Activity Detail: Lake Quinault Lodge, Olympic National Forest, WA

Lodge activities offer something for everyone

Relax...rejuvenate...explore. Take advantage of the many activities offered at the Lodge to make your visit even more enjoyable. Relax in the main lobby for board games, reading or conversation. Swim in our heated pool or take a moment to savor the dry sauna. Enjoy a game of horseshoes or Frisbee on the lawn - you may spot some of our resident rabbits there. From ice cream socials to storytelling to slug hunts, our Seasonal Lodge Activities give you even more ways to enjoy this very special place.

Hiking is a natural way to explore this special place

Short or long, leisurely or invigorating, you'll find a great variety of hikes here. There are more than 15 well-maintained trails for you to explore, each offering a different perspective on this diverse ecosystem. These trails are a great way to experience the Quinault Valley, so you may want to hike more than one during your visit. Please feel free to ask the front desk for a map of these trails.

Don't miss the Big Spruce Tree Trail, an easy walk which takes you to the world's largest Sitka spruce. For free trail maps inquire at the front desk, or contact the U.S. Forest Service or the National Park Service. The maps include hikes such as:

The Big Spruce Tree Trail:
Only a couple minutes in length and an easy walk, this trail is a great warm up. The trail goes to the largest Sitka Spruce Tree known and can be accessed from a gravel pull off at the Rain Forest Resort Village about a mile from the Lodge.

US Forest Service Nature Trail System:
Located across from the Lodge are several miles of Inter-connected, beautiful nature trails complete with occasional interpretive signing. Hikes as short as a half mile are available.

Maple Glade:
If you are a rain forest enthusiast this is what you came here to see. The Maple Glade Trail is only a half mile in length but absolutely beautiful. Huge, Big Leaf Maples are found throughout the area and are draped with streamers of moss and ferns. In the early morning or late evening the low angle of the sun back lights the huge leaves and the forest displays every color of green one can imagine. This is an easy trail with no hills and is maintained by the Park Service.

Kestner Homestead Trail:
Anton Kestner arrived here in 1889 and set about claiming his land under the Federal Homestead Act. He and his family lived on the North Shore homesteading the land for many years. The Park Service has developed a trail into the Homestead which is in the first phase of restoration. Visit the Park Service Visitors Center and the Maple Glades Trail for a glimpse into the past and hike this trail alone or with the Park Ranger during scheduled walks.

The Big Cedar Trail:
This short trail, recently constructed by the Washington Conservation Corp, does have some high steps as you climb the hillside. Once at the top, which is about a 15 minute hike, you will see the enormous Cedar Tree some have called the Hobbit Tree.

Rain Forest Tours

This private tour will help you discover the beauty, and peace, of this magnificent wild resource. Your retired ranger guide takes you to the best photo points in the area and you will experience the forest up close and personal on walks at specific locations on this 3 hour tour. The tour can accommodate 5 people in our comfortable van so make your reservations soon. Ask at the front desk for reservations.

Fee: $35 for adults; $20 for children under 12.
Guest minimum: 2 adults.

Rain forest tours are conducted year round in our Quinault Rain Forest. All three temperate rain forests located in the contiguous United States are on the Olympic Peninsula. The Quinault Rain Forest offers the unique quality of visitor accommodations "IN" the rain forest and a 30 mile loop road penetrating deep into Olympic National Park and Olympic National Forest.

Rain soaked mosses adorn the Big Leaf Maple trees and waterfalls cascade into pools where young salmon can be seen jumping into the air from their watery world as they frolic chasing insects and smaller prey. The call of the Loon can be heard echoing across Lake Quinault; the yapping of a distant Coyote and the bugling of the magnificent Roosevelt Elk in the fall.

Year round the Quinault Rain Forest offers something special for visitors. Our 4 species of salmon return in the fall to spawn followed by 100 Bald Eagles feeding on them. Summers are sunny and winters misty and fall is colorful. Come enjoy North America’s Rain Forest here at Quinault.

Biking in the great outdoors

Bring a bike, hop on, and experience this area's beauty and serenity. Try one of the many off-road trails. Or peddle the 30-mile Rain Forest Loop Road, beginning and ending at the Lodge, and see things you may not have noticed while driving. Please note that there are restrictions on the use of mountain bikes on U.S. Forest Service trails. Bike rentals are no longer available.

Take a relaxing boat ride in pristine waters*

Take your choice...there are several ways to explore the tranquil waters of Lake Quinault. We offer sea cycles, canoes, row boats and kayaks, so treat yourself to a wonderfully relaxing experience on this unspoiled, glacier-carved lake. For more about boat rentals, ask at the front desk.

*Please note: boating is a seasonal activity and is usually available June thru September. Our boats are currently docked for the winter. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Winter Season Activities

October through March

Rain Forest Interpretive Tour:
We offer this private van tour on Saturday and Sunday mornings. This comprehensive, 3 hour flat rate ($150) tour departs from the lodge at 9:30 a.m. You will see waterfalls, mossy trees and probably our Roosevelt Elk. This tour includes a walk at the Maple Glade in Olympic National Park and a visit to the world’s largest Sitka Spruce tree. For a more detailed explanation of the tour you will find Rain Forest Tour descriptions in holders around the lobby.
• Inquire at the front desk for information and reservations.
• Photography tours are also available.

A Walk in the Woods:
Join Mary or Roger for a 1.5 mile/ 1.5 hour walk in the rain forest. On this walk you wander through beautiful rain forest on US Forest Service lands. The walk originates at the Lodge and returns here. There is no cost for this
Walk in the Woods.
• Saturdays at 10:00 and 1:00.
• Meet your guide at the fire place

Harvest Moon’s Presentations:
Quinault Tribal member Harvest Moon is a well known Master Basket Maker and tribal story teller. As our “Cultural Interpreter” Harvest shares stories of legends and mythology. She also teaches basketry. Her demanding schedule at other locations precludes our establishing a routine presentation
format so all of Harvest Moon’s presentations are TBA. (To Be Announced)
Look for a separate flyer announcing her activities.
• Story Telling Date and Time TBA
• Basketry Class Date and Time TBA

Fly Fishing Instruction:
Need a way to relax; perhaps a new hobby ? Let us teach you how to fly fish. All equipment is provide for this 3 hour private clinic in which you will learn all of the basics of the art of fly fishing culminating in a perfect cast.
• Ask at the front desk for advanced reservations and pricing.

Interpretative tours offer great insights

Gain a greater understanding and appreciation of one of the world's few temperate rainforests on an interpretive tour led by a Forest Service naturalist. Programs cover a variety of topics including:

Rainforest ecology
Wildlife viewing
Ancient forests
The geology of the Olympics
Cultural historic perspectives
Land management practices

For more information on Interpretive hikes, please click here.

For more information on your guide, please click here.

Interpretive hikes are seasonal. For details, inquire at the front desk.

Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is occasionally offered off-site - in 30, 60 and 90 minute sessions. Please call the front desk to check availability at 360.288.2910.

Catch some of the Pacific Northwest’s best fishing

Nearby waters are rich with a variety of fish...steelhead...salmon and many more. To take advantage of the area's many premier fishing spots, ask us about arranging a guided excursion with local tribal or non-tribal guides. Fishing trips can be customized to meet your needs.

Bait and other fishing supplies are available at the nearby Mercantile shop. Since this area includes both U.S. Forest Service and Tribal lands, be sure to inquire about regulations and license requirements.

Take home mementos of your rainforest adventure.

Browse our gift shop, located in the Lodge, for a variety of gifts, souvenirs and sundries. You'll find a nice selection of apparel for adults and children there, as well as outdoor wear, toys, games, snacks and postcards. We also carry necessities like film and a variety of publications.

For lasting reminders of your trip, choose from an assortment of crafts and souvenirs including black hills gold jewelry, novelty gifts and walking sticks. And be sure to pick up a plush version of our popular mascot, the banana slug. All guests of the lodge are given a 10% discount coupon upon check in!

For camping items, groceries and other general merchandise visit the nearby old time Mercantile.