The trails we took were not crowded at all for a Sunday. Additionally, black bears can occasionally also be seen foraging here. There is a small primitive parking area at the end of a short drive in a dirt road off the main road. South Beach Campground. Otherwise, Ruby Beach is still a piece of magnificent shoreline filled with driftwood, seastacks, and stacked rocks. You can see a couple of them on the Quinault loop trails near the lodge, most notably Cascade Falls and Gatton Creek Falls. Look upriver for views of the snowcapped Olympic Mountains. Large peaceful lake with a walking track on some parts. Full payment for Quinault Rainforest Tour will be processed at time of booking. 1.5 mi. Willaby Falls is easily accessed from Willaby Campground via a short walk just past site #14. You bet it is! Quinault, WA 98575. . Lake Quinault Lodge front desk staff can provide you with information about local fishing guide services (tribal and non-tribal). 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. The centerpiece is a huge stone fireplace thats decorated with a native American totem pole-shaped rain gauge that measures rainfall in feet. All three temperate rainforests located in the contiguous United States are on the Olympic Peninsula. It really is dangerous. Read more about our experiences on various attractions around the peninsula. This is the location of the worlds largest Sitka spruce tree, too. Aramark 2023 Aramark 345 South Shore Road, Quinault, WA 98575PO Box 7, Quinault, WA 98575. It was perfect with the kids. Since we have weak knees, we didn't attempt the more difficult trails. Theyre a great option if youd like to camp near at least some development. You can see a couple of them on the Quinault loop trails near the lodge, most notably Cascade Falls and Gatton Creek Falls. 91% of travelers recommend this experience. Privacy Policy and Keep a careful eye as you near them. Hike the Spruce Railroad Trail 20 minutes to the little, arching bridge over the Punchbowl. Trails in the area include the Big Spruce Tree Trail . Stop off at the ranger station in Olympic National Park, near the Maple Glade Loop and Kestner Homestead Trail. About half of the route is paved and half is unpaved, but is in generally good condition. This lodge is one of the classic national park lodges and inns. Lots of rain also = waterfalls! 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. How Long Is the Quinault Rain Forest Scenic Loop Drive? 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. Along the south shore of Lake Quinault alone, there are three different campgroundsWillaby Campground, Falls Creek Campground and Gatton Creek Campground. Enjoy the cold but exquisite waters. I didn't feel comfortable in the water until about half way, in the middle of the lake. Smoking is NOT permitted onboard tour coach. Continue on to about the 21-mile mark where youll find a parking area to take a quick stroll to the Kestner Homestead. for better views. 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. A regular sedan car is generally OK, though. Spacious and convenient. My side ached, sitting on a plane the week before flying to Ireland had tweaked my back a bit. The 4-mile long, 2-mile wide glacier-carved and glacier-fed lake is located in the Quinault Valley, which is a destination in and of itself. (Near Lake Quinault) South Beach Campground (Near Lake Quinault) . If youre interested in learning more about what lies in front of you, take time to read the educational signs lining the forest path. 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. On dry and sunny days, the loop drive is definitely suitable for 2WD vehicles. It allows you to really experience the rain forest, smell its scents, hear its sounds and see its wildlife. Its worth getting out at the bridge at either end and admiring the view. There are fire pits at some tables. 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. Both ranger stations are mere steps away from some great hiking trails, so pop in, get some advice about the surrounding area, then head out on the trails! When you visit Lake Quinault Lodge, whether its for a stay or just a peek inside, I highly recommend the Quinault Loop Trail. The easy 0.5-mile loop is wheelchair accessible for part of the way. Click on "Read More" for more details about our privacy policy. Lake Quinault Lodge, managed by Aramark, operates under special permit by U.S. Forest Service in Olympic National Forest. Be sure to read through these articles to get even more ideas for your visit! You can reserve your site at Willaby and Falls Creek campgrounds by visiting Recreation.Gov. Merriman Falls is not to be missed. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This particular home sleeps 8, so its great for larger families or travel groups. EARN . You can combine them as you see fit. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. It features a large sitting area, restaurant, grassy lawn with wonderful lake views, boat rentals and lake access. 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. Despite the early morning 45-minute drive from Lake Quinault, we had the most wonderful time! 98362, Download the official NPS app before your next visit, is a little further, about 35 miles away. I was thankful for the kindness of strangers. Note: When hiking in areas where wildlife is present, its essential that you know what to do in case of an encounter. Accommodation options range from fireplace cabins to village inn rooms and suites. Most rooms dont have a phone or TV. Additionally, there are countless smaller, unnamed falls and cascades all over the Quinault Valley, too. 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). Giant moss covered trees greet you at every turn. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. If youre driving the loop clockwise, soon after the bridge, youll see the falls on your left. You can change your cookie preferences by clicking on "Settings". Looking out at the Quinault River, flanked by pristine forests and glimpses of the towering Olympic Mountains, you cant help but feel in awe. 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 Olympic Peninsula in Washington State lies northwest of Olympia and due west of Seattle. The tree is impressive by any standards. more. Falls Creek Campground also has 21 sites/10 walk-in (16 max for RVs), potable water, and flush toilets. 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. Lake Quinault is a natural lake that lies at the end of the Quinault Valley. Lake Quinault Lodge is located on Lake Quinault just outside the southwest border of Olympic National Park. The food in Seabrook at the Pub is excellent. 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. This campground, unlike the others mentioned here, is not located right on the lake, but rather just across the street. 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. We hardly saw a soul, and loved walking through the rain forest (although it wasn't raining). I, myself, spent two days and one night in the area. Campgrounds, Resorts. BOOK A FULL-DAY PRIVATE TOUR FROM SEATTLE TO LAKE QUINAULT & THE QUINAULT RAINFOREST. Since we are currently traveling with our almost 2-year old, we stuck to pretty easy hikes. This map details trailhead locations and distances. (I drove it twice with my front-wheel-drive VW Jetta.) While Lake Crescent may be the more popular lake on the peninsula, Lake Quinault on the southwestern end, deserves some hearty recognition as well! Rainforest Resort RV Campground has 31 RV sites to choose from (including several lake-front). Call us 1-888-461-2214. Quinault is located in the southwestern area of the park, about a three-hour drive from Port Angeles and one hour from Forks (directions). Driving along the lake, we found Falls Creek Campground. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. (This post may contain affiliate links. Heres a look at our first visit to the Olympic Peninsula. Other activities include sightseeing, hiking, backpacking, photography, fishing, bicycling and kite flying. Rain soaked mosses adorn big leaf maples and towering Sitka spruce while waterfalls cascade into crystal clear pools. Its menu, unsurprisingly, is centered on salmon. From the outside the lodge is stunning and the wildlife fascinating . South Beach Campground. 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. The spontaneity of swimming in unknown water (within safe limits) keeps me motivated to swim and manage ambiguity. 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. The speed limit on the Lake Quinault Rain Forest Loop Drive varies between 25 and 35 mph. Then look up at the trees. Rainier Day Trip from Seattle, Viator Exclusive Tour- Olympic National Park Tour from Seattle, 2 Hour Guided Boat Tour in Gig Harbor and Narrows Bridges, Shared Sunset Cruise from Gig Harbor on Puget Sound, Olympic National Park Luxury Small-Group Day Tour with Lunch, Day Trip from Seattle to Victoria on the Victoria Clipper, Mt Rainier Seaplane Tour Departing from Lake Washington, Evening Colors Sunset Sail Tour in Seattle. Soft light filters through the leaves. The furniture he made from big leaf maple trees. Explore different ways to experience this place. Experience the enormous ferns and magical moss of the temperate rain forest as part of the trail goes through Willaby Creek Canyon. We stayed at Lake Quinault Lodge and highly recommend it. 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. For spectacular views and to get a sense of the area, take a scenic drive around Lake Quinault. The 60-foot falls cascade down the side of a mossy hill, surrounded by lush forest. I just didn't know when I may use it for a long-distance swim! (The lake is open seasonally during the summer and closed during the winter.) If you have a regular vehicle, you can drive it most of the time, but go slowly and keep an eye for potholes. I haven't done any rafting in that area myself, so I cannot recommend any business from personal experience. Your Vacation Awaits. Fishing for salmon in the lake is NOT permitted but you are allowed to fish for salmon in the lower Quinault River. Call 360-565-3131 for current conditions. 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. Before the arrival of European settlers, indigenous tribes inhabited the area, and the Quinault people, a Native American tribe, own the lake today. 93400 & S Shore Rd, Quinault, WA 98575. . Your journey begins where South Shore Road breaks off from Highway 101. Many hikes are located along South Shore Road and, more often than not, leave from one of several campgrounds. We proudly offer our Lake Quinault Rainforest Tour year-round, departing from Lake Quinault Lodge - the only guest accommodations directly inside the rainforest. Yes! This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. For more information, including nightly rates, check out their website. There is a short 1.3 mile loop to the old Kestner homestead, and another that winds through groves of bigleaf maples. No elk to be found anywhere. The drive can be completed in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. 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. HOT TUB OPEN. I told Dad to aim for, 2019 by Wetsuit Weekender. See all 1 Lake Quinault tours on Tripadvisor, Renovated Olympia Cabin w/ Private Dock on Lake, View all hotels near Lake Quinault on Tripadvisor, View all restaurants near Lake Quinault on Tripadvisor, Hotels near Pacific Ranger District - Quinault Office, Hotels near Seattle-Tacoma Intl Airport (SEA), Motels near Seattle-Tacoma Intl Airport (SEA), Haunted Cologne Outdoor Escape Game: Witch Hunt, All Rome 1 Day Tour - Luxury Car, EntranceTickets, Lunch included, Playa del Carmen Salsa or Bachata Dance lesson from Playa del Carmen, The New York Pass: 100+ Attractions including Empire State Building, Loch Lomond, Kelpies & Stirling Castle Small-Group Day Tour, Best of Chicago Small Group Tour with Skydeck + Shoreline Cruise. Preferences by clicking on `` Settings '' based on the Olympic Peninsula huge stone fireplace thats decorated a. Lies northwest of Olympia and due west of Seattle the wildlife fascinating 60-foot Falls Cascade down the side of mossy! 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