Location: Lake Quinault, Washington – Olympic National Park
Distance: Half Mile Loop
Difficulty: Easy Time: 30 Minutes
Elevation Gain: Practically None (Incredibly Flat Trail)
Season: Year Round
Foot Traffic: Moderate
Date Hiked: July 19, 2021
Overview
The Lake Quinault area receives significantly less traffic than the more heavily visited areas of Olympic National Park. However, it is a truly stunning section of the National Park, boasting some fabulous old growth rain forests and spectacular trails. A great spot to start when checking out the Lake Quinault area is the short but excellent Quinault Rain Forest Trail.
While the hike is only a half mile, it will assuredly leave visitors wanting to leisurely explore the trail as the surroundings are spectacular. The lush temperate Rain Forest teems with green, moss covered flora in every direction.
Another great aspect of this trail is that while most of the latter section of the trail is a gravel path, the first 800 feet or so is accessible to individuals with wheelchairs. Overall, this is phenomenal stroll, that shouldn’t be missed. The key to this hike is to really take your time and to take in your surroundings.
Trail Description and Scout’s Story
My wife and I, along with our two month old daughter, Scout, had now been on the road for nearly a month. We were excited to see different sections of Olympic National Park but were a little wary of the crowds that were sure to soon greet us. We were rather surprised at the solitude we found in the Lake Quinault area. Since we had been sleeping in our car the past few nights, we pulled into the Lake Quinault area with no specific spot to go. The big parking lot for the Quinault Rain Forest Trail seemed to call our name.
Although we didn’t have a plan to take the short stroll on this morning, the short length of a half mile really gave us no choice. From the time we parked, I was blown away at the greenery and scenery.
Starting the Quinault Rain Forest Trail
My wife wrapped Scout into a blanket, picked her up and off we went. While I assumed the short stroll would go by insanely fast, I quickly realized that the half mile loop was gonna take us a bit longer as we were stopping every few seconds to take pictures and just gawk in awe at the immense beauty that surrounded us in every direction.
The first 800 feet of the trail consisted of a really nice boardwalk that was wheelchair accessible. From there a gravel trail lined the majority of the rest of the hike, often following along wooden guardrails. We enjoyed the relaxing sounds of Willaby Creek just below us as we continued past Willaby Gorge. The trail felt almost as if it was carved into the canyon walls and forest.
With baby Scout not even being 2 months old, I figured that she would sleep most of the hike. However, every time that I glanced up, her eyes were wide open and intensely surveying the moss covered forest around us.
This Quinault Rain Forest Trail was such a delight for us and was such a great introduction to the beauty that lies in the Lake Quinault area. If only every morning could start in this same incredible fashion.
Getting to the Quinault Rain Forest Trail
S Shore Rd, Quinault, WA 98575
Notes, Questions and Thoughts
Is this a fee area?
- Yes, The Quinault Rain Forest Trail requires a valid Washington State Recreation Pass or visitors can place $5 into the collection box. I believe a National Park Pass works here as well. Be sure to display the pass or stub on the dash of your windshield.
Are dogs allowed on the Quinault Rain Forest Trail?
- Yes, dogs are allowed on the Quinault Rain Forest Trail, however, they must be leashed and kept in control at all times. Please pick up and properly dispose of all animal waste and follow the park service’s B.A.R.K principles
- Bag your pet’s waste
- Always leash your pet
- Respect wildlife
- Know where you can go
Are there restrooms at the trailhead/parking area?
- Yes. There is a flush toilet located in the parking area just before the trailhead.
Please recreate responsibly. Respect hikers and all visitors and wildlife. Help make everyone’s experience better by keeping the nature experience as authentic as possible. Leave no trace and pack out everything that you pack in. Please remember that we are visitors and stewards of these special places. Help keep these places as wild as possible while not diminishing the outdoor experience of others.
