Lake Quinault Lodge, Olympic National Park

Location

A three hours drive from Seattle will bring you to 1,406 square miles of protected national park, featuring everything from rainforests to weathered mountains along with almost 60 miles of Pacific coastal wilderness. With very few roads plying its interior, its millennia-old cedar trees and meadows are suspended in time. The lodge itself, equally secluded, looks out over a glacial lake and is fronted by a temperate rainforest. Paddle and fish in the afternoon sun or enjoy the cool shade of the giant trees with a good book.

Accommodation

Choose between a variety of timber accommodation with all rooms enjoying a cosy, historic ambience. Main Lodge rooms, dating back to the early 20th century, feature dark wood furniture and traditional styling having starred in the ‘Great Lodges of the National Parks’ on American TV channel, PBS. Aside from the gas-lit eponymies of the Fireplace Rooms and the gorgeous location of the Lakeside Rooms, Boathouse Rooms offer an encircling verandah along with The Beverly Suite, a canopy-level escape with 360-degree panoramic views.

Dining

Olympic National Park’s history is inextricably tied to President Roosevelt who, upon visiting it in the autumn of 1937, enjoyed lunch in the lodge’s dining room, now named after him. We’re not saying the food was the deciding factor, but nine months later he signed the bill that gave Olympic its protected status. Today, you’ll enjoy regional cuisine with views out across the lake to the mountains beyond. Expect hearty breakfasts, Pacific Northwest favourites for lunch and a range of gourmet offerings for dinner including baked Brie starters, clam chowder soup and grilled salmon.

Facilities

Much of the lodge is centred around experiencing Olympic’s national park delights. Enjoy hiking trails and beaches, most of which are simply numbered. Back at the Main Lodge, you might want to curl up by the fire for an undisturbed evening in. There’s also an indoor pool, sauna and a games room; all of which are open daily.