In the heart of the state of Washington sits a forest so serene you’ll have trouble believing it’s real. On the edge of the Olympic National Park is Lake Quinault and surrounding the lake is the lush Quinault Valley. From here visitors have access to a number of incredible sights, including the Quinault Rain Forest.

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Also known as the “Valley of the Giants,” the Quinault Rain Forest is often referred to as a temperate coniferous rain forest – one of only three found in the Western hemisphere. Within the valley you’ll find some of the largest trees in the world – including the Sitka Spruce, Hemlock, Western Red Cedar, and the Douglas Fir.

The History of Lake Quinault

The area surrounding Lake Quinault was inhabited by Native Americans for hundreds of years before the first white settlers came to stay in 1888. Over time additional settlers came to the Quinault Valley, built cabins, and staked their claims for land along the lake. By the year 1890 the Quinault Townsite had been platted.

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The first snow in 1893 proved to be tumultuous and taught the original settlers about tenacity. They realized their schools could only be open for six months at a time because the winter weather would prohibit the children from traveling. Over time the original settlers built hotels, schools, gardens, and fields for their animals. Many of the folks living in Quinault today are descendants of the original settlers.

The Quinault Indian Nation

The Quinault Indian Nation has been part of the Quinault Valley for hundreds of years. The nation is made up of members of the Quinault and Queets tribes and includes descendants from several coastal tribes as well.

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Members of the Quinault Indian Nation live in houses built along both sides of the river. They rely on the sustainability of the land for life and take great pride in their knowledge of the land that surrounds them.

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The Quinault Indian Nation is a self-governed sovereign nation as approved by the Self-Governance Act of 1988 proposed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The act allowed the Indian tribes to establish their own rules and laws and allowed them to break free from what they believed was 150 years of mistreatment at the hands of the federal government.

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The QIN operates several successful businesses throughout the Quinault Rain Forest area. They own Quinault Pride Seafood, the Quinault Beach Resort, and many other thriving operations.

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The reservation itself spans over 208,150 acres of land and is home to not only the coniferous forests mentioned earlier but to some of the finest hardwoods in the country as well. The red alder, Pacific cottonwood, and several other stands can be found throughout the valley. The reservation is also home to several spectacular animal species, including the black bear, cougar, and bald eagle.

Preparing to Visit the Quinault Rain Forest

The Quinault Valley is considered the best place in park to see the rain forest. Visitors are cautioned to bring sturdy hiking shoes, a reliable camera, and as much rain gear as can be carried. The valley receives over 144 inches of rain every year.

Visitors to the area should start their trip with a stop at the Quinault Rain Forest Visitor Information Center. Here you’ll find tons of resources designed to make navigating the valley an enjoyable experience. You’ll also find information about the restaurants, grocery, and supply stores in the general vicinity.

What to do in the Quinault Rain Forest

There are dozens of activities to participate in while visiting the Quinault Rain Forest region. Rain forest excursions provide visitors with an amazing opportunity to photograph the wildlife that calls it home. Fishing is also a popular pastime, and those who are interested can hire any of a number of fishing guides for a trip, including local tribal guides.

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If you’re feeling really ambitious you can grab a map from the visitor center and set out to search for the six largest conifer trees in the country. In the Valley of the Rain Forest Giants you’ll find the largest western red cedar, Douglas fir, Sitka spruce, yellow cedar, western hemlock, and mountain hemlock in existence. Each is recognized as the largest of its kind by the National Forestry Association.

Letterboxing is also a popular pastime in not only the Quinault Rain Forest but in several other areas around the world as well. The game provides visitors with the opportunity to explore different areas throughout the rain forest by providing them with clues as to where each “letterbox” might be found. When they arrive they can stamp their guide books with the stamp found in the box and, in turn, stamp the book in the box with their own stamp as proof they visited.

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The Quinault Rain Forest has tons to offer visitors of all ages. Even those who prefer to be a bit less active will enjoy the serenity they find as they’re surrounded by some of the most beautiful forest landscapes in the country!