Quinault Rain Forest
Quinault, WA
Temperate rain forest around Lake Quinault, with record-size trees and moss-draped maples. The Quinault Loop Trail starts on South Shore Road; a 31-mile drive loops around the lake and valley.
The rain forest around Lake Quinault is one of the temperate rain forests of the Olympic Peninsula. The valley is home to exceptionally large trees, including a Sitka spruce about 1,000 years old and 58 m (191 feet) tall that is considered the largest of its kind. On the lakeshore stands Lake Quinault Lodge: after fire destroyed the earlier building in 1924, it was built in 1926 in just 53 days.
The Quinault Loop Trail is 6.4 km (4 miles) long, easy to moderate, with about 120 m (400 feet) of elevation gain; it passes giant trees, cedar bogs and small waterfalls. Short on time? Take the 800 m (half-mile) Rain Forest Nature Trail. Access is via South Shore Road, which leaves US-101 about 60 km (37 miles) north of Hoquiam; parking requires a Northwest Forest Pass. A drive of about 48 km (30 miles) loops around the lake, and along the way you may spot Roosevelt elk and bald eagles.
- Nearest town
- Quinault, WA
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 47.4610, -123.8610
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Rain Forest Resort Village RV CampgroundCampsite2 mi from Quinault Rain ForestWi-Fi
- Upper Clearwater CampgroundCampsite19 mi from Quinault Rain ForestTents
- Coppermine Bottom CampgroundCampsite21 mi from Quinault Rain ForestTentsCaravans
- Pacific Beach State Park CampgroundCampsite24 mi from Quinault Rain ForestTentsCaravansElectricityShowersToiletsDogs allowed
- South BeachCampsite24 mi from Quinault Rain ForestTentsCaravansToiletsDogs allowed
- South Fork Hoh CampgroundCampsite25 mi from Quinault Rain ForestTentsCaravans
All campsites in Washington · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Quinault Rain Forest?
Quinault Rain Forest is in Quinault, WA, at GPS 47.4610, -123.8610. It is about 26 mi from Kalaloch.
Can you camp near Quinault Rain Forest?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Willaby Creek Campground, about 0 mi away; within 25 mi there are 23 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Quinault Rain Forest?
Quinault Rain Forest is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Olympic Peninsula loop: ridges, rain forest and wild beaches and Moss, glaciers and driftwood – by camper through the Pacific Northwest.
What is there to see near Quinault Rain Forest?
Places worth a stop nearby: Hoh Rain Forest (28 mi), Hoh Campground (28 mi), Ruby Beach (31 mi) and Sol Duc Falls (34 mi).
When is the best time to visit Quinault Rain Forest?
The most pleasant months are usually May–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)