Lake Quinault

Lake Lake in Olympic National Park amid temperate rainforest

Quinault sits inside Olympic National Forest’s temperate rainforest zone; people visit for moss-draped trails, lakeside lodges, hiking in old-growth stands and fishing on calm water.

Main image

Lake Quinault is a lake on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State, lying in the Quinault Valley on the southwestern side of the Olympic Mountains. The lake is set within a landscape of dense temperate rainforest and is accessed by valley roads that also serve surrounding trailheads.

The shoreline hosts a long-standing lakeside lodge that provides visitor accommodation and services, and the area is used for hiking, fishing, and sightseeing within the rainforest setting. The surrounding national forest and nearby national park terrain make the lake a common base for day hikes and scenic drives on the Olympic Peninsula.

Geographically the lake sits in the Quinault Valley in western Washington, within the broader Olympic National Forest area and near the boundaries of Olympic National Park; the nearest larger regional centers are towns on the Olympic Peninsula with road links to US-101.

  • Access and activities: Road access follows the valley and is seasonal in winter; the lake is a base for rainforest walks and fishing.
  • Environment: The Quinault Valley is notable for dense temperate rainforest vegetation surrounding the lake, which influences local climate and visitor conditions.

What to See #

  • Lake Quinault Lodge: A historic lodge and visitor facility sits on the lake shore and provides accommodation, dining, and trail access for visitors exploring the Quinault Valley.
  • Rainforest trails: The surrounding temperate rainforest and trailheads provide access to short walks and longer hikes into the Olympic Mountains and valley side.
Lake Quinault
Lake Quinault, Olympic Peninsula, Grays Harbor County, Washington
47.4739, -123.8761
Open 24 hours (visitor centers have specific hours)
Free (Quinault Rainforest visitor services may charge for camping)

How to Get to Lake Quinault #

From Olympia or Aberdeen, take US-101 to the Quinault Valley Road; Lake Quinault is approximately a 2-3 hour drive from Olympia depending on traffic and conditions. The main visitor access points are at Lake Quinault Lodge and the Graves Creek picnic area-both are signposted from US-101.

Tips for Visiting Lake Quinault #

  • Drive the loop road in the early morning to catch low mist rising off the water-this is prime photo time.
  • If planning to use the lodge or campgrounds, reserve months in advance during summer (June-August).
  • Bring rainproof outer layers: the Quinault basin is one of the wettest lowland temperate rainforests on the U.S. mainland.

Best Time to Visit Lake Quinault #

Summer for access and amenities; autumn for quieter woodland moods and dramatic light.

Summer
June-August · 10°C-21°C
Warmest and driest months; peak for lodge stays and hiking.
Fall
September-November · 5°C-15°C
Spectacular moss-draped trees and fewer visitors; expect frequent rain.
Winter
December-February · 2°C-9°C
Very wet and quiet; some roads or campgrounds may be closed after big storms.

Weather & Climate near Lake Quinault #

Climate

Lake Quinault's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 1°C to 22°C. Heavy rainfall (3311 mm/year), wettest in December.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
22°
Warmest Month
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coolest month with highs of 7°C and lows of 1°C. Heavy rain (487 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature

Weather

487 mm
Rainfall
3.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 2°C. Heavy rain (380 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature

Weather

380 mm
Rainfall
2.9 m/s
Wind
Calm

March

March is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 2°C. Heavy rain (368 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
11°

Weather

368 mm
Rainfall
3.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 3°C. Heavy rain (235 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
14°

Weather

235 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (150 mm).

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
17°

Weather

150 mm
Rainfall
3.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm).

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
19°

Weather

93 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm).

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
10° 21°

Weather

67 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm).

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
10° 22°

Weather

82 mm
Rainfall
2.7 m/s
Wind
Calm

September

September is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (147 mm).

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
21°

Weather

147 mm
Rainfall
2.3 m/s
Wind
Calm

October

October is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 6°C. Heavy rain (310 mm).

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
16°

Weather

310 mm
Rainfall
2.4 m/s
Wind
Calm

November

November is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 3°C. Heavy rain (449 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
10°

Weather

449 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 1°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (543 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature

Weather

543 mm
Rainfall
3.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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