The rain forest is home to more than trees and plants. Deer and elk graze on the tender shoots of lush plants. Smaller mammals such as river otter, Douglas squirrel, jumping mouse and shrews thrive in this unique rain forest environment. The dense vegetation also provides hiding cover, nesting material and food for many birds such as the Bald Eagle and Osprey. The Quinault Valley is one of three major drainages on the west side of the Olympic Peninsula that offers excellent opportunities to see the unique rain forest environment.
Interpretive signs provide information on many rain forest features.
A narrow gorge cut by a cascading stream, dense vegetation, towering trees, a bog-and a nurse log are some of the interesting features seen from this trail. The nature trail can be accessed from the trailhead parking lot, located 1.4 miles from Highway 101 on the South Shore Road or 0.5 miles south of the Forest Service Ranger Station. An extended walk, deeper into the rain forest and along the shore of Lake Quinault, can be experienced by hiking the 4 mile Quinault Loop Trail. Allow 2 to 3 hours to hike this National Recreation Trail. Lake Quinault, crystal clear streams, cascading waterfalls, a cedar swamp, trees standing on stilts, and rain forest vegetation are visible along the route.