Enjoy a long weekend of birdwatching on the Olympic Peninsula with our 3-day itinerary from Lake Quinault Lodge. Discover diverse habitats, spot eagles and kingfishers, and immerse yourself in the beauty and tranquility of the Pacific Northwest.
Day 1 – Arrival & Sunset Lake Tour
Stop at Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge On your way from the greater Seattle area, visit the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge in DuPont, about an hour south of Seattle. Explore the trails open from sunrise to sunset and plan your visit within two hours of high tide for optimal estuarine bird viewing.
Check In at Lake Quinault Lodge Relax and explore the lodge grounds as you take in the serene surroundings.
Sunset Lake Tour Watch for Bald Eagles and Osprey from the waters of Lake Quinault on a comfortable tour boat. Tours run seasonally from mid-June through mid-September.
Dinner at Roosevelt Dining Room Savor Grilled Pacific Salmon or the classic Roosevelt Pot Roast while enjoying panoramic views of Lake Quinalt.
Day 2 – Rainforest Adventure & Hiking
Breakfast at the Roosevelt Dining Room Start your day with a cup of coffee and our famous Sweet Potato Pancakes.
Lake Quinault Rainforest Tour Spot incredible wildlife on a 4-hour immersive guided tour in a 14-passenger Tour Coach. Admire Roosevelt elk, black-tailed deer, and a variety of birds such as Black-capped and Chestnut-backed Chickadees, Pacific Wrens, Black-headed Grosbeak, Dark-eyed Juncos, Spotted Towhee, Red-breasted Sapsucker, Belted Kingfisher, Anna’s and Rufous Hummingbirds, Red-tailed Hawk, and several woodpeckers, finches, and sparrows. Plus, this exclusive tour allows you to experience one of the only three temperate rainforests in the U.S.
Lunch at the Lodge Return to the Roosevelt Dining Room for a relaxing lunch.
Hiking Trails Explore over 8 miles of well-maintained loop trails just outside the lodge. The 4-mile Quinault Loop Trail passes along the south shore of Quinault Lake, offering potential sightings of Common Loon, Red-breasted or Common Mergansers, Belted Kingfishers, and other birds.
Day 3 – Morning Birding & Departure
Early Morning by the Lake Before breakfast, watch for Bald Eagles or Osprey hunting for their morning catch.
Optional Kayak or Canoe From May through September, rent a kayak or canoe to explore the lake and add more birds to your checklist. Contact the lodge activities manager to arrange private birding tours.
Gift Shop & Checkout Stop by the lobby gift shop for mementos before checking out, concluding your scenic birding getaway.
