Lake Quinault Lodge Review (2025): Why It’s Worth the Drive
Many first-time visitors wonder if Lake Quinault Lodge’s location—tucked in the Quinault Valley—is too remote.
But its rainforest surroundings were my favorite part of our late March stay. Once we walked into the main building, the lobby’s dark wood aesthetic, cozy seating around a crackling fire, and black-and-white photos on the walls made us feel like we had arrived somewhere special.
The service isn’t perfect, and it’s farther from the park’s most popular areas. But the lodge is a destination in itself—with lake access, stunning sunset views, and rainforest trails just beyond the lawn.
In this Lake Quinault Lodge review, I’ll cover the pros, cons, and standout experiences—so you can decide if it’s the right fit for your Olympic National Park adventure.
➜ Book Lake Quinault Lodge to unwind in comfort and historic charm after a day of hiking and exploring the rainforest.
Lake Quinault Lodge: A Timeless Retreat
Built in 1926, Lake Quinault Lodge’s claim to fame is a fall visit from President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who was so taken by the area’s beauty that he signed the act establishing Olympic National Park just nine months later.
While the building’s original luster has faded, the main lodge remains the heart of the experience.
After a day of hiking past numerous creeks and waterfalls, we ate a delicious dinner in the Roosevelt Dining Room, watching the light fade over the lake. We ended the night by the grand fireplace, lounging on a leather couch to warm up and unwind.
Vintage charm and rustic appeal make Lake Quinault Lodge a perfect escape for nature lovers, hikers, couples, and families who prioritize ambiance and outdoor activities over luxury.
But don’t come here expecting five-star service. While some staff members, like our evening waiter, were excellent, others lacked a naturally helpful disposition.
And yet, I would return again and again.
What makes Lake Quinault Lodge worth the price isn’t the WiFi, the service, or the linens.
It’s the lodge itself—with all its character—the lake, the rainforest, and hiking trails that start just beyond the lawn. Together, they make Lake Quinault Lodge a fantastic home base for outdoor adventure and my favorite place to stay on the Olympic Peninsula.
Book Lake Quinault Lodge for its historic charm, lake views, and surrounding rainforest. I've stayed twice and love unwinding by the fire after a day of hiking.
Location
Getting Here: Google Maps Link
If you’re worried that Lake Quinault Lodge is too far out of the way, it helps to know that Quinault is actually closer to the coast than the mountains.
It’s just a short drive from two of the most scenic stops on the Olympic Peninsula:
- 35 minutes to Kalaloch beaches
- 45 minutes to Ruby Beach
The lodge sits in the southern Quinault region of the peninsula, off South Shore Road, about 2.5 hours from Seattle and 1 hour and 15 minutes from Forks.
And compared to the route to Hurricane Ridge, the drive from Seattle is shorter and more straightforward—no bridge crossings or ferries to consider.
Quinault Rainforest
For me, its remoteness is part of the appeal.
The Quinault Valley is home to some of the world’s largest trees, earning it the nickname Valley of the Rainforest Giants.
We hiked through the rainforest starting from our back door and were blown away by the size of the trees and the number of streams and falls along the trail.
Today, Olympic National Park, Olympic National Forest, and the Quinault Tribe—whose ancestral land this is—work together to preserve this ancient ecosystem.
Hiking Near Lake Quinault Lodge
One of the best parts about staying here is having the Quinault Loop Trail just off the back lawn.
March was an incredible time to hike it—moss lined the path in glowing green, and the waterfalls flowed powerfully from snowmelt.
We didn’t know it then, but we chose the best direction by heading toward Falls Creek Campground. This route saves the most scenic moments for the second half, including lake views with the snow-capped Olympic Mountains in the distance.
Here are a few other nearby, easy hikes:
- Quinault Rain Forest Nature Trail – The Quinault Loop Trail ends on this trail if you take the abovementioned route. It also makes for a great standalone hike.
- Maple Glade Rain Forest Trail – My favorite short hike in the area, thanks to its stunning moss-draped bigleaf maples growing over a creekbed.
- Kestner Homestead Trail – This easy trail, connected to the Maple Glade Trail, leads to an old homestead site—but the rainforest is the star of the hike.
NOTE: Hiking in the national park requires a Park pass while hiking in the national forest requires a Forest pass.
Pros & Cons of Staying at Lake Quinault Lodge
During our March visit, we stayed in a Fireplace Room with excellent lake views.
I’ll never forget the feeling of sitting outside on our patio, drinking my coffee while listening to birdsong all around. A thin layer of morning fog stretched across the lake, burning off just before I took my last sip.
The good here far outweighs the bad. But whether or not you’ll love it depends on what you’re looking for in a stay.
Pros: What Makes Lake Quinault Lodge Worth It
✔ Pet-Friendly Rooms: Bring your dog along and enjoy nearby Olympic National Forest trails. Note that pets aren’t allowed on most national park trails.
✔ Lakeside Location & Historic Charm: A stay here means direct lake access and a step back in time.
✔ Quinault Rainforest Trails Nearby: Some of Olympic’s most underrated rainforest trails surround the lodge.
✔ On-Site Dining: The Roosevelt Dining Room serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with stunning lake views.
✔ Cozy Nighttime Lounge: Wind down in the lobby with a glass of wine or a book.
✔ Indoor Pool & Sauna: Rare luxuries on the Olympic Peninsula.
✔ Game Room: Great for families or a rainy afternoon escape.
✔ Guided Rainforest & Boat Tours: Perfect for first-time visitors who want to experience Quinault’s unique ecosystem without extensive planning.
✔ Kayak & Boat Rentals (Summer Only): Lake Quinault’s calm morning waters make it an excellent spot for beginners.
Cons: What to Know Before Booking
✘ Customer Service Varies: Some employees go above and beyond, while others seem less engaged.
✘ Paid WiFi: Internet access isn’t included with your booking, but you can pay extra for it.
✘ Early Bar Closure: The on-site bar closed at 8:30pm when we stayed in March, but wine is available for purchase 24/7 at the front desk.
✘ Thin Linens & Towels: The bedding and towels felt noticeably thin. Don’t expect high-end linens.
✘ Flat Pillows: The pillows are on the thinner side. If you prefer more support, consider requesting extras.
So, is Lake Quinault Lodge worth it?
If ambiance, lake activities, and easy access to rainforest trails matter more to you than luxury, then book a stay at Lake Quinault Lodge. But if you’re looking for plush bedding and five-star service, just know that’s hard to find on the Olympic Peninsula.
Keep in mind—the price reflects your proximity to Olympic National Park, the 10th most visited national park in the country.
Customer Service
I touched on this earlier, but customer service at Lake Quinault Lodge is inconsistent. While some staff were welcoming and accommodating, others felt less engaged.
Below, I’ve broken down our experiences at the front desk and the Roosevelt Dining Room to give you a clearer picture of what to expect.
NOTE: Daily housekeeping is not provided, but you can contact the front desk for housekeeping assistance.
Front Desk
During our stay, I stopped by the front desk to request more coffee pods for our in-room Keurig. Since we were staying two nights, I figured we’d have at least four total.
The front desk person told me that housekeeping handled coffee supplies and wouldn’t return until morning. When I politely asked if there was any way to get some sooner, she eventually told me to return after 8pm.
This wasn’t a major issue, but a minor service hiccup that stood out. I would have been more frustrated if I had paid peak summer rates ($500 per night for a Fireplace Room).
That said, another front desk employee we interacted with was fantastic—helpful, cheerful, and exactly what you’d hope for in a hospitality setting.
Restaurant
Dinner service was excellent—our server was friendly, attentive, and provided the level of service you’d expect in a fine dining setting.
Breakfast service, however, was a different experience. The host told me I couldn’t be seated until my husband arrived—a reasonable policy, but the delivery lacked warmth or a smile.
Sunday brunch service was surprisingly inattentive, especially considering the high price. Despite the fine dining atmosphere, we had to pour our coffee—something I wouldn’t have expected in a restaurant with white linen tablecloths.
In contrast, dinner service on both nights was top-notch.
Key Takeaway: If you’re dining at the lodge, expect a much better experience in the evening than during the day.
Accommodations
Lake Quinault Lodge offers four types of rooms. Room amenities include a coffee maker and mini-fridge.
★ Main Lodge Rooms
I peeked inside one of the Main Lodge Rooms and immediately noticed their old-fashioned charm—wood-paneled walls and period furnishings you won’t find in the contemporary rooms.
These rooms match the 1920s aesthetic of the main lodge, unlike our modern Fireplace Room.
★ Fireplace Rooms
The spacious Fireplace Rooms were constructed as an addition to the lodge, separate from the original 1926 build. I could have sat on our patio in my Adirondack chair for hours.
We didn’t realize until the morning we checked out that the bathroom had floor heating—a luxury we wish we’d noticed sooner!
★ Lakeside Rooms
All Lakeside Rooms include a balcony or patio with partial lake views. Their biggest perk is being steps from the shoreline, making them a great choice for those who want to be close to the water.
★ Boathouse Rooms
Built in 1923, the Boathouse is one of the most photographed buildings at the lodge, thanks to its charming veranda and trellis.
First-floor rooms are pet-friendly. These rooms are close to the lake and just a short walk from the Main Lodge.
Top 5 Lake Quinault Lodge Amenities
Lake Quinault Lodge offers standout amenities that make it worth the price.
1. Lake Access & Activities
Staying here gives you direct access to pristine, glacier-fed Lake Quinault from the lodge’s beach.
We didn’t get on the water in late March, but I walked along the shoreline every morning when the water was calm, taking in the serene views.
In the summer, you can swim or rent kayaks, canoes, or stand-up paddleboards to fully experience the lake’s beauty.
2. Historic Lodge Ambiance
The lobby’s majestic fireplace provides a warm glow that invites guests to rest and relax. Some play chess on the oversized set, while others settle into chairs to pass the time with a good book.
I walked through this space many times during our stay, taking in its details—stenciled artwork on the ceiling beams, old photos of Quinault tribal ancestors, written accounts of the area’s past, and even a cabinet dedicated to Sasquatch (“Bigfoot”) research.
A family worked on a puzzle at one table, with snacks spread around them. Another group picked up pizza from Dino’s Pizza & Grill in nearby Amanda Park, making an evening of it with drinks and sharing stories.
Just beyond the lobby, the lodge’s expansive lawn overlooks the lake, offering another inviting place to unwind. Its row of Adirondack chairs and panoramic views make it the perfect spot to sit back, breathe in the fresh air, and take in the scenery.
3. Roosevelt Dining Room & Sunset Views
Eating in the Roosevelt Dining Room is part of the lodge experience, and if you time it right, you can watch the sunset while enjoying dinner.
On our first night, we arrived just in time to settle into our room and grab a table before sunset. Nearly every two-top table was by the window, giving us a front-row seat to the glowing crimson sky behind the stand of evergreens lining the shoreline.
If you’re wondering about the food, the duck was so good I ordered it twice.
NOTE: While reservations aren’t required, I recommend making them for weekend dinners. You make them at the front desk, not the host stand.
4. Indoor Pool & Sauna
Few accommodations on the Olympic Peninsula offer the luxury of an indoor pool and sauna.
After a long day of hiking in the rainforest or on a chilly, rain-soaked afternoon, these amenities are a welcome retreat, especially in fall and winter.
5. Guided Rainforest & Lake Tours
For first-time visitors who prefer a hassle-free experience, the lodge offers daily guided rainforest tours—no need to plan an itinerary or drive.
These tours are an easy way to explore the rainforest, spot wildlife, and learn about the region’s unique ecosystem.
The lodge also offers guided boat tours on Lake Quinault from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Choose from a morning wildlife tour, a scenic afternoon cruise, or an evening tour timed for sunset views.
Why I’d Return Again & Again
While the service can be hit-or-miss, there’s so much I love about this historic lodge.
Waking up to lake views, hiking mossy rainforest trails just steps from our room, and ending the day by the fire—it’s the kind of place we wanted to return to immediately. We booked another stay for the fall as soon as we got home!
If you love the outdoors, serene mornings on the shoreline, and having a cozy place to unwind after a day of exploring, book your stay here.
