Our arrival at the Lake Quinault Lodge was less than ideal. We had a fantastic day making our way from San Juan Island the long way with 2 ferry crossings, but had misjudged our time from Port Townsend to Lake Quinault. To say that it was a long day would be an grave understatement. Though it was a fun day exploring new towns like Port Townsend and Fort Casey on Whidbey Island, we were really happy to make it long last to our comfy beds at the Lake Quinault Lodge.
Early the next morning, I woke before everyone else and snuck out to explore the grounds and in search of a tall cup of coffee. What a gorgeous sight. I had no idea having arrived so late at night that we were in the midst of such beauty. The lake, the lodge, the forest were breath taking.
As my family began to wake, we met in the main lodge for a delicious breakfast with a very special view of the great lawn and Lake Quinault. After filling our bodies with energy food, we set off on a hike in one of North America’s 3 temperate rain forests, The Quinault Rain Forest for a day of pure + natural beauty. For lunch we picked up sandwiches at the cute mercantile across the street and for dinner we had reservations back at the lodge.
I am truly in love with these old lodges of America. This one in particular was built in quite a remote location in no time at all. 53 days to be exact! Can you imagine the team it took to make that happen in 1926? I can’t get enough of touring the historic lodges in our national parks. The wide plank floors, tall windows, creaky staircases, grand doorways and decks all set in rustic wilderness for us to enjoy. Places like the Timberline Lodge, Crater Lake Lodge, Ahwahnee Lodge, El Tovar, and the Old Faithful Inn are in my mind, as historic of treasures as the national parks and forests in which they reside.
Please help preserve the lodges by visiting them, learning about their history and patronizing their restaurants, shops, and tours. You won’t be disappointed.
Read more about our Pacific Northwest Roadtrip.
