Quinault Lakeshore
Overview
#1
Lake Quinault Lodge
This lodge resembles the Yellowstone National Park lodge because both were designed by Seattle architect Robert Reamer, who relied on the labor of Civilian Conservation Crews. The crews often worked by the light of bonfires to finish construction of the hotel before the rainy season. Come in the winter and you might even spot a sasquatch!
How does Bigfoot tell time?
He uses his sasq-watch!
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#2
Lake View
Lake Quinault was formed by glaciers 15,000 years ago and its waters were fed by Anderson Glacier until that source fully melted in 2015. The Quinault Indian Nation (QIN) manages Lake Quinault while the Forest Service (USFS) manages many of the trails. If you’d like to kayak, paddleboard, or fish on the lake, you’ll need a QIN permit (they’re easy to get).
The Quinault Indian Nation has a decades-long restoration program for the entire Quinault River watershed, including fish hatcheries, invasive species removal, and the creation of “engineered log jams”. If you drive up-river you’ll see some of these massive structures which help slow river flows.
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#3
Cedar Nurse Stump
Trees are important when they're standing but don't forget their stumps! A stump is said to "nurse" the growth of other trees by allowing saplings to be closer to available sunlight and keeping them away from hungry mammals. This particular tree was logged by Quinault foresters hundreds of years ago, who hollowed the inside of the tree with fire before felling it with adzes. This type of logging is a testament to the importance of forestry to different peoples over the centuries, and while forestry practices may have changed (and continue to change), the forests of the Olympics are unique for their perfect combination of soils, water, and climate.
This walk ends at Willaby Campground. If you’d like to camp at Lake Quinault, you can also choose from Falls Creek and Gatton Creek campgrounds. Note: reservations may be needed and campgrounds may close in winter.
#4
Willaby Campground
This is the turnaround point for the lakeshore walk. If you’d like to continue into the rainforest, walk beneath the bridge and onto the rainforest network of rails. While you’re here, take a look out onto the lake for birds – you may see osprey and bald eagles. Both species share the same habitat but actually compete (eagles will steal fish from the osprey).
#5
Go Further
After a short stroll, it’s a quick drive up the lakeshore for other local attractions: it’s a 3 min walk from the parking area to the world’s tallest sitka spruce and the Salmon House Restaurant is a great place for a bite to eat.
Continue Your Discovery
Touch whale bones, examine shipwreck artifacts and connect with the coast's living history.
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