Is the Quinault Rain Forest Worth Visiting? 5 Reasons to Go!

Wondering if the Quinault Rain Forest is worth visiting?

Looking at a map of Olympic National Park’s most-visited spots, it’s easy to see why some might overlook it.

After staying at Lake Quinault Lodge in early spring—waking up to incredible lake views and hiking beneath massive old-growth trees—I quickly realized how underrated this area is.

Since then, I’ve returned twice! So yes, Quinault is absolutely worth visiting, especially in 2025, when many will seek an alternative to the Hoh Rain Forest.

Keep reading to learn five Quinault attractions and activities that make it a worthwhile destination. I also share places to stay near Lake Quinault and tips for planning the perfect trip.

Is the Quinault Rain Forest worth visiting? This scene shows why the answer is yes: a lush, moss-covered tree stands in the middle of a dense temperate rainforest, its branches draped with hanging green moss. Sunlight filters through the towering evergreen trees, casting a soft glow on the ferns and undergrowth below. — I captured this stunning lichen-draped tree on the Kestner Homestead Trail.

Quinault Rain Forest vs Hoh Rain Forest

When most people think of which rainforest to visit in Olympic National Park, they think of the Hoh Rainforest. It’s iconic for its ancient, moss-covered trees and the Hoh River Trail, which takes you all the way to the base of Mount Olympus’s Blue Glacier.

But the Quinault region offers more than the Hoh: Lake Quinault for water activities, national park lodging and campgrounds to choose from, a scenic loop drive through the rainforest, more day hike options, including Olympic National Forest trails, and an abundance of waterfalls.

⚠️ Hoh Rain Forest Road Closure

As of December 2024, the road to the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center and trailheads is closed due to erosion, with repairs scheduled for completion by June 2025.

If you plan to visit the rainforest, there are more things to do in Quinault than in the Hoh, making it the best alternative.

Need help with trip planning?

I offer custom travel planning services to help you save hours (or days!) of research and plan your trip with confidence.

Why Quinault Valley is Special

The Quinault Valley is home to some of the largest trees in the world, earning it the nickname Valley of the Rainforest Giants.

This record-setting forest is one of the most ecologically valuable in the country and has been stewarded by the ancestors of the Quinault Nation for centuries.

On my recent visit, I paid close attention to signs marking tribal land, Olympic National Forest, and Olympic National Park, gaining a deeper appreciation for their shared role in preserving this rare ecosystem.

This mix of protected lands, from thriving rainforest to rushing creeks and waterfalls, makes Quinault Valley one of my favorite places to explore.

A hiker in the Quinault Rainforest wearing a green cap and gray long-sleeve shirt gazes up at a towering, moss-covered tree. The massive trunk stretches high into the dense rainforest canopy, surrounded by lush greenery and smaller trees. Sunlight filters through the branches, highlighting the scale and beauty of the ancient forest. — Me gazing up at a massive old-growth tree on the Quinault Loop hike.

North Shore Road accesses Olympic National Park trails (park pass required), while South Shore Road leads to Olympic National Forest trails (forest pass required).

1. Lake Quinault Activities

The Quinault Nation calls Lake Quinault “the gem of Quinault country.” I understood why as I watched the sunset from the Roosevelt Dining Room at Lake Quinault Lodge.

Formed by glacial retreat thousands of years ago, this scenic lake and its 12 miles of shoreline offer swimming, kayaking, fishing, and boating tours.

I found some of the best views of the lake, including the snow-capped Olympic Mountains in the distance, while shoreline hiking off South Shore Road, where you’ll also find campgrounds, restaurants, and lodging.

While the lake is under tribal jurisdiction, it’s open to the public in summer.

A row of white catamarans rests on a frost-covered grassy shore, facing the calm waters of Lake Quinault. The lake reflects the clear blue sky, with forested mountains stretching across the horizon. A light mist lingers above the water, adding to the serene atmosphere.

Things to Do at Lake Quinault

Swimming – We had access to the lake’s cool, glacier-fed waters from the lodge. Campgrounds like Falls Creek and Willaby Campground have day-use areas for visitors.
Kayaking & Paddleboarding – Lake Quinault Lodge rents kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards in summer. The lake’s still morning waters make it an excellent spot for beginners.
Fishing – Summer and winter are great for fishing. You’ll need a tribal fishing permit, or you can book a guided fishing trip for steelhead and trout in the Quinault River.
Boat Tours – Motorized boats aren’t allowed, but the lodge offers guided boat tours from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Book the sunset cruise if you can—it’s the perfect way to end the day.

Quinault Rain Forest Loop Drive

The scenic 31-mile Quinault Loop Drive connects North Shore and South Shore roads, leading to trailheads, waterfalls, scenic spots, lodging, and campgrounds.

Check road conditions before heading out! A section of the loop was closed due to a washout during my January visit.

2. A Must-See Olympic National Park Rain Forest

Quinault Rain Forest is one of the most impressive temperate rainforests in Olympic National Park, where ancient trees with moss and lichen-draped branches create an almost otherworldly landscape.

Even my husband, who isn’t an avid hiker, couldn’t resist stopping every few feet to capture the glowing moss and massive trees along the Quinault Loop Trail.

This area is incredibly lush year-round, thanks to mild temperatures and up to 15 feet of annual rainfall—ideal conditions for a thriving rainforest ecosystem.

A narrow dirt trail winds through a lush old-growth forest, surrounded by towering, moss-covered trees. Massive tree roots sprawl across the path, adding to the rugged, natural beauty of the Quinault Loop Trail. In the distance, a hiker wearing a blue jacket walks along the trail, dwarfed by the immense trees. — Colby, my husband, dwarfed by towering trees.

Valley of the Rainforest Giants

Before the logging industry reshaped the Olympic Peninsula, the Quinault Valley was home to vast old-growth forests, with trees that had been standing for centuries.

Despite past logging, Quinault still holds an impressive number of record-setting trees:

Five of the ten largest Douglas-fir trees, including one that stands 302 feet tall
The largest Western Hemlock, 237 feet tall
The largest Western Redcedar, 174 feet tall

The most accessible of these giants is the Big Sitka spruce, which towers 191 feet high and is roughly 1,000 years old!

It’s a five-minute walk from the Rain Forest Resort Village, making it an easy stop.

A towering Sitka spruce tree stands majestically in the Rain Forest Resort Village, its massive trunk covered in textured bark and moss. The tree's sprawling branches reach high into the sky, surrounded by lush greenery and dense forest. Sunlight filters through the canopy, highlighting the tree’s immense size and ancient presence.

Roosevelt Elk & Other Wildlife

Quinault’s dense forests, river valleys, and open meadows make it one of the best places in Olympic to spot wildlife.

The rainforest is prime habitat for Roosevelt elk, the largest elk species in North America. These massive animals are frequently seen grazing in meadows and fields, particularly at dawn and dusk.

On our drive to the lodge along Highway 101, we were lucky to spot a herd of elk grazing right by the roadside. If you’re hoping to see them yourself, I share the best places for elk sightings in the FAQ section below.

A small herd of Roosevelt elk grazes along the grassy roadside off Highway 101, with a backdrop of leafless trees illuminated by the golden light of late afternoon. Some elk stand near the tree line, while others, including a cow and a calf, move closer to the road. Overhead power lines stretch across the clear blue sky, framing the peaceful wildlife scene.

Other animals that call this rainforest home include black bears, black-tailed deer, bald eagles, and elusive cougars.

3. Quinault Waterfalls & Scenic Creeks

Most visitors don’t expect Quinault to have some of Olympic’s best waterfalls and pristine creeks, but this area is full of them.

I was amazed by how many I saw on my first trip in late March, the ideal time for waterfall viewing because of melting snow and seasonal rain.

All water features listed below are easily accessible from South Shore Road, except for the last one, or short trails, making them great stops for any itinerary.

Merriman Falls

One of the most, if not the most, photographed waterfalls in the Quinault Valley. This 40-foot cascade is right off the road, making it an easy-to-find stop, even if you lose cell service like I did!

Bunch Falls

A lesser-known but equally stunning 60-foot waterfall. This multi-tiered cascade is a 13-minute drive past Merriman Falls on South Shore Road.

Falls Creek

We were captivated by the grand, moss-covered maple trees growing alongside this short yet scenic waterfall next to Falls Creek Campground.

Willaby Creek

This might be Quinault’s second most photographed water feature because it’s a showstopper along the easy and popular Quinault Rain Forest Trail.

Kestner Creek

This stunning creek is visible from North Shore Road and is a prominent feature of the Kestner Homestead Trail, and possibly the Maple Glade Rain Forest Trail, too.

I say “possibly” because everything I’ve read online states that Kestner Creek runs alongside the Maple Glade Trail. However, after hiking the trail and reviewing a map, I believe it’s another creek or stream, possibly Canoe Creek.

The one I’m referring to—a bonus to this section—is what makes the Maple Glade Trail so exquisite early in the year, when there’s enough precipitation to fill the streambed.

A quiet wooden bench sits at the edge of a reflective stream on a Quinault Rain Forest hiking trail. Moss-draped branches stretch over the water, their vibrant green reflections mirrored in the still surface. The surrounding rainforest is dense with ferns, towering trees, and a sense of tranquil solitude. — Maple Glade, my favorite Quinault Rain Forest hiking trail, is especially scenic when water fills the creekbed.

4. Quinault Hiking Trails for All Levels

I’ve completed many Quinault hikes, but there are so many trails that I could spend a week here and still not complete all of them.

Whether you’re looking for a short, scenic walk or a multi-day backpacking trip, there’s something here for every level of hiker.

Day Hikes

Maple Glade Rain Forest Trail – My favorite day hike in the Quinault area, this short loop winds through moss-draped bigleaf maples growing over a creekbed and feels almost otherworldly.
Kestner Homestead Trail – An easy hike that combines rainforest scenery and history. This trail leads to an old homestead site, for which it’s named, but the rainforest is the star of this trail.
Quinault Rain Forest Nature Trail – A perfect introduction to the Quinault Rainforest, this short loop features impressive views of Willaby Creek and signage about the area’s unique ecosystem, excellent for first-time visitors.
Quinault Loop Trail – This four-mile loop was my first Quinault hike and where I learned firsthand about the rainforest’s abundance of waterfalls, impressive trees, and moss-covered understory. Skunk cabbage was in bloom during our hike!

Is Quinault Rain Forest worth visiting? This scene shows why the answer is yes: a moss-covered tree with thick, draping greenery leans over gentle Kestner Creek. Sunlight filters through the dense canopy of twisted, mossy branches, casting a soft glow on the ferns and undergrowth.

Multi-Day Backpacking

The Enchanted Valley – One of the most iconic backpacking destinations in Olympic National Park, this trail follows the Quinault River deep into the “valley of 10,000 waterfalls.”
North Fork Quinault Trail – This trail offers a mix of dense forest and river crossings before arriving at the meadows at Low Divide and is best suited for experienced backpackers.
Colonel Bob Trail – A challenging but rewarding hike that climbs out of the rainforest and offers sweeping views of the Quinault Valley, Mount Olympus, Mount Rainier, and the Pacific Ocean.

5. Easy Access to Olympic Beaches

Leaving the lodge, we headed west to the Pacific coast, where some of Olympic’s best beaches are just a short drive away.

In only 35 minutes, we traveled from the rainforest to Kalaloch’s expansive coastline.

Kalaloch Beach

Kalaloch beaches are gorgeous and accessible year-round. A short walk from the day-use parking area leads to one of its most famous landmarks, the Tree of Life, a Sitka spruce that continues to stand despite the erosion beneath it.

Plan your visit around low tide to explore tide pools at the rocky outcrop at the north end of Beach 4, where sea stars, anemones, and other marine life thrive in the exposed pools.

Ruby Beach

Our second stop was Ruby Beach, 10 minutes north of Kalaloch, known for its dramatic rock formations and the creek that winds onto the sand before emptying into the Pacific.

We just missed low tide, but even without the low tide access, the beach was full of interactive rocks, including arches to walk through and rocks massive enough to climb.

A person stands on a rocky outcrop on Ruby Beach, gazing out at the vast Pacific ocean as waves roll onto the shore. The bright blue sky stretches above the horizon, with a distant island faintly visible in the background.

Where to Stay at Lake Quinault

Unlike the Hoh Rain Forest, Quinault offers a variety of accommodations, including the historic Lake Quinault Lodge and the Rain Forest Resort Village, both offering exceptional lakefront stays.

Camping options are also plentiful, including national park and national forest campgrounds.

Lake Quinault Lodge

A woman sits on a wooden Adirondack chair, smiling as she looks back toward the camera, with a scenic view of Lake Quinault stretching beyond the manicured lawn. Towering evergreen trees frame the tranquil waters, while the lodge and picnic tables nestle among the greenery. The setting exudes relaxation and natural beauty. — Me enjoying lake views from the lodge

I felt like I had stepped back in time when I set foot inside Lake Quinault Lodge, built in 1926.

This grand lodge has hosted travelers for nearly a century, including President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who visited in 1937. His visit influenced the establishment of Olympic National Park the following year.

In the Roosevelt Dining Room you’ll see black-and-white photos of its namesake. The lobby, with its grand fireplace, is the perfect place to relax after a day of exploring.

Check Rates & Availability at Lake Quinault Lodge

Rain Forest Resort Village

The Rain Forest Resort Village manager was kind enough to let me see inside of the cabins with some of the best views of Lake Quinault. I’ll be staying here for the 4th of July weekend this year!

Cabins offer a more private retreat than the lodge, with better direct lake access. The Salmon House Restaurant is a must-visit, known for its fresh seafood and scenic lake views.

Check Rates & Availability at Rain Forest Resort Village

Camping at Lake Quinault

A secluded campsite at Willaby Campground overlooks the serene waters of Lake Quinault, framed by tall evergreen trees. A wooden picnic table and fire pit sit on a dirt clearing, with a rustic wooden railing leading down to the site. In the background, misty mountains rise beyond the lake, creating a peaceful and picturesque setting.

If you prefer to camp, options in the Quinault area include the campgrounds below:

National Park Campgrounds:

Graves Creek Campground – A remote, tent-only campground near the Quinault River.
North Fork Campground – A quiet, forested campground with sites along the river.

National Forest Campgrounds:

Willaby Campground – The closest to Lake Quinault, offering lakeside sites.
Falls Creek Campground – A more shaded, forested campground near a scenic creek.
Gatton Creek Campground – A smaller, more secluded campground with lake access.

Quinault Rain Forest Travel Tips & FAQs

Plan your trip to Quinault using the helpful information below.

★ How to Get to Quinault Rain Forest

From Seattle, Lake Quinault and its surrounding rainforest is about a three-hour drive. Take I-5 South, then Highway 101 North in Olympia. Follow the Olympic Highway to Amanda Park, a small community with a gas station, a restaurant, and a visitor center.

From Forks, you’ll head south on Highway 101 for roughly 75 minutes, passing Ruby Beach and Kalaloch Beach on your drive.

★ When is the Best Time to Visit Quinault Rainforest?

Choose spring for fewer crowds and peak waterfall flow. Summer is ideal for lake activities, while fall is best for witnessing the changing seasons, including exceptional fall colors.

Winter provides the best chance for solitude in the rainforest, but storms and heavy rains may cause parts of the Quinault Loop Drive to close.

★ What Should You Pack for Visiting Quinault?

A waterproof jacket is essential year-round, although July and August bring long stretches of dry weather. I always wear sturdy hiking shoes on trails and dress in layers for changing weather conditions.

In my backpack, I carry bear spray year-round and insect repellant in summer, just in case.

★ Where are the Best Wildlife Spotting Areas?

Bunch Fields off North Shore Road is a top spot for elk sightings. And if you get to Maple Glade Trail early in the morning, you may see elk there, too.

★ Where to Eat Near Lake Quinault

Quinault restaurants include Dino’s Pizza & Grill in Amanda Park, The Salmon House Restaurant, and the Roosevelt Dining Room.

A golden sunset casts a warm glow over Lake Quinault, viewed through the window of the Roosevelt Dining Room. Tall evergreen trees frame the scene, with the sun setting behind distant mountains, reflecting on the calm water. In the foreground, a table is set with a vase of colorful flowers, a glass of water, and candlelight, adding to the cozy ambiance. — Sunset from the lodge’s dining room

Wrap-Up: Is Quinault Rainforest Worth Visiting?

Most people think of Olympic rainforests and picture the Hoh’s moss-covered trees. But there are more things to do in Quinault—more day hiking options, Lake Quinault activities, a stunning loop drive, exploring waterfalls, and a range of lodging and camping options.

It’s the perfect alternative to the Hoh in 2025, which is inaccessible because of road erosion.

Whether you come for the giant trees, the scenic drives, or a chance to spot Roosevelt Elk, Quinault is well worth the trip and one of my favorite places on the Olympic Peninsula.