- The Quinault Valley is the southwestern gateway to the Olympic Peninsula and Olympic National Park.
- It includes the Kalaloch Beaches, the Quinault Rain Forest, and beautiful Lake Quinault.
- A 31-mile loop road around Lake Quinault parallels the Quinault River and ventures into Olympic National Park.
- Averaging 12 feet of rain per year, the Quinault Valley has the ideal climate to grow big conifer trees.
ABOUT THE AREA
Stretching from rugged Ruby Beach past the sparkling waters of Lake Quinault and into the temperate Quinault Rain Forest, this area showcases the immense diversity of nature on the Olympic Peninsula.
Lake Quinault is located on the southwest end of the Olympic National Park, and is owned by the Quinault Indian Nation. The lake is surrounded by miles of hiking trails, and swimming, boating and fishing are easily accessible from the many campgrounds and resorts around Lake Quinault and within the Quinault Rain Forest. A 31-mile loop road takes travels the circumference of the lake, passing through the south edge of Olympic National Park. Keep an eye out for Roosevelt Elk, Black Tail Deer, Cougar, Bald Eagle, Bobcat, and Black Bear and gorgeous views of the Olympic Mountains.
A TEMPERATE RAINFOREST PARADISE
Majestic glacier-carved and glacier-fed Lake Quinault is surrounded by the mossy old growth trees of the Quinault Rain Forest, one of only three temperate coniferous rain forests in the Western Hemisphere. The Quinault Valley is known as the "Valley of the Giants." Here you will find the largest Sitka Spruce tree in the world, along with other nationally recognized giants of Hemlock, Douglas Fir and the mighty Western Red Cedar.
The Quinault Rain Forest is an enchanted valley offering a glance inside of life in a temperate rain forest. The area has been limited in commercial development due to the variety of landowners. In 1897 a federal forest reserve was established on Olympic Peninsula lands. In 1909, Theodore Roosevelt created the Mount Olympus National Monument utilizing the middle portion of the former forest reserve. The rest of the land became the National Forest. In 1938 the monument was expanded and the name was changed to the Olympic National Park. The rain forest continues to be a rugged, beautiful undeveloped area of pristine habitat housing a unique forest community. Rain or shine the Quinault Rain Forest is enchanting, and when the sun shines it is transformed into paradise.
THE KALALOCH BEACHES
One of the most visited areas of Olympic National Park is the Kalaloch beaches region. At the north end, Ruby Beach features a meandering creek, dramatic sea stacks, and thousands of gnarled driftwood trunks washed up along its shores. The beach gets its names from its sometimes garnet-colored sand. South of Ruby Beach, and just north of the Kalaloch Lodge, is the incredible "Tree Of Life". With its amazingly viewable roots seemingly supplying the tree with life despite having no soil, it seems to be immortal. Still breathing while its roots travel to nowhere. Erosion, having taken away its life supply, has not stopped the tree from thriving on the coast.
When hiking along the coast, always check the tides. Certain areas may become impassable during high tides and overland trails must be used.