The Most Beautiful Rain Forest In America Is Right Here In Washington… And It Isn’t The Hoh Rain Forest
Washington’s Olympic Peninsula is home to four stunning temperate rainforests. The Hoh Rain Forest is probably Washington’s most famous rainforest. In fact, it has the distinction of being designated as a World Heritage Site and a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. And while the Hoh Rain Forest is a must-see for all who pass through Washington, the Quinault Rain Forest rivals Hoh as the most beautiful rainforest in America. The Quinault Rain Forest is home to the world’s largest spruce tree and surrounds the stunning Lake Quinault, home to one of the finest national park hotels in the US, to boot! So keep reading about this fantastic natural wonder then plan your next visit.
Quinault Rain Forest is a temperate rainforest, which is part of Olympic National Park. It's in a valley formed by the Quinault River and Lake Quinault. Once you step into the forest, you are transported to a green, misty, and magical place. Read more about some of the great Quinault hiking trails.
The rainforest receives approximately 12 feet of rain each year. By comparison, Seattle receives about 36 inches of rain each year. So there is no question why mosses and ferns thrive here, growing among the towering cedars.
The area is known as the "Valley of the Rain Forest Giants" and for good reason. You can find record sizes of western red cedar, Sitka spruce, western hemlock, Alaskan cedar, and mountain hemlock here. That's pretty amazing!
There are many trails to explore in the Quinault Rain Forest, and a great base for your explorations is the historic Lake Quinault Lodge. It was built in 1926 on the edge of Lake Quinault and gives visitors the perfect resting place to call home while exploring the magical rainforest next door. Learn more about Lake Quinault Lodge then plan your visit.
