Accommodation options range from fireplace cabins to village inn rooms and suites. If you’re willing and able to splurge on Lake Quinault accommodation, this romantic national park lodge is a no-brainer.Ī cheaper alternative, which I opted for, is the Rain Forest Resort Village. It features a large sitting area, restaurant, grassy lawn with wonderful lake views, boat rentals and lake access. This beautiful historic lodge dominates the south shore. The star accommodation at Lake Quinault is without a doubt the Lake Quinault Lodge. From lodges, inns and resorts to a variety of campgrounds, whatever accommodation style you prefer, you’ll find it here. There’s no shortage of places to stay at Lake Quinault. I can’t imagine a better way to fuel up for a day of Quinault Rain Forest adventures. 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. That lack of competition doesn’t mean subpar quality, though. President Theodore Roosevelt who set aside the park for protection, is the only place in Quinault that serves breakfast. The Roosevelt Dining Room at the Lake Quinault Lodge, named after U.S. 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. Longer Cascading Terraces hike alternative: If you’re in the mood for a longer hike in the rain forest wilderness, nothing beats the roundtrip hike to Pony Bridge. I’d say this is one of the best short Quinault Rain Forest hikes, for sure. You can also get close to the Quinault River here. Typical of these Pacific Northwest rain forests, there’s an abundance of moss, lots of fern coverage and some beautifully crooked trees. However, as I said above, check road conditions beforehand, especially if the weather’s been in a bad mood lately.Īt the Graves Creek Campground, the 1-mile Cascading Terraces Nature Trail winds its way to a super-lush rain forest. It was still easily passable with a 2WD car, though. It continues along the south bank of the East Fork Quinault River to its terminus at Graves Creek Campground and the Enchanted Valley Trailhead.ĭuring my visit in October, this was a rather rough road at places, with a few muddy and narrow sections. Graves Creek Road is a 6-mile extension of the Quinault Rain Forest Loop Drive. Let’s start with the one thing that links all other Lake Quinault activities… Drive the Quinault Rain Forest Loop Drive I did all these things in just a couple of days-easily and with time to spare to hang out, drink in hand, near the lake. So, if you’re trying to figure out what to do at Lake Quinault, I’ve got a bunch of suggestions for you below. I, myself, spent two days and one night in the area. Unless you’re 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. 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. Other Pacific Northwest National Park ActivitiesĮncompassing both Lake Quinault and the Quinault River, the Quinault Valley is one of the Pacific Northwest’s greatest natural gems.Is the Quinault Rain Forest Really a Rain Forest?.What Are the Best Hikes near Lake Quinault?.What Is the Best Place to See Wildlife at Lake Quinault Washington?.Is the Lake Quinault Loop Drive Suitable for 2-Wheel-Drive Cars?.How Much Time Does the Quinault Rain Forest Scenic Drive Take?.How Long Is the Quinault Rain Forest Scenic Loop Drive?.Have Breakfast at the Lake Quinault Lodge Roosevelt Dining Room.Indulge in Fresh Salmon at the Rain Forest Resort Village Salmon House.Watch for Roosevelt Elk at Bunch Fields.Enjoy Typical Pacific Northwest Scenery.Hike the Cascading Terraces Nature Trail.Gaze Up at the World’s Largest Sitka Spruce Tree.Drive the Quinault Rain Forest Loop Drive.10 Things to Do at Lake Quinault, Olympic National Park and Forest.Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, CO.Great Smoky Mountains National Park, NC/TN.
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