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.
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.
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.
Weather & Climate near Lake Quinault #
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.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 7°C and lows of 1°C. Heavy rain (487 mm).
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February
February is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 2°C. Heavy rain (380 mm).
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March
March is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 2°C. Heavy rain (368 mm).
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April
April is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 3°C. Heavy rain (235 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (150 mm).
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June
June is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm).
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July
July is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm).
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August
August is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm).
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September
September is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (147 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 6°C. Heavy rain (310 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 3°C. Heavy rain (449 mm).
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December
December is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 1°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (543 mm).