NorthBeachVacation.com
LAKE QUINAULT LOOP DRIVE
The 31 mile loop drive brings you to many beautiful
viewpoints over the lake and river valley, leads to the
entrances of several short hikes, and passes by a few
waterfalls right along the road. The loop is made up of a
short stretch of Highway 101 along the lakes west side, the
North Shore Road, and the South Shore Road. About half of
the drive leaves the lake and follows the upper Quinault River
- this section is equal in beauty to the lake. About one third of
the route is on dirt roads, but these are well-maintained and
easy to drive on.
You can make a day of it by stopping for a picnic and hiking a
few short trails. The most interesting trails are: the Quinault
Big Cedar, Kestner Homestead and Maple Glade, the Quinault
Rain Forest Loop, and the Big Spruce. Pictured here at right
on top is the view from the July Creek picnic area on the
North Shore Road. Also, pictured are views of the river valley
you can see from the car without hiking.
Just past the bridge that leads from the North to South Shore
Road by the first waterfall you encounter, we parked the car
and played on a large sand bank and giant rock along the
river (3rd and 4th pictures).
Any visit to the lake should include a stop at the historic Lake
Quinault Lodge.
Park overview:
http://www.visitlakequinault.com/park/index.cfm
Hiking guide and road map:
http://www.quinaultriverinn.com/images/hiking_map6.pdf
by Bob Kelly
bobkelly1964@yahoo.com
http://www.BobsPacificBeachHouse.com
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