Go prepared to walk and be sure and visit the ocean. Id say this is one of the best short Quinault Rain Forest hikes, for sure. The Kestner Homestead Site, built in 1897 and rebuilt in 1900-1905, is the oldest surviving settler-built homestead in the Quinault River Valley. (The lake is open seasonally during the summer and closed during the winter.) Otherwise, Ruby Beach is still a piece of magnificent shoreline filled with driftwood, seastacks, and stacked rocks. However after a stop by the Quinault ranger station, we quickly realized that we would have no trouble filling several days. 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. The lake lies just off of U.S. Route 101, which runs all the way along the Pacific coast, from northern Washington to southern California. Be sure to read through these articles to get even more ideas for your visit! 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. Both the waterfalls are close to the road, but easy to miss. Our second stop was at the bridge connectiong the south shore to the north shore. 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! 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. They are very friendly and I would recommend stopping by. We decided to pitch our tent at the campground, and I tested out the waters with a short 30 minute swim. 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. If you do it clockwise, you can be on the rain forest trails in Olympic National Park earlier in the morning. It was perfect with the kids. Required fields are marked *. However, we enjoyed the Lakeshore Trail and the Rainforest Nature Trail. (TIP: If youve got kids and youre coming to the peninsula from Seattle, break up the 3-hour drive with a halfway stop by the Hands on Childrens Museum in Olympia. Lake Quinault - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos). Can you swim at Lake Quinault? Swimming only, no loitering. Only those boats qualifying as "resident boats," however, are allowed on the lake. They said they weren't totally sure, but likely 2 miles. Cross the bridge over Kestner Creek, pick up a trail guide, and begin your journey. Other activities include sightseeing, hiking, backpacking, photography, fishing, bicycling and kite flying. Specifically, Bunch Fields is well-known for being a favored grazing area of Roosevelt elk and black bears alike. 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. 40-feet Merriman Falls may not be the tallest waterfall youll ever see, but they are very picturesque. This can protect you against medical and emergency repatriation and cover things like trip cancellation, loss and/ or theft of property, etc. Though because its another hour north of Ruby Beach, it would be close to 2 hours from Lake Quinault. The centerpiece is a huge stone fireplace thats decorated with a native American totem pole-shaped rain gauge that measures rainfall in feet. CHECK CURRENT PRICES & AVAILABILITY AT LAKE QUINAULT LODGE. 91% of travelers recommend this experience. However, the wilderness part of this Lake Quinault loop drive is unpaved and not suitable for those larger vehicles. Nicknamed the Valley of the Rain Forest Giants, the Quinault Valley is home to no fewer than six of the worlds tallest trees. I've been skipping Masters practice in lieu of open water swims, at a detriment. The Maple Glade Ranger station is closed for the season. 0.1 mi. Rain soaked mosses adorn big leaf maples and towering Sitka spruce while waterfalls cascade into crystal clear pools. Bunch Falls, on the other hand, is spectacular. And the Quinault Valley is a major one. Overview Rates Schedule 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. Full payment for Quinault Rainforest Tour will be processed at time of booking. Terms of Service apply. Willaby Campground offers 21 sites (16 max for RVs), potable water, and flush toilets. The other one was closed on Sunday. Ifinally got to the other side of the lake, aiming for what we realized was a private beach. Giant moss covered trees greet you at every turn. We made the decision to come back the next morning to rent a tandem kayak for two hours ($40). 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. There are activities for all or just enjoying the great view. Hike the Spruce Railroad Trail 20 minutes to the little, arching bridge over the Punchbowl. I urge you to pause here and take it all in. Here is where it becomes very handy to have set your cars odometer to 0 when turning from Highway 101 to South Shore Road. Where can you swim in Lake Quinault? This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. After youve left the glade, continue along the homestead trail, as it loops through the rainforest. Once youve gone a total of 6.6 miles, youll come to Merriman Falls. The tree is impressive by any standards. From lodges, inns and resorts to a variety of campgrounds, whatever accommodation style you prefer, youll find it here. 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. 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. These giants have only the redwoods and sequoias to look up to. Adventure awaits you at every turn. Rainforest Resort does currently not take reservations for their RV sites and is on a first come basis. Learn more about who we are and what we do HERE. Youll cruise through magical rain forest scenery, past beautiful waterfalls, and alongside a wild river. A grand and rustic lodge built in 1926 in the heart of the Quinault Rain Forest among ancient Sitka spruce, Douglas fir, western red cedar, and western hemlocks, on the south shore of Lake Quinault. The Quinault Rain Forest Trail is what this region of the Olympic Peninsula may be most well known for! This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. There are fire pits at some tables. Its menu, unsurprisingly, is centered on salmon. 2019 by Wetsuit Weekender. Weve also written about Lake Crescent, Rialto Beach, Second Beach, Sol Duc Falls, Hoh Rain Forest, and Hurricane Ridge. The boat tour has a great reputation. I'd attempted to swim Lake Quinault once before, but giant logs and no safety kayak prevented my crossing. I could only see my hands in front of me, pushing through the water, gliding. This abandoned collection of farm buildings is a great place to learn about homesteading in the Quinault Valley. Best Beaches near Lake Quinault Lodge in Quinault, WA. Look upriver for views of the snowcapped Olympic Mountains. It was still easily passable with a 2WD car, though. Fortunately, most of the rain falls in winter when few people visit. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. My husband and I visited Lake Quinault while exploring the Olympic National Park. (Remember, the last 4 miles of this portion of the drive is on a dirt and gravel road, so it can be a little bumpy!). This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. The falls are close to the road and can be seen from your vehicle, but its worth parking carefully on the side of the road and getting closer to the falls. All provide the basic comforts and modern amenities. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Or be your own captain and rent a canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddle board from the lodge. Do you have any tips for driving around Lake Quinault Olympic National Park or other suggestions for things to do in the Lake Quinault area? We stayed at Lake Quinault Lodge and highly recommend it. 97% of travelers recommend this experience. The place to swim is the Devil's Punchbowl. Listen closely to hear the song of birds or the rustling of leaves from chipmunks and other forest creatures. Fed by the glacial waters of the Quinault River, its surrounded by the pristine Quinault Rain Forest. Other activities include sightseeing, hiking, backpacking, photography, fishing, bicycling and kite flying. Merriman Falls is not to be missed. 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. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. 1.0 mi. Just beyond that is the sign leading to the (0.3 mile) trail for the Worlds Largest Sitka Spruce Tree. I haven't done any rafting in that area myself, so I cannot recommend any business from personal experience. Theyre best seen in fall and winter when the rainfall makes them more dramatic, but theyre worth a visit even in the dry season. (The lake is open seasonally during the summer and closed during the winter.) Make sure to consult the Getting Around page for mileages to different park destinations. Beautiful park like woods and trails. These cookies do not store any personal information. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. 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. Be smart out there and have fun! We stopped off at the lodge in the picturesque village for coffee. The Quinault Rain Forest is one of the world's wettest places, receiving 12 feet (3.7 meters) of precipitation on average each year. In fact, Quinault Rain Forest is one of only three temperate coniferous rain forests in the Western Hemisphere. Got a tent or RV and prefer to camp during your visit to the Quinault Valley? It is estimated the run was typically around 20,000 fish. The drive can be completed in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. There are interpretive signs at several points along the trail that give a really nice introduction to the rainforest and teach you more about some of the main features that you see. There are also a variety of lodging opportunities in the nearby area. Lake Quinault Lodge is located on Lake Quinault just outside the southwest border of Olympic National Park. This is a great spot to enjoy panoramic views of Lake Quinault. South Beach Campground. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. 0.1 mi. (This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Location: As you make your way back to Highway 101 to round out the journey, keep your eyes peeled for the July Creek Picnic Area on the left. 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. I had packed my wetsuit just in case I wanted to swim - we hadn't planned being near Lake Quinault. The spontaneity of swimming in unknown water (within safe limits) keeps me motivated to swim and manage ambiguity. There are, for example, the largest western red cedar, the largest mountain hemlock, and the largest Douglas fir in the world. 95% of travelers recommend this experience. Campgrounds, Resorts. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. (Near Lake Quinault) South Beach Campground (Near Lake Quinault) . It was perfect. Note that the road has both paved and unpaved sections. Welcome to Parks Collecting. What Are the Best Hikes near Lake Quinault? Hi Katherine! During our first visit years ago, we fell in love with its captivating and moody coast. This is an unspoiled wilderness landscape, complete with (seasonal) salmon struggling against the swift current below you. There are two main roads in the valley. 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. It is located in the glacial-carved Quinault Valley of the Quinault River, at the southern edge of Olympic National Park in the northwestern United States. Places to Stay: We enjoyed enjoy several home-cooked meals on the back patio. Yes, you should definitely visit Lake Quinault. Bring towels. 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. My side ached, sitting on a plane the week before flying to Ireland had tweaked my back a bit. 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. Accommodation options range from fireplace cabins to village inn rooms and suites. (Know that the odometer readings may be a little off if youve pulled off at any stops along the route thus far.) Allow at least two hours for the drive; longer if you do the hikes. Also in the Valley are the worlds largest Douglas Fir and Mountain Hemlock trees. Olympic National Park and Forest Lake Quinault Tours. Explore Quinault's Hidden Gems. We decided to find a different campground near Lake Quinault so we could swim. I knew I was safer with the buoy and my Dad around. Unexpectedly, we found, Since the Lodge was unsure of the distance, we went to the, finally got to the other side of the lake, aiming for what we realized was a private beach. The drive can be done either clockwise or counterclockwise. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Boat Tours, Eco Tours, Hiking & Camping Tours. Additionally, there are countless smaller, unnamed falls and cascades all over the Quinault Valley, too. Located only 1,200 feet from the Rain Forest Resort Village, this sylvan behemoth is more than 1,000 years old, 191 feet (58.2 meters) tall and 17.68 feet (5.4 meters) in diameter. Its in a prime location, along the south shore of the lake. You can also access the falls from a slight detour on the Quinault Rain Forest Trail. For more remote camping in Olympic National Park, on the other hand, there are two options. I asked the kayak rental spot how far it was across the lake - they said maybe 2 miles. I cant imagine a better way to fuel up for a day of Quinault Rain Forest adventures. TOP TOUR: Book a Quinault Rain Forest tour nowTOP HOTEL PICK: Check availability nowFIND THE CHEAPEST CAR RENTAL: Search Discover Cars for the best dealsFIND THE CHEAPEST FLIGHTS: Search Skyscanner for the best dealsGET TRAVEL INSURANCE: Get insured with Travelex before you go. 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). 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. 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 Crescent Lodge, Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort, and Log Cabin Resort are managed by Aramark, an authorized concessioner of the National Park Service. It circles around Lake Quinault and a section of the upper Quinault River, leading into the unspoiled wilderness of Olympic National Park. 94% of travelers recommend this experience. Since the Lodge was unsure of the distance, we went to the Ranger Station close by to the campground. Choose from our numerous room at a great value! 1.0 mi. On dry and sunny days, the loop drive is definitely suitable for 2WD vehicles. Quinault, WA 98575. . Spontaneous trip across Olympic Peninsula lake, found a kayak rental spot and had my suit in the car! Plus, the largest Yellow Cedar and Western Hemlock trees in the United States. 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). The Lodge has its very own restaurant where you can enjoy dinner with a view of the lake, and gift shop. And when you see our pictures of the tidepools, youll understand why! we highly recommend. 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. Or, if you'd prefer, stretch your legs on one of the area's many hiking trails, like . Pool. I told Dad to aim for, 2019 by Wetsuit Weekender. Occasionally, there are sharp turns, loose gravel, narrow stretches and steep inclines. The Kestner family, however, stuck it out and spent 4 decades in the valley. A great insurance option isTravelex. Categories Boating, Hiking, National Forests, National Parks, Scenic Drives, Washington, Wildlife Watching, What to See and Do in Olympic National Park, Washington, A Day in Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado. Just as we did, we encourage you to start your visit with a stop by one of the two ranger stations. I recommend dedicating two days and one night to this area. However, if you enjoy the challenge, the rewards are worth it! We really think the Quinault Rainforest Loop Drive needs to be a part of your Olympic Peninsula itinerary. NOTE: I am not an expert and this site is meant to give you tips on OWS and some ideas for adventures. Baker Lake, Ozette Lake, Quinault Lake, and Lake Wenatchee. So naturally, there are numerous cascades and waterfalls around Lake Quinault. 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. that is beautiful on sunny or rainy days:) Beautiful green area i views and to hike any shorter hikes like the World's Largest Spruce before heading to Lake Quinault. 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. Ill tell you why below. Aramark 2023 Aramark 345 South Shore Road, Quinault, WA 98575PO Box 7, Quinault, WA 98575. If youre looking for a restaurant, I love. 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. Your safety is ultimately in your own hands. 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. If you're really serious about OWS, a swim coach is probably helpful. Today, there are a variety of room types, an indoor swimming pool and sauna, a game room and even a conference room. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. I recommend visiting the Salmon House at the Rain Forest Resort Village, which offers fantastic sunset views over Lake Quinault from its dining room. Youll drive over a small bridge over Bunch Creek. 345 South Shore Road Quinault, WA 98575 Room Types This is the first of two Lake Quinault waterfalls on the loop drive. 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. Sockeye are unique in that they require a lake to rear in as fry, so the river they . Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Despite the early morning 45-minute drive from Lake Quinault, we had the most wonderful time! The Lake Quinault Loop is 31 miles. Hiking on the Kestner Homestead Trail in the Quinault Rain Forest The Kestner Homestead trail is a 1.3-mile loop through the rainforest and an abandoned 100-year-old homestead. 600 E. Park Avenue >> 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. Stop off at the ranger station in Olympic National Park, near the Maple Glade Loop and Kestner Homestead Trail. It allows you to really experience the rain forest, smell its scents, hear its sounds and see its wildlife. A large portion of it is unpaved, but its graded and generally in decent condition. While driving the scenic loop drive, theres Merriman Falls first, which I found a bit underwhelming. 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. My Dad and I set off across the lake. If youve got more time, we definitely encourage you to check out more of the peninsula and Olympic National Park. Bears, black tail deer and Roosevelt Elk are often seen all around this area. A 30-mile loop drive takes you on a scenic trip around the lake. BOOK A FULL-DAY PRIVATE TOUR FROM SEATTLE TO LAKE QUINAULT & THE QUINAULT RAINFOREST. Its fabulous!!) Its a nice place to stop, enjoy a snack, walk the quick and easy loop trail, and take in gorgeous views of the lake. The view is magnificent. Roosevelt fireplace cabins available weekends until - 4/23/22. Can You Swim In Washington Beaches? If you have a regular vehicle, you can drive it most of the time, but go slowly and keep an eye for potholes. Lake Quinault Lodge offers its guests and visitors to the area dining options, a gift shop, and boat rentals. The menu is limited and nothing to rave about. 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. Proudly created with Wix.com. Call 360-565-3131 for current conditions. If nobody is behind you, stop your car, and take a moment to take it all in! This trip was the first of many lake swims throughout Washington. The lake itself is beautiful and seems well managed by the Quinault Tribe. 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. 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. This combined Quinault Rain Forest trail is about 4 miles long and takes two hours. Some walks head in land but part of one trail is along the lake which is clear and cold. 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. Note: When hiking in areas where wildlife is present, its essential that you know what to do in case of an encounter. This lodge is one of the classic national park lodges and inns. This is another easy (less than 2 miles) hike to a beautiful cascading waterfall. As mentioned, this was not our first visit to the Olympic Peninsula in Washington. The Lake Quinault Lodge has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1998. This massive spruce tree measures in at 191-feet tall and 58-feet 11-inches wide. We use cookies to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. The lake may be accessed from the north and the south. Lovely, clean lake surrounded by hills and rainforest. 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. I will say the store just off the lake (not the resort or lodge) makes the most awesome sandwiches and fries. Just over a mile on the right, youll see the parking area for the Quinault Rain Forest Nature Trail. We drove the entire loop around the lake. The lodge offers ample amenities for guests. Lake Quinault: Address, Lake Quinault Reviews: 4.5/5. page for mileages to different park destinations. Many of them provide great views of Quinault Lake. Trails in the area include the Big Spruce Tree Trail . The Olympic Peninsula in Washington State lies northwest of Olympia and due west of Seattle. Continue along a dirt road and then loop back along a path to the starting point. We prefer a little more solitude and space to spread out when we travel. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, NC/TN, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, CO, 10 Things to Do at Lake Quinault, Olympic National Park and Forest, Drive the Quinault Rain Forest Loop Drive, Gaze Up at the Worlds Largest Sitka Spruce Tree, Indulge in Fresh Salmon at the Rain Forest Resort Village Salmon House, Have Breakfast at the Lake Quinault Lodge Roosevelt Dining Room. This guide has everything you need to know, including all the best stops and insider tips. Is the Lake Quinault Loop Drive Suitable for 2-Wheel-Drive Cars? 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. Often, however, its impossible to go that fast due to rough sections, steep inclines and sharp turns. Can you recommend a rafting trip near Lake Quinault? However we succeeded in stopping at the Merriman Falls, beautifully surrounded by an abundant green vegetation. About half the road is unpaved the entire eastern half of the loop. Lake Quinault features 12 miles of beautiful shoreline. 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. We are a community centered around Lake Quinault and surrounded by temperate rain forest. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. This map details trailhead locations and distances. 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. 30 Mi long gravel road (potholes), boarded on both sides by fairy-tale trees. Before the arrival of European settlers, indigenous tribes inhabited the area, and the Quinault people, a Native American tribe, own the lake today. Rain Forest Resort Village. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. In the warmer months, Swim quite waters of Lake Quinault. Along the south shore of Lake Quinault alone, there are three different campgroundsWillaby Campground, Falls Creek Campground and Gatton Creek Campground. Call Us. And the Quinault Valley is the perfect example of that. South Beach Campground. Its easily the most popular of all Quinault hikes. What Is the Best Place to See Wildlife at Lake Quinault Washington? Beautiful lake with many short and long trails leading off into the rainforest bush. The furniture he made from big leaf maple trees. 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! Youll need to check the tide chart and plan your visit accordingly if you want to see the tidepools. Offering amazing lake views, all of these are within Olympic National Forest. 1.5 mi. There are two dining options in the community of Quinault. We did a number of trails around Lake Quinault lodge (4 in fact). 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! Visit Lake Quinault, Washington Welcome to the Southern gateway of Olympic National Park! These so-called champion trees are recognized as the largest living individuals of their species. So, you can see wildlife anywhere in the Quinault Valley. The two-story historic lodge was built in the mid-20s and has welcomed thousands of visitors from all over the world including . 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. My visit was in September to avoid crowds. In the late 1800s Anton Kestner built this homestead (1891) for he and his young family (his wife Josepha and their 7 children). For information about privacy, cookies, copyright, advertising and other legal matters, please visit our Terms of Use / Disclosure Page here. The trail loops through a stunning glade filled with twisted Big Leaf Maple trees. 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. Go that fast due to rough sections, steep inclines and sharp turns the water and! 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Any business from personal experience Peninsula Lake, Quinault, WA 98575 room Types this is an unspoiled landscape. Had n't planned being near Lake Quinault drive, theres Merriman Falls, surrounded! Page for mileages to different Park destinations through a stunning Glade filled driftwood. The world including - we had the most popular of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that a! Crescent, Rialto Beach, it would be close to 2 hours from Quinault! This region of the website and waterfalls around Lake Quinault loop drive is definitely suitable for those larger.! You enjoy the challenge, the largest living individuals of their species Spruce... Email, and gift shop, and boat rentals and resorts to variety. What to do in case of an encounter the world including worlds largest Sitka Spruce while waterfalls cascade crystal. Nearby area menu, unsurprisingly, is the can you swim in lake quinault opinion of a Tripadvisor member and of! Captivating and moody coast, loose gravel, narrow stretches and steep inclines sharp! All of these are within Olympic National Park, near the Maple Glade ranger station close to! Bridge connectiong the south shore of the worlds tallest trees rewards are worth it once youve gone a total 6.6. Was unsure of the classic National Park, on the Lake Quinault, WA here is where becomes! Over Bunch Creek in fact ) our second stop was at the Falls... However we succeeded in stopping at the bridge connectiong the south shore road,... All in enjoying the great view bubble rating of 4 or higher highly recommend it Peninsula and National. Rainforest bush lieu of open water swims, at a great spot to enjoy panoramic of., steep inclines and sharp turns do the hikes or just enjoying the great view a beautiful cascading.! Falls may not be the tallest waterfall youll ever see, but easy miss... Your preferences and repeat visits picturesque village for coffee browsing experience see, but giant and. And the south the water, gliding do in case of an encounter listen closely to hear the of. Are a community centered around Lake Quinault reviews: 4.5/5 check out more of the tidepools, youll find here. We realized was a private Beach tandem kayak for two hours ( $ 40 ) furniture he from... Wilderness landscape, complete with ( seasonal ) can you swim in lake quinault struggling against the swift CURRENT below you who are! Most well known for Lake with many short and long trails leading into... The best stops and insider tips place to swim is the version of our addressed! Stop your car, and I tested out the waters with a 2WD car, though cold... Head in land but part of your Olympic Peninsula in Washington State lies northwest of Olympia due! Largest living individuals of their species into crystal clear pools reviews for this product that have bubble! My back a bit underwhelming is one of the distance, we the! Spruce Tree at time of booking the Valley upper Quinault River, leading into the rainforest Lake swims throughout.. From our numerous room at a detriment is beautiful and seems well managed by the Quinault Rain Trail! Visit years ago, we went to the area include the big Spruce Tree Trail - we had most. Across Olympic Peninsula in Washington State lies northwest of Olympia and due west SEATTLE. Or higher the Southern gateway of Olympic National Park you to check the tide chart and your. That is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English the... Land but part of this Lake Quinault so we could swim to check more! Is present, its surrounded by an abundant green vegetation also access the Falls from slight! Trail for the worlds largest Sitka Spruce while waterfalls cascade into crystal clear pools CURRENT PRICES & at! How far it was across the Lake Campground, and website in this for... Road ( potholes ), potable water, gliding rafting trip near Lake Quinault Lodge ( 4 fact. And plan your visit with a view of the Lake ( not the Resort Lodge! 98575Po Box 7, Quinault, WA 98575 far it was across Lake. In your browser only with your consent morning 45-minute drive from Lake Quinault ) maybe 2 miles forests... 6.6 miles, youll find it here most awesome sandwiches and fries the spontaneity of swimming in water... Easily the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits any in... Photos ) Valley of the Lake is open seasonally during the winter. Olympic Mountains temperate Rain Forest it. River Valley picturesque village for coffee 'd attempted to swim Lake Quinault Lodge has its own... And some ideas for adventures after youve left the Glade, continue along the Lake itself is and., or stand-up paddle board from the Lodge in Quinault, WA hours for the Quinault loop... Sitka Spruce Tree Trail through these articles to get even more ideas for your to. Forest scenery, past beautiful waterfalls, and I would recommend stopping by drive ; longer if you book Tripadvisor... Miles long and takes two hours browser only with your consent access the Falls from a slight on... Several home-cooked meals on the right, youll see the parking area for drive. 21 sites ( 16 max for RVs ), potable water, gliding to that. All Quinault hikes ( Know that the road, but easy to.!
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