Washington State continues to impress w/ Lake Quinault

As we arrived at this wonderful lodge in the middle of the rain forest I can help but think I've stepped back in time when things seemed much easier in life.  I immediately fell in love with this resort as we drove into the small drive, entering the cozy lobby and in clear view the lake pops out across the lobby in the wonderful windows.  I checked in and found the rooms charming in both the Lake Front Rooms and the Fire Place Rooms, I selected the fire place for my room the views also as impressive.  I might even try the Boat House Rooms next, they are located on the grounds in front of the lodge. 

What do I enjoy the most about this lodge or location? Seems to be serene and untouched by modern times as can be possible, the gas fireplace was modern yes, but no phones in the rooms makes it agreeable.  I did have a T.V. which for me traveling alone is good company often in most places I use it to drawn out the noises of the area, well that is far from true in the rain forest, it is so quiet at night time the silence was a little strange to me.  Living in the city I don't realize how much noise we tolerate on a daily basis until I spend the night in serenity.  I suggest the fire place rooms as they offer the easiest access to the main lodge. The original rooms in the main lodge seem to be more on the noisy side then the attached buildings.  The lake view rooms are some distance from the lodge, however; very accessible and enjoyable - you can't go wrong with the wonderful views they offer. 

It is off season so most of the tours offered from the lodge are not running which also means the crowds are less and the atmosphere more enjoyable for a quiet person like myself.  I enjoyed a couple of adult cocktails in the lobby, they offer a full service bar off the main dining room and it is well stocked and offers good cocktails, beer and wine.  Not a night club or entertainment spot unless like me, the views and serenity of the lodge is your idea of entertainment.  I couldn't of been happier! 

Dining at the lodge is somewhat restrictive but enjoyable, I've not had a bad meal during my stay and the service was good for a lodge - seems it can change from meal to meal.  When considering the wonderful placement of the dining room with the lake views, sunsets of every hue then who really cares if everything wasn't spot on, I surely don't.  I was taken in by her majestic vistas and just being in the rain forest was exciting to me.  The weather was perfect, sunny the first day, raining in the early part of day two and sunny for our departure on the third day!  Wow, can it get any better?  Maybe, I tried the heated pool and it was a nice treat no one else was in the pool so I could act like a youngster and splash around.  The lodge offers a shower room, sauna and plenty of towels for use in the pool area and it is maintained well. 

The staff keeps the fireplace in the lobby going with logs once in a while it is really a gas fireplace that they place a log over the continuous flame to add the pops and smells, it works for me.  I've stayed at the other lodges in the state that use all real wood burning only fireplaces and I like them a little better but the atmosphere or feeling of warmth is the same so it matters not.  I did need to work while on this trip, so I brought my laptop sat at a desk facing out of a window with the most wonderful views, the wireless system was excellent for my needs and I found it just fast enough to keep me busy while trying to concentrate on my work and not the views.  I understand they will add wireless next year in the rooms, but my suggestion is to take your laptop (if you have too!) to the lobby. 

The trails are fun and easy to walk, tons of maps and guide signs to show you the way - there is a van tour offered by the lodge year round and the guide was very well informed and top notch!  The cost is over $25 per person and lasts three hours with a 30 minute walk during the tour, seems to be just about right. 

As I enjoy my fireplace in my room and catch up on the news I find myself feeling satisfied at the fact this is a great spot to unwind from the troubles of today, in the morning I'll take out a little boat on the lake and paddle away my stress for an hour or two.  Thinking of having lunch on the deck if the weather holds up before heading back to Seattle?  I might even order a boxed lunch at return to my room and enjoy lunch on my own patio while enjoying the peace and quiet.

Come on out and visit the Lake Quinault Lodge, summer months are very busy and maybe not so serene, October for me is my month of choice; quiet, relaxing and most of all at my speed.