Why Maple Glade Rain Forest Trail is Quinault’s Best Hike
Planning to hike the Maple Glade Nature Trail?
You absolutely should! This short hike in the Quinault area offers a chance to immerse yourself in a rainforest along a streambank lined with moss-draped trees.
I hiked it on a sunny winter day and was lucky to have the trail all to myself.
Keep reading to discover why this hidden gem in Olympic National Park deserves a spot on your Quinault itinerary.
Maple Glade Rain Forest Trail Quick Guide
- Hike Length: 0.5 mile
- Elevation Gain: 16 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
- Time to Complete: 30-60 minutes
- Entrance Pass: All visitors must have a Standard Pass, Annual Pass, or America the Beautiful Pass.
- Location: The Maple Glade Rain Forest Trailhead is located in the Quinault Valley, part of Olympic National Park, accessible via North Shore Quinault Road
- Parking Lot: I counted approximately twenty parking spots in the lot shared by the Quinault Rain Forest Ranger Station and trail visitors.
- Amenities: Restrooms and picnic areas are available near the parking lot.
- Accessibility: This loop trail is short and easy, with a well-maintained path suitable for most visitors, including families with young children. You must cross a wooden bridge over Kestner Creek to start, and there are a few other short wooden bridges throughout the trail.
- Dog-Friendly: Dogs are not allowed on the trail.
- Best Time to Visit: The trail is beautiful and open year-round, but heavy rainfall between October and May can cause flooding. The stream I discuss below is dry in summer through early fall, but the trade-off is that bigleaf maple trees are covered with leaves, adding a vibrant layer of green to the forest canopy.
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Maple Glade Nature Trail: Quinault’s Must-Do Attraction
Before hiking this trail, I had just completed the longer Kestner Homestead Trail that connects to it, and I wasn’t sure if this trail would be worth my time. But with its short distance and minimal incline, I figured it wouldn’t take long to find out.
I headed counterclockwise after crossing the bridge over Kestner Creek.
At first, it seemed the same as sections on the Kestner Homestead hike. Then I came across a tree with a low-hanging horizontal branch with moss draping from it like a curtain.
Something about it was enticing, so I stooped down to see what was behind it. And that’s when I saw what makes this trail so magical.
The Beauty of the Quinault Rainforest
I couldn’t believe how exquisitely beautiful the scene was before me.
The moss-covered, bigleaf maple trees stretched over the water, each with its unique branch structure. Sunlight filtered through, striking the moss and creating a soft glow.
On my January hike, the stream bed was filled with pristine water, perfectly mirroring the trees and scenery around me. Grasses blanketed sections of the stream bank, reaching right up to the water’s edge. Small mushrooms atop nurse logs throughout the lush landscape were a delight to see.
The Maple Glade Trail is a hike for all seasons.
In summer and early fall, the stream is dry, but the bigleaf maple trees are covered in leaves, forming a canopy for a more enclosed, intimate forest experience. In winter and early spring, the water’s reflection adds a stunning dimension to the landscape.
The vivid green of the plants in the water caught my eye, especially where the sunlight hit, making them appear to glow. Algae floating on the surface added a soft texture to the scene.
Further downstream, a fallen log stretched across the water, covered in moss and ferns. My childlike instincts returned, and I couldn’t resist seeing if I could cross it.
Carefully, I made my way along the slick surface until I reached the center of the stream bed. From there, I stood wholly immersed in the moment, captivated by the sights and sounds around me.
The gentle rush of water and the occasional bird call added another layer of beauty to the experience.
A Chance to Spot Wildlife
The only thing that could have made my experience even better was a herd of Roosevelt Elk passing through.
Later that day, I spoke with the manager at Rain Forest Resort Village on Lake Quinault, who mentioned he’d seen elk on his walks there. It’s no surprise since the rainforest is home to the park’s elk population.
At the trailhead, I noticed a sign warning hikers like myself that we’re in “cougar country.” While I’ve seen similar signage on many Olympic trails, it’s worth noting that cougar attacks on humans are extremely rare.
As I continued along the path, I came across a bench. I sat down and took a moment to soak in the experience—one of the best I’ve had in Olympic National Park—all to myself.
Moss-Covered Old-Growth Trees
Just past this section, I came across a grouping of old-growth trees that were the thickest I’d seen so far that day. Just off the trail, others captivated my attention with their remarkable shapes and dense layers of moss.
The forest here is home to western hemlock and Sitka spruce, but the bigleaf maple trees are undeniably the highlight, even in winter when they’re bare of leaves.
What to Bring on the Trail
Because this trail is so short, you don’t need to bring much while you hike, but it’s always wise to carry water. I always pack a rain jacket for rainforest hikes, even if it ends up staying in the car.
Be prepared for wet and soggy conditions by wearing closed-toe shoes or hiking boots with good traction.
If you plan to explore more nearby trails, bring layers you can easily put on and take off, as the dense forest can feel cool even in summer.
No matter the time of year, I always pack a lightweight, zip-up hooded soft-shell jacket. It’s my go-to layer for a range of weather conditions.
Nearby Trails & Attractions
This trail connects with the Kestner Homestead Trail, a worthwhile hike featuring long stretches of breathtaking rainforest scenery.
If you’re looking to extend your day, here are other attractions worth exploring:
- July Creek Picnic Area – A great spot for lunch, complete with picnic tables, a short trail, and lake views. It’s located just down the road on your way back to Highway 101.
- Quinault Rain Forest Nature Trail – A short, accessible hike off South Shore Road, with a waterfall and stunning views of Willaby Gorge.
- Quinault Loop Trail – A longer loop hike also off South Shore Road, offering diverse scenery, including waterfalls, lake shoreline, creek views, and impressive old-growth trees.
- Merriman Falls – A roadside waterfall that’s one of the peninsula’s best!
And if you’re wondering where to stay, Lake Quinault Lodge is my favorite lodging on the peninsula.
Rain Forest Resort Village is also excellent, with a fantastic restaurant.
Wrap-Up: Why Maple Glade Trail Belongs on Your Quinault Itinerary
The Maple Glade Trail is a short, accessible hike that showcases the essence of the Quinault Rainforest, with moss-draped trees surrounding a tranquil stream that you can get close to for an immersive experience.
It’s the highlight of Lake Quinault trails and a hidden gem in Olympic National Park.