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Lake Quinault Lodge
(Includes Quinault Big Spruce)
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Lake Quinault Lodge next to Olympic National Park.
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Lake Quinault Lodge lobby next to Olympic National Park.
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Lake Quinault Lodge
Lake Quinault Lodge is one of the historic landmarks of the Olympic Peninsula, located along the south shore of beautiful Lake Quinault in the heart of the Quinault Rain Forest. Surrounded by towering old-growth trees and the quiet waters of Lake Quinault, the lodge is an interesting stop while exploring the southwestern region of Olympic National Park and Olympic National Forest. Technically, Lake Quinault Lodge is located within Olympic National Forest, just outside the boundary of Olympic National Park.
Built in 1926, Lake Quinault Lodge has been part of the Lake Quinault area for a century. The present lodge was constructed after an earlier hotel on the site was destroyed by fire, and the new building was completed in just 53 days. Today, the lodge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its large Great Room, massive fireplace, wood interior and broad windows overlooking Lake Quinault reflect the classic style of the historic lodges built throughout the national parks and forests during the early 1900s.
Even if you are not staying at Lake Quinault Lodge, it is well worth stopping by during your visit to the Quinault Rain Forest. Visitors can walk through the historic lodge, enjoy the views of Lake Quinault from the grounds and get a feel for the history of this beautiful area. The Roosevelt Dining Room is also located inside the lodge and offers views of the lake.
Another major attraction is located right nearby. The Quinault Giant Sitka Spruce, commonly recognized as the largest Sitka spruce tree in the world, stands just a short distance from Lake Quinault Lodge. This enormous old-growth tree is one of the most impressive sights in the Quinault area and is easy to include with a visit to the lodge.
With hiking trails, waterfalls, giant trees and Lake Quinault all close by, Lake Quinault Lodge makes an interesting historic stop during a day exploring this remarkable corner of the Olympic Peninsula.
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Lake Quinault Lodge next to Olympic National Park.
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Lake Quinault Lodge next to Olympic National Park.
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Lake Quinault Lodge lobby next to Olympic National Park.
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Lake Quinault Lodge next to Olympic National Park.
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Lake Quinault Lodge's Rain Gauge.
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Got Rain?
Lake Quinault Lodge sits in one of the wettest areas of the Olympic Peninsula, with the surrounding Quinault Rain Forest receiving roughly 12 feet of rainfall each year. Most of this rain falls from fall through spring, helping create the thick mosses, giant ferns and enormous old-growth trees that make this area so impressive. The abundant rainfall also feeds Lake Quinault, nearby creeks and waterfalls throughout the forest. Summer is typically much drier, making it a popular time to explore the area. This incredible amount of annual rainfall is one of the main reasons the Quinault Rain Forest is so lush and green.
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Lake Quinault Lodge next to Olympic National Park.
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Lake Quinault Lodge next to Olympic National Park.
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Lake Quinault Lodge next to Olympic National Park.
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Quinault Big Spruce
The Giant Quinault Spruce Tree is one of the most impressive sights in the Lake Quinault area and is an easy stop while exploring the Quinault Rain Forest. Located near the south shore of Lake Quinault, right next to Lake Quinault Lodge, this enormous Sitka spruce is recognized by the National Park Service and Olympic National Forest as the World’s Largest Sitka Spruce.
The numbers really put its size into perspective. The Giant Quinault Spruce stands about 191 feet tall, measures approximately 58 feet 11 inches around, and has a diameter of roughly 18 feet 9 inches. When you stand beside it, however, the measurements almost seem secondary. Its enormous trunk, sprawling root system and towering canopy give you a good idea of just how large the old-growth trees of the Quinault Rain Forest can become.
Getting to the tree is quite easy. The Big Spruce Trail begins along South Shore Road and is only about 0.3 mile, making this a quick and worthwhile side trip while exploring Lake Quinault.
The Quinault area is often called the “Valley of the Rain Forest Giants,” and this remarkable spruce certainly lives up to that name. If you are visiting Lake Quinault Lodge or driving the South Shore Road, we definitely recommend taking a few extra minutes to see this incredible tree for yourself.
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Quinault Big Spruce, Olympic National Park.
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Quinault Big Spruce, Olympic National Park.
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Quinault Big Spruce, Olympic National Park.
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Quinault Big Spruce, Olympic National Park.
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Lake Quinault Lodge Area Map, Olympic National Park.
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