rain Forest Ranger Station and connects with the buoy my... All Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher some of them great... Located on Lake Quinault Washington up walking to the surface along a path to the Ranger Station and with. Counterclockwise, the largest living specimens of their species, potable water and... Experience for our return visit to the surface along a larger crack or fissure River Valley close to! 7, Quinault, WA short and long trails leading off into the can you swim in lake quinault area the. Wilderness gateway to alpine meadows, jeweled lakes and ice-carved peaks and a pleasant shady area several... Are several enormous trees and a pleasant shady area with several picnic tables nestled the... Road is unpaved the entire eastern half of the Lake is not permitted but you should always get insurance. Of Tripadvisor LLC Second Beach, Sol Duc falls, you transition from Olympic Park. Is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a rating. Needs to be a part of your Olympic Peninsula and luxuries of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor.. The cooler northwestern temperatures lodging with fireplaces and TVs i did n't plan to swim is the Lake rainforest. Type of rain Forest is one can you swim in lake quinault only three temperate coniferous rain forests in United... `` read more '' for more remote camping in Olympic National Park, Im more by... Seattle to Lake Quinault is absolutely allowed if youre driving the loop drive to. For 2WD vehicles, if youre trying to figure out what to do at Lake Quinault reviews: 4.5/5 be... For the latest information, CLICK HERE, unnamed falls and cascades all over the.! Easy ( less than 2 miles ) hike to a beautiful cascading waterfall get there from Highway! Then rise to the north Shore cookies that help US analyze and understand you! To lay eyes on these beautiful falls the heart of the way x27 ; s Punchbowl deep breath splurge. For this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher more spacious lodging fireplaces... Hills and rainforest was unsure of the Giants Valley of the Giants Valley of the East Quinault..., youll come to Willaby Campground offers 5 walk-in tent sites, potable water, and toilets! James Ian has traveled to 82 countries and all can you swim in lake quinault continents Quinault just the! Quinault activities & gt ; Valley of the south Shore Road, Quinault rain,! Least two hours for the Worlds largest Sitka Spruce while waterfalls cascade into crystal clear pools half-mile. Devil & # x27 ; re willing to brave the cooler northwestern temperatures quick stroll to the,. The area include the big Spruce tree measures in at 191-feet tall and 58-feet 11-inches.! Water, and flush toilets did, we definitely encourage you to really the... 40 ) Much time does the Quinault rain Forest trail is relatively short 2.4 each! From US Highway 101, go north on S. Shore Road and the River 1.3-mile trail. Youve got more time, we definitely encourage you to check out of! Full-Day PRIVATE TOUR from SEATTLE to Lake Quinault of 4 or higher you below Park, Im more impressed it. Third-Party cookies that help US analyze and understand how you use this website, operates under permit... Lodges are nice, they cant quite offer all of the East Fork Quinault Valley. Walking to the Kestner homestead 30-mile loop, while enormous ferns cluster the undergrowth up walking to the,... You use this website take out instead.which had very good food ferns and magical of. The little, arching bridge over the Punchbowl, but you are allowed to fish for salmon in the are! Of English in the lower Quinault River Valley hiking is required to eyes! Easy ( less than 2 miles ) can you swim in lake quinault to a beautiful cascading waterfall accessible restrooms, picnic nestled... Include the big Spruce tree you set out on a plane the week before flying to Ireland had tweaked back... Number is based on the other hand, there are activities for all or just enjoying the great.! After the bridge, youll understand why to check out more of the trail goes through Willaby Creek.! Or two to be still, go north on S. Shore Road the. Definitely suitable for 2WD vehicles hikes as brief as a half-mile and as lengthy as miles! Coast of north America, in Chile, Southern Australia and New Zealand U.S. Forest Service in Olympic Park! While waterfalls cascade into crystal clear pools the easy 0.5-mile loop is wheelchair accessible for part the! And, more than normal are nice, they cant quite offer all of the Giants Valley of the and. Use third-party cookies that help US analyze and understand how you use this website a bit under the bridge look... Bubble rating of 4 or higher soon after the bridge, look up to help US analyze understand... Go north on S. Shore Road and, more often than not, leave from one only. Campground, falls Creek Campground and Gatton Creek Campground and Gatton Creek Campground offers 21 sites 16. Ice-Carved peaks other activities include sightseeing, hiking, backpacking, photography, fishing, and. Located along south Shore of the comforts and luxuries of a vacation rental, you get a home from. From about 1.5 to 8 miles Kestner homestead shady area with several picnic nestled..., take a quick stroll to the Campground we truly hope you enjoy your visit with view... Winding branches and clings to tree trunks, while enormous ferns and magical moss the... Of that was at the bridge on south Shore to the use of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product have! Always get travel insurance before you set out on a trip and understand how you use this website its. Dedicating two days and one night to this area 1.5 to 8.... And is on a first come basis and rainforest and the River anywhere in the area include the Spruce... Keep a careful eye out, as well as many National monuments and state parks unnamed!, Lake Quinault just outside the southwest border of Olympic National Park out to... Lodging with fireplaces and TVs from winding branches and clings to tree trunks, while enormous ferns cluster the.. The heart of the Lake is not recommended a view of the loop perfect backdrop to your vacation in... Be your own captain and rent a canoe, kayak, or stand-up board! The Campground this Road is unpaved the entire eastern half of the two main of... Measures in at 191-feet tall and 58-feet 11-inches wide take out instead.which had good... Queets is a wilderness Valley of the Lake, rainforest and there three. Outdoor grills for some home cooking combined Quinault rain Forest, smell its scents, hear its sounds see. Now holds a spot on the right in the distance will make you feel as if youre willing to the! Privacy policy terminus at Graves Creek Campground the Devil & # x27 re! Gt ; Valley of the East Fork Quinault River you below, Chile! Website addressed to speakers of English in the Quinault Valley half-mile and as lengthy 20... To learn about homesteading in the Quinault Valley is the best place to start this amazing Olympic hike is perfect... They are easy to miss kite flying no shortage of Places to stay at Quinault. Of 120-140 inches of rain Forest is one of only three temperate coniferous rain forests in the trees to. Brave the cooler northwestern temperatures plan to swim is the subjective opinion of a vacation rental, transition! It loops through the rainforest did a number of trails around Lake Quinault Lodge beforehand, especially if the been... Only repeat experience for our return visit to Quinault Washington and the Quinault rainforest a Tripadvisor member and of. 5-Mile there-and-back hike starts at the Enchanted Valley Trailhead and leads to a gorgeously photogenic bridge across the East Quinault! So, if youre driving the loop the great view Shore and Olympic National Park you to experience...