Rainforest Hike | Olympic National Park

Let's spend a day immersed deep in the wild heart of Olympic National Park. No crowds, no noise—just raw nature and untamed wonder. The adventure begins in the lowlands of the fabled Quinault Rainforest with giant trees, moss-draped silence, and a veil of mist that carries the scent of mystery. Some of the world's largest trees are found here in the Quinault Valley - nicknamed 'Valley of the Rainforest Giants'.

We’ll travel through a primordial landscape sculpted by centuries of rain, cloaked in moss, and guarded by colossal trees forged over eons. If you're drawn to places that feel untouched and elemental, this hike unfolds like a scene from a forgotten world — a realm steeped in ancient silence and frozen in time.

The trail leads to the Three Lakes area. Three Lakes is a gateway to one of the most rugged and remote traverses in Olympic National Park: the Skyline Primitive Trail, part of the legendary Queets–Quinault Skyline route. Time and conditions permitting, we will continue Northeast for a couple of miles up the Skyline route for some truly magnificent views before heading back.

Hike Stats
Length: 18 mile roundtrip
Route Type: Out and Back
Elevation Gain: 5,000 feet
Difficulty: Challenging

Links
Trail Map
WTA - Three Lakes
Ten Essential Items
Olympic National Park - Current Road Conditions

Meetup Location
Irely Lake Trailhead
N Shore Road
Quinault, WA 98575
GPS: 47.56769, -123.65526

Itinerary
0730 - 0800 Arrive at the Trailhead
0800 Boots on the trail
1800 Back at the Trailhead
Estimated Hiking Time: 10 hours
Moderate pace, with plenty of breaks as needed.

Logistics
We will meet directly at the trailhead per the schedule above. Hikers can self-organize carpools from any location, as needed. Use the messaging system and comments below to coordinate rides. Average one-way driving time from the Seattle area: 3 hours 30 minutes. An Olympic National Park Pass or America the Beautiful Pass is required to park a vehicle at this trailhead. Please note that pets are not allowed on National Park trails.

Getting There
North Shore Quinault Road is now open to traffic. (South Shore Road is currently closed). From Highway 101, turn onto North Shore Road at Lake Quinault Inn. Follow the road for 14 miles. Just before the bridge over Quinault River, take a sharp Left onto the gravel road for 2.7 miles to the Irely Lake Trailhead.

Disclaimer
This hike traverses rugged terrain, remote wilderness areas, and potentially variable weather conditions. Before committing, please evaluate your physical fitness, experience level, and preparedness.

I am not a guide. By choosing to participate, you acknowledge the inherent risks of backcountry travel and accept full responsibility for your safety and decisions. You expressly consent to release, hold harmless, and indemnify the event host from any and all claims, liabilities, damages, and expenses.

RSVP Etiquette
All attendees should be registered here and should have a clear facial profile picture for safety reasons. Please read the entire Event Description above and browse the links provided. RSVP to this event only if you are committed to attending. Late cancellations and No-Shows are noted and will impact your ability to attend future events with us.