This trail is also known as the Quinault Loop Trail. I parked at the trailhead about 0900 on a clear, cool, November Friday morning and there was only one vehicle in the parking lot. Even when I came back about 1130, there were only a few cars. Lots of parking. There were restrooms, but they were not available. (Not sure why...) This particular day was a federal holiday and everything in town appeared to be closed including the Ranger Station, Mercantile and Museum.
I started on the Rain Forest Nature Trail, heading left from the parking lot. This trail is a short loop back to the parking lot. Instead of looping back, I continued the on the Quinault Loop Trail. Signage is good most of the way. There are a couple locations where there appears to have been signage at one time, but not anymore as the signposts are there, but no signs. There is fencing in areas that oversee Willaby Creek and there is a platform built around a large tree right at the start. There are a lot of interpretive signs describing various trees, plants, and animals and are in good condition. The fencing is in rough shape in some places and the platform is missing some boards. The trail starts with a nice walk along the creek and then narrows and veers up into the forest. There are several benches along the way and the trail becomes more narrow, with some ferns and other foliage leaning over the trail. There are many large trees and lots of foliage - large maple leaves that dwarf my hands in fall colors.
Continuing on the trail, I thought I missed the turnoff to Cascade Falls, but soon ran into one of those blank signs and could hear the falls, so I knew to veer right. Falls Creek is up first and a little ways down the trail is Cascade Falls. Beautiful falls! The trail becomes more rocky and covered in wet leaves in some places and continues uphill at an easy place. At times you come out of the canopy and the sky is a welcome sight.
Once past Cascade Falls, you can further turn off to Gatton Creek Falls, but I continued the loop by crossing South Shore Drive, and picking up the trail behind the Ranger Station and Lake Quinault Lodge. There are signs pointing the direction of the trail once you get to the water. I was a little unsure where to go, but was able to find the trail pretty easily. The trail along the water starts out in good condition and there are a number of trees with labels along the way + more interpretive signage. It was disappointing to see all the ivy climbing the trees (invasive?). Soon however, at the lower elevations, it appears the once nice trail has taken a beating. The trail runs in front of Quinault residences, along the lake. In many places, the trail is covered with logs, tires (3!), and trash. There was only one sign noting a portion of the trail was washed out in one location. The trail ends at the Willaby Campground and then it is a short walk under the road and back to the parking lot.
I really enjoyed the forested trail which was about 3 miles. I saw nobody on this trail, despite its popularity. The portion of the trail loop along the lake was about 1 mile (I would skip it in the future if I can find a better way back to my car) and then it was about .3 miles back to the parking lot from the campground. If you have time, drive down South Shore Drive and take the quick trail (.3 miles) to the World's Largest Sitka Spruce Tree. There is a sign and parking just after the post office.
Comments