First Trip to Lake Quinault

You'll see some of the beautiful photos of the sunsets at Quinault, but this visit, we mostly experienced RAIN! We were so happy with our campsite, though, and even with the rain we were having fun (after setting up camp)! The Falls Creek Campground has two amazing campsites right next to the creek and the falls. They are both of a good size, but no. 20, right next to the falls, can be a bit loud and chilly if the rain is heavy. Site 19, which we chose for our next trip, was much larger and right next to the creek, with a peek-a-boo view of the falls, and it was not so close that the noise was bothersome.

Quick Tips:

Before the third week in July, be prepared for rain at least part of almost each day. All of the campgrounds around the lake are pretty decent, but there are no showers, except at The Rainforest Resort (.25 cents a minute). The store across from the Lake Quinault Lodge has a few good things on the menu, but it’s more for families who are camping and just want to not have to cook for the night. (They also have breakfast, which I would only recommend in a pinch.) The restaurant at The Rainforest Resort was the best! They have a wonderful, large, and inexpensive breakfast, as well as a nice dinner menu. I was really disappointed that they didn't serve lunch. The Lake Quinault Lodge has, in the last few years, been sold to a large corporation and isn't nearly what it was years ago, when it was privately owned. It is definitely not worth the money.

Best Way To Get Around:

You can explore all the way around the lake and river when driving, best done in an SUV. I wouldn't recommend any tiny cars or RV's if you really want to experience the entire drive around the Quinault area. Hiking is easily accessible at many points along the South Shore Road, as well as the North Shore Road. The main parts of these roads, before you reach the northeastern parts of the lake, are easily accessed by any vehicle.

Best Things Nearby:
Within walking distance to trails and a general store

Best Things About the Resort:
Clean bathrooms, a few really nice sites near the water, and extremely welcoming camp hosts

Resort Experience:
Right on the falls, this campground has one bathroom with very clean flush toilets, but no showers. We especially liked the views from site nos. 20 and 19. There are a few walk-in sites right across the creek. It is right on the lake and creek.

The hosts were wonderful! We were one of very few families that week due to the heavy rain, and they were especially helpful with extra kindling and tips for the area. The whole ground is nice, but campsite nos. 20 and 19 are the best and offer the most room and privacy, aside from the small walk-in sites.

• Campground Type: National Park
• Campsite Type: Camper/Trailer
• Price Range: $10 - $20
• Cleanliness: Excellent
• Campground Facilities: Satisfactory
• Recreational Facilities: Satisfactory
• Campsite Satisfaction: Excellent
• Family Friendliness: Excellent
• Service: Excellent

Breakfast here is really cheap, with wonderful food! Dinner is on the higher end. They have many wonderful seafood entrées for dinner. This is much better than the much higher priced and more conglomerated restaurant at the Quinault Lodge, which a corporation has taken over.

When visiting Quinault, keep in mind that it is a rain forest! The temperatures are mild, so if you are visiting during rainy season, it's not too bad as long as you have nice shoes and a rain jacket. If you don't like the rain, be sure to visit after the third week in July through mid-September. Again, aside from times after the third week in July, be sure you have a leak-proof tent, as sometimes the rain is very hard in the wee morning hours. If you don't mind a little downpour and sprinkling now and then, it is a nice place to visit almost anytime, excluding winter, when you would want cold-weather gear.