The Quinault Rain Forest on the Olympic Peninsula, Washington

Tired of the crowds? Need some time away? The Quinault Rain Forest is the place to visit for peace and quiet. Nothing hears you but the trees. The Quinault Rain Forest is crowded with old growth trees some so ancient it will amaze and impress visitors to the area. Covered with moss and lichens these ancient trees are spectacular to walk among. Visitors to the Quinault Rain Forest will tell you that it is like walking in the land of giants.

The Quinault Rain Forest is home of the worlds Largest Western Red Cedar, Largest Yellow Cedar in the US, Largest Mountain Hemlock in the World and the Largest Western Hemlock in the US, Worlds Largest Sitka Spruce and the Worlds Largest Douglas Fir however, these are just some of the giants that make the Quinault Rain Forest breathtaking to see.

Quinault Rain Forest however, meets the shores of Lake Quinault where visitors can enjoy not only the beauty of this magnificent land of giants but the blue waters and depths of this great lake. Some six square miles of water that is said to reach depths of 250 feet in areas.

Lake Quinault provides visitors with an abundance of water sports, boating, fishing, kayaking, swimming, canoeing, sailing and anything a visitor may wish to do in the great blue water of Lake Quinault.

Before joining in on the water sports it may be fun to hike the trails such as the Maple Glade Trail. If hiking isn't your forte then perhaps the 31-mile scenic loop drive around Lake Quinault is a day of family fun. While hiking or driving the loop visitors can enjoy wildlife viewing and bird watching. Be sure to bring along a pair of binoculars and camera to make your own keepsakes of this beautiful area of the Pacific northwest.

Fishing on Lake Quinault is talked about nationwide. Steelhead, Cutthroat Trout are both found in these icy blue waters. If fishing isn't interesting then a trip to the Quinault Indian Nation Fish Hatchery may interest you. Seeing the amazing fish being hatched and raised for release can be a great outing for the family. The Quinault Indian Nation Fish Hatcher is located on the West side of Lake Quinault.

A night's stay at the Lake Quinault Resort www.lakequinault.com, Lake Quinault Inn, Lochaerie Resort on the North Shore, Cottage Peaks cottages www.cottagepeaksvacationhome.com, or Eagles Rest www.cottages.org will refresh the soul.

The Quinault Rain Forest has something for everyone and is always a great weekend or vacation destination for my family and friends. Cost is reasonable with hotels ranging from $89.00 to $250.00 and the cost of gas as driving is one of the pleasures of going to the Quinault Rain Forest.