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Hiking at Olympic National Park & Forest Quinault Washington US
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Hiking

Your Guide to Lake Quinault’s Best Trails

Hiking is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the natural wonders of the Olympic Peninsula. With more than 15 well-maintained trails ranging from short, leisurely strolls to invigorating forest treks, each path offers a unique view of the Quinault Valley’s diverse ecosystem. Just across from Lake Quinault Lodge, you’ll find 8 miles of interconnected nature trails, complete with interpretive signs and options as short as a half-mile. Leashed dogs are welcome on select routes and trail maps are available at the lodge front desk.

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Family Observing a Massive Moss-Covered Spruce Tree Olympic National Park Quinault Washington

World’s Largest Spruce Tree Trail

This easy one-third-mile walk is the perfect warm-up and leads you to the World’s Largest Sitka Spruce, officially recognized by the American Forestry Association. Accessible from a gravel pull-off just beyond the Rain Forest Resort Village and about a mile past Lake Quinault Lodge, this short trail rewards you with a remarkable encounter: a 1,000-year-old giant standing proudly in the heart of the Quinault Rainforest.

Moss Draped Tree Trunks in Serene Woodland Olympic National Park Quinault Washington

Maple Glade Trail

The Maple Glade Trail captures everything people imagine when they think of a temperate rainforest—draping Oregon selaginella moss and towering Big Leaf Maples. This beautiful half-mile trail, located near the Park Service ranger station on North Shore Road (six miles off Hwy 101), is easy to access and ideal for all ages.

Historic Cabin in Rural Forest Landscape Olympic National Park Quinault Washington

Kestner Homestead Trail

Anton Kestner arrived in the Quinault Valley in 1889 and began homesteading under the Federal Homestead Act. He and his family lived for years along the North Shore, shaping a small and meaningful chapter of the area's history. Today, the Park Service maintains a trail to the Kestner Homestead, now being restored as an interpretive site that offers visitors a fascinating window into pioneer life.

Giant Forest Tree Viewed From Base Looking Up Olympic National Park Quinault Washington

World’s Largest Western Red Cedar Trail

Though only one-third of a mile long, this historic trail is steep and features deep steps, offering a short but invigorating climb. Built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, the path can take on the characteristics of a stream during heavy winter rains, so come prepared for wet conditions.

Peaceful Wooden Bridge Surrounded by Dense Greenery and Mossy Trees Olympic National Park Quinault Washington

Pony Bridge Trail

The Pony Bridge Trail offers a perfect backcountry experience without venturing too far from Lake Quinault Lodge. The trailhead is 17 miles up South Shore Road at the Graves Creek Trailhead, where your 2.5-mile (one-way) hike winds through old-growth forest. 

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