There are several hike options from Lake Quinault, suitable for all types of adventures. The world’s largest red cedar is also nearby, but this will be a stop tomorrow. This Spruce tree is located a 0.3-mile walk from South Shore Road along the south shore of the lake, along a gravel trail and is marked by a large sign. This tree is estimated to be about 1,000 years old and is 191 feet tall and about 18 feet in diameter! One of the most incredible trees near Lake Quinault is the world’s largest Sitka Spruce tree (determined by the American Forestry Association). You may have visited the large Redwoods in California, but while you in the rain forest, you need to stop and see some of the record-breaking trees located in this area. One of the can’t miss activities while you are here is seeing the large trees! It is also the entrance to the Quinault Rain Forest, and there are plenty of activities to do in this area to easily fill a day. Lake Quinault is the largest lake in the Olympic Peninsula. From Olympia to Lake Quinault, the driving time is 1 hour 45 minutes. Once you enter the town of Aberdeen, Highway 12 becomes Highway 101, which you will follow through town and continue west.Ĭontinue on Highway 101 until you reach Lake Quinault, where you will take a right onto 93400/S Shore Road to Lake Quinault. From Highway 8, continue onto Highway 12. Olympia is a fun city to explore, but for now, pass through and drive west on Highway 8. To start your Olympic Peninsula road trip, make your first stop in Olympia from wherever you started your journey. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
If you don't mind camping, you can even take a multiple day hike covering the the Seven Lakes Basin which includes Deer Lake and several others.Some links in this post may be affiliate links.
It's a high climb, 1600' to the lake and about 2400' to the potholes, and you can climb even higher to the High Divide if you have the stamina. One of our favorite hikes from this trailhead is to Deer Lake and The Potholes. If you are coming for the cure, or just a pleasant day, or stay, poolside, this is the place, but do check the website, and reserve if you plan to stay in season.
The hot springs are real, and we don't doubt their curative powers, but for reasons of hygiene and safety the healing waters are pumped into a set of swimming pools at varying temperatures and concentrations. There are indeed hot springs and bathing facilities, but don't imagine yourself swinging from vine to vine in some virgin wilderness pool. The mineral waters at Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort can be a disappointment. You can take side spurs to Hidden Lake or Deer Lake (more on this below).You can continue along the Sol Duc for miles and miles.You can double back along the far side of the river and follow the rapids back to the resort.There are other viewpoints on both sides of the river, and there are many trails you can take from here: The best viewing is from the bridge, which is usually wet with spray from the falls. It is quite different from the river one sees as one heads west on route 101. In the spring and early summer, they are at their strongest, but the Sol Duc is always powerful here. You can hear the falls as you approach them. The rain forest is another world, and the valley topography is hidden. There are streams to cross, little waterfalls to explore, and great trees to marvel at. The hike has some easy ups and downs and leads from the trailhead through a lush rain forest to the falls. Along with the hot springs (more on these below), there is a restaurant and a small shop selling souvenirs, food and notions. The resort is on the right a mile or so before the trailhead, and it's a good place to stop to check trail conditions, particularly during the shoulder season. To get to the trailhead, take the first left to the west of Lake Crescent on route 101 and head south on Sol Duc Hot Springs Road to the end.
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