Quinault Area (Olympic)

The Quinault Area consists of forest lands along the south shore of Lake Quinault in the Pacific Ranger District of Olympic National Forest in Grays Harbor County.  The area protects a temperate rainforest with towering Douglas fir and Sitka spruce surrounding the scenic Lake Quinault.  The historic Quinault Lodge is here along with numerous trails, campgrounds and the Colonel Bob Wilderness.

Directions:

From Aberdeen, head north on US-101 for 37 miles and turn left onto South Shore Road at Lake Quinault.  The lake will be on the left and various trailheads, campsites and other amenities are long the road.

Map:

Trails:

Quinault Loop (#854):

Quinault Loop runs along the lake shore and through the rainforest for about 4 miles passing several waterfalls and the lodge.

Rainforest Interpretive Trail (#855):

Rainforest Interpretive Trail is a half-mile loop accessed from the east end of the area with several very large trees.

Upper Gatton Creek Loop (#854.2):

Upper Gatton Creek Loop is a 1.5-mile trail that connects Gatton Creek Trail and Wrights Creek Trail with Quinault Loop.

Points of Interest:

Cascade Falls:

Cascade Falls is a scenic waterfall on Cascade Creek just upstream of the confluence with Falls Creek.

Falls Creek Falls:

Falls Creek Falls is a small waterfall just below the bridge on South Shore Road.

Gatton Creek Falls:

Gatton Creek Falls is a waterfall in multiple sections though it is difficult to view.

Willaby Creek Falls:

Willaby Creek Falls is a small but scenic waterfall just below the bridge on South Shore Road.

World's Largest Sitka Spruce:

The Big Spruce Trail starting from the Rain Forest Resort leads to the largest Sitka spruce tree in the world.

Wildlife:

Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii)

Stairstep moss (Hylocomium splendens)

Redwood sorrel (Oxalis oregana)

Red-belted cork (Fomitopsis mounceae)

Chicken of the woods (Laetiporus conifericola)

Pacific banana slug (Ariolimax columbianus)

Blog Entries:

30-Sep-2022: Quinault Rainforest

29-Sep-2022: Hoh Rainforest

External Links:

US Forest Service website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/olympic/recarea/?recid=79276