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Excellent path for an easy hike with a bit of elevation, yet good for the body. Lots of greenery to enjoy with fresh air and mossy trees. There are several paths to take that are less than a mile one way. The weather during August end 2025 was beautiful in the low 70s for the high. Bring layers if you get hot easily. There are plenty of tree trunk caves fun for the kiddos to stop at. You can find some blueberries along the way but not sure if it's edible- edible. Worth going! There is a path to the falls that is down below that you can easily take as well.
There's a rainforest here next to the Olympic National Forest! The very first parking lot has a trail that you can go the long route, or the short route. You'll see so many trees covered in moss, and there's a stream going through the beginning of the trail with a small rocky waterfall. During the summer, the moss will be a little dryer, and it will be mid 70 and clear. During the spring though, it'll be cooler, and there will be a constant mist throughout the area. A must to hike while in Olympia.
Great area of the park. If you walk the half mile trail you learn so much about the area. They have markers along the path with nature information. The parking lot is very small and you have to pay $5 for the day pass.
We checked out Quinault last weekend, our first venture into Olympic. We stayed at the Village Resort in our van, and grabbed the trail map outside the Rangers Station to plan our our treks. First thing we checked out was the big Sitka spruce. Easy to find, well signed with parking right off the road. The trail was quick, and the tree itself was gorgeous...standing tall and clearly proud. We ended up covering most of the trails: Cascade Falls, Gatton Creek Falls, Rain Forest Nature Trail Loop. The rainforest here is so pretty and serene. Gorgeous draping moss with so very many trees down, in parts stacked like Lincoln logs. On the trail section on the lake shore logs covered large sections, but they were all traversable. There was one part near the Willaby Campground heading into the Nature Trail that large trees were down and we had to do a lot of climbing to continue on. Quinault was great. There weren't very many people using the trails right now, which was nice...but that also meant most of the town services, campgrounds, etc weren't open or available at this time of year. If you're willing to get a bit muddy and do a bit of climbing, the trails are all fun and peaceful though!
Quinault Rain Forest is beautiful, and hard to believe even exists. The vegetation is just so different from really anywhere else in the United States. We did the Quinault Rainforest Trail which was a pretty easy but beautiful walk through the woods with many opportunities to appreciate all around you. We had arrived by later in the afternoon and were one of only a few other groups in the forest.
The Quinault Rain Forest might be the lesser known of the two rain forests in the area, the Hoh Rain Forest being the more well-known one. However, the Hoh Rain Forest is even farther up the coast from the south and can't be easily done in a manageable, stress-free day trip. The best way to enjoy the Quinault Rain Forest is to drive the loop around Lake Quinault and the Quinault River. There are a number of nature trails, trailheads, and viewing points in the loop to explore. They all can't be done in a day, so we decided to momentarily explore some of the better stops and see if it was worth coming back to in the future. It was definitely worth it. The first, and most popular stop on the loop is a nature trail at the beginning of the loop. There are impressive trees, including Douglass-Firs over 400 years old. The trail is best appreciated by walking a bit, stopping, then looking up to appreciate their magnitude. Another stop is the world's oldest Sitka Spruce, estimated to be over 1,000 years old and 18 feet in diameter. There are large knots from the base to its first limbs. These are probably old limbs that have fallen off as it aged, but they look like warts. Compared with the 400 and 500 year old trees found elsewhere in the forest, which look strong and healthy, this one actually looks old, like it has had periods of struggle during the last 1,000 years. The most picturesque part of the loop is the segment around the river. Most people had turned around at the end of the lake, so we had the river section all to ourselves, aside from a couple cars. There are dramatic views of river and rain forest that appear untouched by logging or roads. Even with my limited camera knowledge, I was able to capture some nice photos.
Absolutely beautiful. An easy hike so there's no need to pack heavy but water and a snack never hurts.
So so beautiful. Waterfalls, great trails, moss, fungus, fresh air and lots of Robins. Sadly some areas have been clear cut and more will be, hopefully this rain forest will be preserved for future generations
22 days ago
The Quinault Rain Forest is magical. Staying along Lake Quinault for a few days, the trails were literally right outside my lodging. You can do the short Rain Forest Loop trail to get acclimated or do longer loops that connect. Along the way, you'll encounter bright green moss, lush ferns, giant trees, banana slugs, muhshooms, running creeks and more! Having visited the Hoh Rainforest on my last trip to Washington, I have to say that Quinault gives Hoh a run for its money. It's quieter and still as lush and majestic. The area on the south shore of Lake Quinault is part of the Olympic National Forest but on the North Shore of the lake you'll be on Olympic National Park trails. Both have day use fees (self pay) but do have ranger stations for information (check hours as they vary by season.) While it wasn't raining during my time there, everything was still so green and lush. I was able to visit Merriman Falls, the rain forest nature loop, Maple Glade trail and then did a longer hike on the North Shore from Graves Creek out to Pony Bridge (be aware that the lake loop road is washed out and you have to take a long detour to that trail via a very rutted and gravel road.) All in all, it was a wonderful and calming reset and so grateful to have spent time in this lovely area. read more
1 year ago
Another beautiful rainforest in Olympic Park. Good parking, easy walking path and picnic tables. We walked down to the lake, it was a easy path. We did drive the 3 mile ring around the lake. You will see watefalls, beautiful lakes and wildlife. The air was so refreshing and clean. We timed this trip, to make sure it wasnt over run with tourist. We walked to the ranger station, and walked around the musuem. This was a nice stop as well. I loved all the totem poles! @noirvedanaturals read more
"Valley of the Rain Forest Giants" I spent the last day of my trip to Washington in the Quinault Valley next to Lake Quinault. Quinault is located in the southwestern area of Olympic National Park. One way to experience this Valley is to drive the scenic 30 mile loop drive around Lake Quinault, up the Quinault River into Olympic National Park, and back around the other side. There are opportunities to see waterfalls and wildlife on this drive. I personally like to get out of the car and experience nature in person on a hike. In this Valley is the Quinault Rain Forest. This forest is a temperate rain forest that receives an average of 17 feet of rain per year. The Quinault Rain Forest is known for its lush, moss-covered trees and ferns. The Quinault Rainforest Nature Loop is a short easy hike that allows you to get up and close to this rain forest. The trail takes you through an old-growth forest all the way down to Willaby Creek. You can go either way to start the loop hike. Along the way, you will see massive trees, nurse logs, a small waterfall and lots of moss. I personally enjoyed all of the different colored Hydrangea everywhere. There are lots of things to discover on this trail. You might even spot some wildlife. This was my first visit to this area. I decided to stop at the Quinault Rain Forest Ranger Station first to learn more about the Quinault Valley. There was a park ranger on hand that answered my questions about the Quinault Rain Forest and how to get to my hotel. He gave me a paper map of some of the nearby hiking trails. You can also pick up a map at Quinault Lodge. read more
1 year ago
Excellent path for an easy hike with a bit of elevation, yet good for the body. Lots of greenery to enjoy with fresh air and mossy trees. There are several paths to take that are less than a mile one way. The weather during August end 2025 was beautiful in the low 70s for the high. Bring layers if you get hot easily. There are plenty of tree trunk caves fun for the kiddos to stop at. You can find some blueberries along the way but not sure if it's edible- edible. Worth going! There is a path to the falls that is down below that you can easily take as well. read more
1 year ago
There's a rainforest here next to the Olympic National Forest! The very first parking lot has a trail that you can go the long route, or the short route. You'll see so many trees covered in moss, and there's a stream going through the beginning of the trail with a small rocky waterfall. During the summer, the moss will be a little dryer, and it will be mid 70 and clear. During the spring though, it'll be cooler, and there will be a constant mist throughout the area. A must to hike while in Olympia. read more
Great area of the park. If you walk the half mile trail you learn so much about the area. They have markers along the path with nature information. The parking lot is very small and you have to pay $5 for the day pass. read more
We checked out Quinault last weekend, our first venture into Olympic. We stayed at the Village Resort in our van, and grabbed the trail map outside the Rangers Station to plan our our treks. First thing we checked out was the big Sitka spruce. Easy to find, well signed with parking right off the road. The trail was quick, and the tree itself was gorgeous...standing tall and clearly proud. We ended up covering most of the trails: Cascade Falls, Gatton Creek Falls, Rain Forest Nature Trail Loop. The rainforest here is so pretty and serene. Gorgeous draping moss with so very many trees down, in parts stacked like Lincoln logs. On the trail section on the lake shore logs covered large sections, but they were all traversable. There was one part near the Willaby Campground heading into the Nature Trail that large trees were down and we had to do a lot of climbing to continue on. Quinault was great. There weren't very many people using the trails right now, which was nice...but that also meant most of the town services, campgrounds, etc weren't open or available at this time of year. If you're willing to get a bit muddy and do a bit of climbing, the trails are all fun and peaceful though! read more
1 year ago
I loved taking the loop trail. I especially loved the part by the gorge! The sounds of the forest and all the green made me feel a restorative feeling. read more
1 year ago
A beautiful and well built and put together natural trails in a beautiful forrest! Beautiful place to take photos! Water falls are not as big as I thought they'd be but they're still very beautiful. read more
3 years ago
Quinault Rain Forest is beautiful, and hard to believe even exists. The vegetation is just so different from really anywhere else in the United States. We did the Quinault Rainforest Trail which was a pretty easy but beautiful walk through the woods with many opportunities to appreciate all around you. We had arrived by later in the afternoon and were one of only a few other groups in the forest. read more
The Quinault Rain Forest might be the lesser known of the two rain forests in the area, the Hoh Rain Forest being the more well-known one. However, the Hoh Rain Forest is even farther up the coast from the south and can't be easily done in a manageable, stress-free day trip. The best way to enjoy the Quinault Rain Forest is to drive the loop around Lake Quinault and the Quinault River. There are a number of nature trails, trailheads, and viewing points in the loop to explore. They all can't be done in a day, so we decided to momentarily explore some of the better stops and see if it was worth coming back to in the future. It was definitely worth it. The first, and most popular stop on the loop is a nature trail at the beginning of the loop. There are impressive trees, including Douglass-Firs over 400 years old. The trail is best appreciated by walking a bit, stopping, then looking up to appreciate their magnitude. Another stop is the world's oldest Sitka Spruce, estimated to be over 1,000 years old and 18 feet in diameter. There are large knots from the base to its first limbs. These are probably old limbs that have fallen off as it aged, but they look like warts. Compared with the 400 and 500 year old trees found elsewhere in the forest, which look strong and healthy, this one actually looks old, like it has had periods of struggle during the last 1,000 years. The most picturesque part of the loop is the segment around the river. Most people had turned around at the end of the lake, so we had the river section all to ourselves, aside from a couple cars. There are dramatic views of river and rain forest that appear untouched by logging or roads. Even with my limited camera knowledge, I was able to capture some nice photos. read more
3 years ago
Absolutely beautiful. An easy hike so there's no need to pack heavy but water and a snack never hurts. read more
2 years ago
3 years ago
7 years ago
So many places to stop and admire the beauty. Make sure to carry bear spray. We saw a bit of scat and a smallish Black bear near the creek trail right before pony bridge. Also some areas are more remote. Col Bob trail to Fletcher Canyon is a beast. We went too late and did not finish that one. It's more of an inclined obstacle course maneuvering under and over trees and leaves/brush you can tell it's a trail less travelled and we were the only 2 there. Also there was remnants of broken car glass on the ground of the this trailhead where a vehicle had recently been smashed and burglarized. read more
7 years ago
5 years ago
11 years ago
OK I can't compare this to Hoh because I didn't make it out there, but I absolutely loved Quinault. It felt so peaceful walking through a forest of such lush, almost neon green-colored trees and plants! The branches form canopies that catch the constant drizzle so you don't really get wet, but you get the benefit of hearing the soft, relaxing pitter patters above. I felt like I was in a fairy tale. Beautiful. read more
11 years ago
Simply beautiful forest! Enjoyed hiking all over & seeing the beautiful views! Trails are very long and easy to access! You will not be disappointed!! Make sure to take the hike through the campground region as well! There is a beautiful mini oasis! Good joke for everyone! read more
10 years ago
Just a beautiful place start to finish, lots of parking with bathrooms near by. Go midweek to enjoy the drive in and the trails with little traffic. read more
11 years ago
We were initially going to go to Hoh Rain Forest, but since we did not go as early as planned, we just stopped at the first "rain forest" that we saw. We definitely did not regret our decision. Quinault Rain Forest is absolutely beautiful. We were not able to explore the entire beauty of this forest, but the portion that we were able to see was well worth the drive and trip. Quinault Lake, which is not a far hike from the rain forest is one of the most beautifulest lakes I have ever seen. I wish we knew this lake existed or else we would have dipped ourselves in the water! Some of the trails were extremely tiny, but hey, you can't get as close to nature as that right? We were sad that the "bog" was dried up due to the drought, but the area was still beautiful. read more
7 years ago
