Lake Quinault and the Valley of the Rainforest Giants
We’re moving along Highway 101 from Ocean Shores to La Push. There’s a lot to see and more time is needed. With precision and quick execution, we just might manage some sightseeing along Lake Quinault. But once in the Quinault Valley, it's inconceivable that we can just turn around and leave. Being the off-season, it's an ideal time to explore the area. Few visitors and no traffic. What's left is a quiet all-natural lake surrounded by a thick and tall coniferous forest.
Lake Quinault is part of a rain forest valley that extends into the high country within the Olympic National Park. We do not enter the park while at the lake. Our goal is simple and requires nothing strenuous. Fit more for families with small children and we see plenty of these.
At the least, Lake Quinault is known for its record breaking trees. Known as the Valley of the Rainforest Giants, it has the largest western red cedar, yellow cedar, western hemlock, mountain hemlock, Douglas fir, and Sitka spruce. These are not grouped together requiring six separate hikes. Inside the Quinault Mercantile I’m told about a bridge being out to one tree and the primitive trail to another. The best bet is a short walk to the Sitka spruce.
The 1,000 year old spruce is located near the lake off South Shore Road, just past The Salmon House Restuarant. There’s a dirt parking area on the right of the road. Across the road is a clearly marked path through dense rainforest that opens up to a park where the tree resides on the far corner. It’s size gives it away, it has a circumference of over 55 feet and a height of 191 feet. The lowest of it branches must be a good 60 feet high. It’s base is unprotected and climbing the mammoth is not deterred. We each take turns making our way around it.
While at the spruce, we take time to admire the lake and listen to the crows squabble on old wood pilings. The entire area where the tree stands is part of the Rain Forest Resort Village. Spread through these placid grounds is the inn and suites, cabins, an RV park, general store, gift shop, The Salmon House Restaurant, and a post office. There’s also the Quinault Loop Trail which we are encouraged to take.
The highlight of the trail is the footbridge over the Willaby Creek. The water is drinkable I’m told. The trail leading to the bridge is wide with twists and turns. The elevation gain is slight. The loop isn’t complete but leads back to the South Shore Road. With traffic light we enjoy the walk back to our car in the dirt lot. I notice houses tucked into the trees and look to be privately owned. I could imagine settling in and never leaving.
The beauty of Lake Quinault with the filtered sun through the temperate rainforest makes this location an absolute paradise. One could only imagine what’s up the road beyond the ranger station and the many distant mountain trails. Could a more pleasant and beautiful place exist?
Rain Forest Resort Village
516 S Shore Road
Quinault, WA 98575
(360) 288-2535
www.rainforestresort.com
Lake Quinault is part of a rain forest valley that extends into the high country within the Olympic National Park. We do not enter the park while at the lake. Our goal is simple and requires nothing strenuous. Fit more for families with small children and we see plenty of these.
At the least, Lake Quinault is known for its record breaking trees. Known as the Valley of the Rainforest Giants, it has the largest western red cedar, yellow cedar, western hemlock, mountain hemlock, Douglas fir, and Sitka spruce. These are not grouped together requiring six separate hikes. Inside the Quinault Mercantile I’m told about a bridge being out to one tree and the primitive trail to another. The best bet is a short walk to the Sitka spruce.
The 1,000 year old spruce is located near the lake off South Shore Road, just past The Salmon House Restuarant. There’s a dirt parking area on the right of the road. Across the road is a clearly marked path through dense rainforest that opens up to a park where the tree resides on the far corner. It’s size gives it away, it has a circumference of over 55 feet and a height of 191 feet. The lowest of it branches must be a good 60 feet high. It’s base is unprotected and climbing the mammoth is not deterred. We each take turns making our way around it.
While at the spruce, we take time to admire the lake and listen to the crows squabble on old wood pilings. The entire area where the tree stands is part of the Rain Forest Resort Village. Spread through these placid grounds is the inn and suites, cabins, an RV park, general store, gift shop, The Salmon House Restaurant, and a post office. There’s also the Quinault Loop Trail which we are encouraged to take.
The highlight of the trail is the footbridge over the Willaby Creek. The water is drinkable I’m told. The trail leading to the bridge is wide with twists and turns. The elevation gain is slight. The loop isn’t complete but leads back to the South Shore Road. With traffic light we enjoy the walk back to our car in the dirt lot. I notice houses tucked into the trees and look to be privately owned. I could imagine settling in and never leaving.
The beauty of Lake Quinault with the filtered sun through the temperate rainforest makes this location an absolute paradise. One could only imagine what’s up the road beyond the ranger station and the many distant mountain trails. Could a more pleasant and beautiful place exist?
Rain Forest Resort Village
516 S Shore Road
Quinault, WA 98575
(360) 288-2535
www.rainforestresort.com
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