Lake QuinaultAbout Lake Quinault
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.
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 1° - 7° | 2° | 487 mm | - | - | 3.1 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 2° - 9° | 3° | 380 mm | - | - | 2.9 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 2° - 11° | 5° | 368 mm | - | - | 3.1 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 3° - 14° | 7° | 235 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 6° - 17° | 11° | 150 mm | - | - | 3.1 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 8° - 19° | 14° | 93 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 10° - 21° | 16° | 67 mm | - | - | 3.0 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 10° - 22° | 16° | 82 mm | - | - | 2.7 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 9° - 21° | 15° | 147 mm | - | - | 2.3 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 6° - 16° | 11° | 310 mm | - | - | 2.4 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 3° - 10° | 5° | 449 mm | - | - | 3.0 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 1° - 7° | 2° | 543 mm | - | - | 3.1 m/s | - | - |
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.