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| With over 632,000 acres, Olympic National Forest is a place of tremendous diversity as well as breathtaking beauty. It includes a temperate rainforest, a radiating mountain range, large lowland lakes, wild rushing rivers, tidelands and saltwater beaches. This is a beautiful setting for outdoor recreation including hiking, boating, fishing, beach combing and camping. | 
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| There is exceptional bird watching year-round, and this pristine wilderness area is home to magnificent wildlife. Threatened and endangered species include the Northern spotted owl, marbled murrelet, bald eagle, bull trout, Hood Canal summer chum salmon and Puget Sound Chinook salmon. The forest’s abundant recreational activities, temperate climate and easy accessibility make it an ideal place to experience the majesty of the Pacific Northwest. Visitors entering the Olympic National Park in a vehicle or on foot may be required to pay an entrance fee. See “National Park Service” for details. Detailed Map |
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| The Lake Quinault weather report Weather conditions here are generally mild - ideal for enjoying the great outdoors. Summers are often warm and sunny; with nighttime lows in the low 50s. In the winter, average low temperatures are roughly 36°, with average highs in the upper 40s. Snow is rare. Similar to other temperate rainforests, you can expect one long wet season here with fairly dry summers. Rainfall averages 104 inches annually, so be sure to pack your rainwear. |
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| For a look at current conditions in the Lake Quinault area, click here. |
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| What to Bring In this temperate rainforest climate you can expect moderate temperatures with moisture laden air and plenty of rainfall during the rainy season (though summer days can be warm and sunny). Attire at the Lodge is casual, so pack comfortable, seasonal clothing. As a rule, bring clothing suited for outdoor activities and walking or hiking, and rain gear:
Depending on your choice of activities, you may also want to bring:
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| Fun Facts In the emerald world of the Olympic rainforest, the natural rhythms of life, death and renewal continue as they have for thousands of years. Working in perfect harmony, the forest's vast array of plants and animals help sustain one another. An ancient tree topples and decays, and eventually becomes a seedbed to nourish the next generation. The dense forest canopy provides food and cover for birds, who in turn help distribute plant seeds. Tiny mosses and lichens draping a big leaf maple help supply moisture and nutrients to the tree through its branches. And the lush greenery and tender shoots help feed the deer and elk. The river otter, jumping mouse and Douglas squirrel reside here, as do the Olympic marmot, Roosevelt elk, black bear, bald eagle, osprey and spotted owl. Another fascinating rainforest inhabitant is the banana slug - the largest slug in North America. Typically bright yellow, these creatures may also be black, white or spotted and can measure six to eight inches long. They have two pairs of tentacles (long ones for sight and short ones for smelling) and their slime allows them to move and reproduce. May, June and October are the best months to search for banana slugs. More rainforest facts:
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