Lake Quinault Lodge Review (2025): Is It Worth It?

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Searching for first-hand Lake Quinault Lodge reviews before booking?

You’re in the right place! We stayed two nights at the lodge in late March and loved its rainforest setting so much that we immediately booked a return visit. 

But is the experience worth the price and the drive? 

In this review, I’ll break down the pros and cons and who this lodge is best for—so you can decide if staying at Lake Quinault Lodge is the right choice for your Olympic National Park adventure.

Overview: Lake Quinault Lodge 

Lake Quinault Lodge was built in 1926—and remarkably fast. Some sources say 53 days, while the menu in the Roosevelt Dining Room states ten weeks.

Its claim to fame is a fall visit in 1937 by 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 lodge’s original luster has faded with time, its vintage charm and rustic appeal make it a timeless retreat for travelers who prioritize ambiance and outdoor activities over luxury.

Nature lovers, hikers, couples, and families won’t regret booking a stay here for panoramic lake views and direct access to world-class trails.

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.

Location

Getting Here: Google Maps Link

Lake Quinault Lodge sits in the southern Quinault region of the Olympic Peninsula, off South Shore Road. It’s about 2.5 hours from Seattle and 1 hour and 15 minutes from Forks. 

Many consider its location remote, tucked deep in the Quinault Valley. 

But the drive from Seattle is shorter and more straightforward than the route to Hurricane Ridge, which involves a bridge crossing and possibly a ferry ride.

And while the lodge feels secluded, it’s just 35 minutes from Kalaloch beaches and 45 minutes from Ruby Beach.

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. 

This ancient rainforest, one of the most ecologically significant in the country, has been home to the Quinault Nation for generations.

Today, Olympic National Park, Olympic National Forest, and the Quinault Tribe work together to preserve this incredible ecosystem.

Hiking Near Lake Quinault Lodge

We started the Quinault Loop Trail from our back door. March is an incredible time to hike this trail—moss lined the path in glowing green, and the waterfalls we encountered flowed powerfully from snowmelt.

We didn’t know it then, but we chose the best route from the lodge by heading towards Falls Creek Campground.

This route saves the best attractions 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.

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.

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.

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 is the heart of the lodge, and its 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.

And 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.

Wrap-Up: My Review of Lake Quinault Lodge

While service can be hit-or-miss, there’s so much to appreciate about this historic lodge. From hiking rainforest trails right from the lodge grounds to unwinding by the fire after a day of exploring, Lake Quinault Lodge offers a one-of-a-kind rustic retreat with amenities you won’t find anywhere else on the Olympic Peninsula.

If you love the outdoors and water activities, book your stay here.