Interpretive Areas

Interpretive Areas Areas

• Seal Rock Interpretive Trail Sites
• Interrorem Cabin
• Interrorem Nature Trail #804
• Dungeness area

  Nestled in the northeastern corner of the Olympic Peninsula, the Dungeness area is formed by the Gray Wolf and Dungeness River basins up to the rocky heights of the Buckhorn Wilderness. Being the driest area of the Olympic forest, it is known for its subalpine flower blooms and numerous butterfly species. This area provides access to a vast network of trails along rivers, Wilderness areas and connects into popular National Park trails.

• Louella Cabin
• Forks area

  Spanning the inland northwest portion of the peninsula near Forks, WA this area is enclosed by the Pacific Ocean to the West, the Strait of Juan De Fuca to the North, and the immense forests of the Olympics to the East. The diversity of ecosystems in the Forks area provides a multitude of recreation opportunities including access to the Sol Duc, Bogachiel and North Fork Calawah Rivers. The Bogachiel River Trail leads through rainforest in the Bogachiel River valley into the Olympic National Park.

• Klahowya Campground
• Pioneer's Path Nature Trail #884

  This easy accessible 0.3 mile interpretive trail loop borders the Sol Duc River through second growth stands of hemlock and fir. Interpretive signs depict how some early pioneers lived off the land. This trail is within Klahowya Campground.

  The trail provides access to a beautiful stand of western hemlock, Sitka spruce, Douglas-fir and bigleaf and vine maples. The lush understory of rain forest vegetation includes a variety of ferns, wood sorrel and mosses. There is an overlook of the river where a short section of trail parallels the Sol Duc River.

  More photos at Forks Chamber of Commerce website.

• Hamma Hamma Cabin
• Hamma Hamma Campground
• Living Legacy Interpretive Trail

  The Living Legacy Interpretive trail is a 1.5 mile loop. The first 1/4 mile is accessible and travels along the Hamma Hamma River. Features of this section of the trail include views of the river and benches overlooking the river.

  It begins at Hamma Hamma Campground east bulletin board where there is parking for day use. The trail follows the Hamma Hamma River and then climbs up through teh mossy woods to a viewpoint of the historic Hamma Hamma Cabin. There are interpretive signs along the trail that explain some of the history of the area. From the Hamma Hamma Cabin the trail loops back down to the campground where it ends. Walk a short distance through the campground back to the day use area.

• Quinault area

  Veiled by a canopy of ancient Sitka spruce, Douglas fir, western red cedar, and western hemlocks this area showcases the ancient temperate rainforest of the Olympic Peninsula. Towering giant trees cloak the fern and moss laden forest floor in an ecosystem that contains more biomass per acre than any other forest type. Home to the historic Lake Quinault Lodge, various campgrounds, and a vast network of trails spanning Quinault National Recreational Trail System, Colonel Bob Wilderness and the West Fork Humptulips River, the Quinault area provides a wide array of recreation opportunities for all. Lake Quinault is owned and managed by the Quinault Indian Nation for boating and fishing regulations click here. 

• Gatton Creek Campground/Day Use Area
• Lake Quinault Lodge
• Quinault Loop Trail #854

  The Quinault Loop, locally known as the Rain Forest Nature Trail or 4 mile loop, has no beginning or ending point. Dense old-growth conifer forest with lush understory of rain forest vegetation. Excellent opportunity to view the Olympic temperate rain forest and Quinault Lake. 1.3 miles along the south shore of Quinault Lake and 2.7 miles are through the temperate rain forest. Points of interest include Cascade Falls, Cedar Bog, and interpretive Quinault Rain Forest Nature Trail. 

  To view all segments of the Quinault National Recreation Trail System and learn more explore the Quinault National Recreation Trail System interactive map. 

• Quinault Rain Forest Nature Trail #855
• Willaby Campground/Day Use Area
• Skokomish area

  Spanning the southeast corner of the Olympic Peninsula, the picturesque Skokomish River Watershed is a favorite among horseback riders, mountain bikers and hikers alike. Over 15 miles of trail paralleling the South Fork of the Skokomish River gently rises through old growth forests and multiple stream beds. Well-loved by horseback riders, the Skokomish area is home to Lebar Horse Camp, one of two “stock friendly” campgrounds in the Forest as well as a network of trails open to stock.  

• Brown Creek Interpretive Trailhead
• Coho Campground

  Coho Campground is located on the west shore of Wynoochee Lake. Evergreen conifers and hardwoods provide a beautiful wooded setting.

  For general lake info call 1- (888) 502-8690. 

  Campsites: There are 46 campsites that will accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs. There are also 8 walk-in tent camp units and one walk-in group site that will accomodate 12 persons.

  Yurts: Three yurts are available for reservation with each accommodating a maximum of six people and two vehicles. Yurt sites #57 and #58 do not allow additional tents, trailers, or RV camping. Yurt site #50 will accommodate an additional tent, trailer, or RV. The yurts are non-smoking units.

  The structures, 16-feet in diameter, are permanent tents made of vinyl canvas stretched over a wooden lattice.  Each is built on an elevated platform with a deck that overlooks the lake and equipped with heat, electric lights, a futon couch, a bunk bed, a table and chairs.  Picnic tables and fire rings are located outside. Campers must supply their own bedding (beds are twin, full, and queen sizes) and cooking supplies. 

  Recreation: Working Forest Interpretive Trail and Coho Day Use/Picnic Area are within the campground.

  Questions about Coho Campground? Please email cohocampground@gmail.com 

  Alert! There are no commercial services available at Wynoochee Lake or Coho Campground. Motorists should have sufficient fuel for the return trip.

• Working Forest Interpretive Trail

  The Working Forest Nature Trail is a ½ mile trail located on the north side of the Coho Campground off the Wynoochee Lake Shore Trail.

  Visitors here can enjoy exhibits at the vista overlook and a view of the river gorge located just below the dam. Tacoma Power has a Fish Collection Facility a few miles below the dam on the river.