Premier Visit
We were married in 1987 at the Rustler Lodge which is a part of the Alta ski resort in Utah. After an incredible ceremony, we took the first of 2 honeymoon vacations. Our first honeymoon was to Aspen, Colorado. As we stated in our first blog, we were bitten by the travel bug early so one honeymoon wasn't enough. A few months later, we decided to drive from Salt Lake City to the northwest coast. We had a wonderful planned stay in Cannon Beach, Oregon. We continued north up the coast along Highway 101. This was such a beautiful drive and was so very romantic for 2, crazy about each other, newlyweds. After we made our way into Washington, we came upon Lake Quinault. Doug said that he'd love to drive over to the lodge as he had always wanted to stay there because he had heard so much about it. As we pulled up in front of the lodge, we didn't just want to stay there - we NEEDED to stay there. The old world charm was captivating. We went in to see if they had a room available. As the receptionist was telling us that they were completely booked, another receptionist finished a phone conversation and stated that there was ONE vacancy! Such Serendipitous Luck!
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| Photo from olympicnationalparks.com |
Repeat Visitors
This became a 27 year love affair for us. We have stayed at the Lake Quinault Lodge many times throughout our marriage. We have stayed as newlyweds, a couple with small children, a couple with teenagers, and once again as a couple without children. What is it that makes us come back time and time again? The lodge is situated on the shore of Lake Quinault. There is a breathtaking view from nearly every window in the main building. Regardless of the season, the lake offers serenity and relaxation. There are many wonderful seating areas to use for meditation as you gaze at the reflection of the Douglas Fir in the water. The gazebo offers an alluring locale to have lunch. It is ideal for an outdoor wedding. The patio allows you to eat outdoor and to feel closer to the lake. Regardless of where you sit, you will thrill to the grandeur of the setting.
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Lovely Lobby
The lobby is perfect for unwinding. The majestic fireside is mesmerizing. It is large enough to fit a full log, there is no need to split logs for this fireplace. It is common to see a puzzle set up for anyone to complete. There is a full bar in the lobby with a barista ready to concoct a latte or to pour a glass of wine. Imagine sipping on an Irish Coffee while delving into Game of Thrones!
Outdoor activities abound, after all, this is still the Olympic National Park. Hiking is very popular here. You can take a very short, casual stroll on a paved trail to intense hikes. Our plan is to hike from the Elwha River Valley near Port Angeles to Lake Quinault. This is a 50 mile hike that will take several days of back packing. The thought of arriving at the Lodge and recuperating in luxury is tantalizing. Lake Quinault Lodge is the only accomodations located directly within the rainforest. The temperate rainforest offers an exquisite and lush environment. This is perfect habitat for the Roosevelt Elk, coyote, and the Black-Tail Deer. It is common to hear the coyotes howling and loons calling out over the lake. It is a symphony of nature.
Swimming
The main building offers an indoor swimming pool. This was perfect for our family with small children as well as our family with teenagers. The boys also enjoyed the game room which is adjacent to the pool area. They had a great time playing pool and darts. Swimming is permitted in the lake. Just remember that temperatures are never high nor intense. That is what also makes this area so delightful to visit. When temperatures are soaring all over the United States, you can rest assured that you will find the weather pleasant and comfortable at Lake Quinault.
Biking
There are many off-road trails which are ideal for biking. There is a 30 mile loop which begins and ends at the lodge. There couldn't be a more picturesque setting for a leisurely paced bike ride or for a more intense ride. Either way, you will feel that you are one with nature.
Dining
Prior to your outdoor activities, make dinner reservations in the Roosevelt Dining Room. In 1937, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt made a trip to Quinault and ate in this dining hall. Shortly thereafter, he signed a bill which created the Olympic National Park The restaurant offers panoramic vistas of the lake and mountains. The cuisine is quite spectacular and offers local fare. It is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. After a day of hiking, this is quite possibly the best meal you will ever eat.
Twice, we have enjoyed spending New Year's Eve at the lodge. We have danced to live music as well as to a DJ in their ballroom. Dinner in the dining room and then champagne toasts in the ballroom - you can't ask for a greater way to usher in the new year. Call ahead of time to ensure that they will have a New Year's celebration.
There are a multitude of accommodations at the lodge. Our first stay was in the main building. It is very european in style. We enjoyed a lovely lakeside view. Last New Year's Eve we stayed in the fireplace rooms. We brought Mom and Justin with us so we had two rooms which were adjoining. We loved having two fireplaces for that cozy ambience. There is also the boathouse which offers accommodations for several families.
Thanksgiving Day Activities and Dinner
Lake Quinault Lodge will be hosting Thanksgiving Day Activities and Dinner on November 28, 2013. They will have a Rainforest Tour at 9:30 am and will go until 1:30 pm. There will be a Thanksgiving Buffet from 12:00 to 7:00 pm. They will have football on their projection screen in the Quileute Ballroom. Then you can play some Pumpkin Bocce Ball. You will find more information at http://www.olympicpeninsula.org/event/user-submitted-event/lake-quinault-lodge-thanksgiving-day-activities-dinner
Tribal Nations
As you travel the Olympic Peninsula out to Lake Quinault, you are privileged to drive through the lands of many tribal nations. The tribes include: Jamestown S'Klallam, Lower Elwha , Quilluete, Hoh, and Quinalt. If you were to continue the drive down to Neah Bay, you would also share the drive with the Makah Nation. These cultures are rich in heritage. There is a beautiful museum in Neah Bay as well as the Squamish museum near Poulsbo. Take the time to visit these museums, they will help you to understand and enjoy the history and culture of the tribal nations in Washington.
Our musical pairing for today includes this beautiful Native American music entitled "Earth Drum." May we suggest playing this music while you re-read this blog post.
Next Blog Post: Port Angeles - Our hometown!
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