Visit Lake Quinault and the Olympic National Rainforest
If you’re looking to get away from the hectic city life of Seattle for a weekend, then consider crossing Puget Sound to visit Lake Quinault and the surrounding Quinault Rainforest. My parents have often taken their RV to this neck of the woods and they always enjoy the serenity. Less crowded than the Washington beach tourist towns, Lake Quinault can be especially peaceful if you can go before or after summer (from Memorial Day to Labor Day weekends, you’re more likely to find kids and crowds, especially in campgrounds).
Enough about people; let’s talk about the scenery and what there is to do. The glacier-fed lake is surrounded by the moss-draped old-growth trees of the Olympic National Park. The Quinault Valley is called the “Valley of the Giants” because you can find the largest Sitka Spruce tree in the world as well as giant Hemlock, Western Red Cedar, and Douglas Fir trees.
The park offers miles of hiking trails, and there’s plenty to do on the lake itself. Try swimming, boating, and fishing, all accessible from the campgrounds and resorts around Lake Quinault.
If you prefer driving to all that physical exertion, try the 30-mile loop road. It takes you around the lake and into the south end of the Olympic National Park. Bring your camera, because you’ll have some good opportunities to see wildlife: deer, elk, cougars, bald eagles, bobcats, and black bears all call this area home.
Just remember to bring your rain gear. This is a rainforest after all. The 144 inches of rain the area sees annually can make Seattle seem dry in comparison.