Quinault: Rainforest and Trails at Lake Quinault
Accommodation in Quinault
Quinault brings together several natural and cultural highlights: the Quinault Rain Forest, Lake Quinault, trails on the north shore, and the story of an early settler family in the Quinault Valley. If you’re looking for a hotel for your stay, these themes can help guide your trip planning. Would you rather walk through a mossy forest, reach picnic tables with a view, include settlement history, or take a scenic drive around the lake?
Rainforest, Lake, and Wildlife
The Quinault Rain Forest is one of only three temperate coniferous rainforests in the Western Hemisphere. It receives more than 12 feet of rain annually. Lake Quinault was formed and is fed by glaciers. Glaciers therefore shaped both the lake’s formation and its water supply. The forests around Quinault provide habitat for Roosevelt elk. For nature enthusiasts, the forest, lake, and wildlife habitat offer different perspectives on the region.
Loop Trails and Views on the North Shore
The Maple Glade Trail begins at the Quinault River Ranger Station on the north shore of Lake Quinault. The 0.5-mile loop trail winds through a mossy forest of bigleaf maple trees, crisscrossed by branching streams. At the July Creek Picnic Area Trailhead, a short path leads to picnic tables with a view on the north shore.
The two trail options differ in their layout and destination: Maple Glade is a loop through the forest described above, while the short path at July Creek leads to picnic tables with a view. This lets you include a forest trail and a short walk to a picnic area in different ways when planning your trip.
Kestner Homestead and Settlement History
Kestner Homestead and its orchard were established by the Kestners. The Kestners were among the first settler families in the Quinault Valley. The Kestner Homestead Trail is a 1.3-mile loop that also begins at the Quinault River Ranger Station on the north shore of Lake Quinault. Compared with the 0.5-mile Maple Glade Trail, it is 0.8 miles longer; both loops start at the same station. Trail conditions at Maple Glade and Kestner Homestead can vary; check them before setting out.
Scenic Drive and Trout Fishing at Lake Quinault
A 30-mile scenic drive loops around Lake Quinault. Unlike the loop trails, this route describes a drive around the lake and offers another way to experience the landscape. Road conditions can vary; check them before driving.
The two trail distances refer to loops starting at the same ranger station; the 30 miles, by contrast, refer to the drive around the lake. So when planning, consider not only the distance but also the type of route: a trail on foot or a drive around the lake.
Trout fishing is possible at Lake Quinault when the lake is open. You need a tribal permit and must follow the applicable regulations. Since lake access and regulations can change, check both before fishing.
Discover more destinations: Moclips, Montesano, Copalis Beach, Ocean Shores, Hoquiam, Elma, Aberdeen, Westport.
Go to the regional travel overview: Grays Harbor County.
