All three temperate rain forests located in the contiguous United States are on the western edge of the Olympic Peninsula. The Quinault Rain Forest offers the unique quality of visitor accommodations “IN” the rain forest and a 30 mile loop road penetrating deep into Olympic National Park and Olympic National Forest.

Young salmon jump into the air from their watery world as they frolic chasing insects and smaller prey. The call of the Loon can be heard echoing across Lake Quinault; the yapping of a distant Coyote and, in late summer and fall, the bugling of the magnificent Roosevelt Elk .


Otters are often seen playing in the river and Dipper birds nervously patrol the river banks looking for insects upon which they feed. Everywhere the forest is alive. Waterfalls are abundant as the high mountains that surround Lake Quinault drain their 140+ inches of annual rainfall down slope.

This area of Olympic National Park provides access to backcountry trailheads which lead to famous backpacking destinations like Enchanted Valley, once called the Valley of a Thousand Waterfalls, and Low Divide.

In the spring and early summer the almost mysterious song of the Varied Thrush, called the magic bird by some tribal people, can be heard in the forest canopy. Much of the year friendly little wrens flit about quite near humans as they search for spiders and insects. Though here in the summer in smaller numbers, fall brings the return of our famous salmon and steelhead runs. As the fish migrate upstream to the same gravel spawning beds from which they hatched the Bald Eagles seem to know and they can be seen too numerous to count all along the river and lake. Eagles and Osprey nest on the shores and are frequently seen during the summer months. You may see Black Bear, Black-tailed Deer and perhaps even a Mountain Lion.

The Quinault Rain Forest Safari departs twice daily to explore and enjoy the beauty and peace of this magnificent wild resource. Your guides are all area residents who have lived here for many years and are thoroughly knowledgeable of the area. Our tour bus has comfortable individual bucket seats and an unrestricted view through large windows. But it is not just a drive ! Guides take you to some of the best photo points in the area and you will experience the forest up close and personal on walks at specific locations on this 3 hour locally operated tour. Come aboard at any one of three local pickup locations; Lake Quinault Lodge, Rain Forest Village and the Quinault Internet Café.
Come join us !