The Lake Quinault Lodge offers guests
the chance to "get away from the stress of life" and
enjoy the nearby rainforest. Photo by Andrea Abney.
'A place for the heart
and soul'
Check out the website at http://www.visitlakequinault.com/
By Andrea Abney
Vidette Reporter
This article first appeared in 2002
One of the first things travelers to the Lake Quinault Lodge
notice is what isn't there - namely an abundance of telephones,
radios and televisions.
"We encourage people to talk to each other, do the things
they don't normally have time to do at home," Activity Director
Carl Cozad said. "We don't have the distractions. You can't
get through on a cell phone here."
Instead of modern conveniences, then, visitors to the historic
lodge enjoy the many activities offered, including biking, boating,
hiking on one of 15 maintained trails and outdoor activities.
Built in 1926, the lodge sits on the shores of Lake Quinault
- or "lake in the middle of the river - and offers rowboats,
kayaks, canoes, fishing guides, hiking tours and programs that
focus on the ecology, wildlife and geology of the region.
Cozad said there's often a game of badminton or croquet on the
expansive lawn, and guests always enjoy water activities.
"The lake's loaded with fish," he said, adding that
those who wish to fish need to obtain a tribal permit.
For those who wish to stay indoors, the lodge offers an indoor
heated swimming pool and dry saunas, as well as a massage therapist
on weekends.
The lodge lobby is filled with period wicker and overstuffed
furniture, and decorated with Native American designs.
Cozad said the appeal of the lodge has lent itself to many famous
guests, most notably former President Franklin D. Roosevelt,
who visited the lodge in 1937 during his tour of the Olympic
Mountains. Roosevelt graced the lodge for lunch on October 1
of that year, and visitors can see photos of his arrival and
the lunch menu served that day.
But, Cozad said, Roosevelt was hardly the only "celebrity"
to enjoy the lodge.
"We get senators and other politicians through here,"
he said, adding that the location was also one of the spots where
the film "Lassie Comes Home" was filmed.
With visitors coming from around the world, and the lodge hosting
conventions and group functions, Cozad encouraged anyone coming
to the lodge to make sure to get reservations early.
Since the lodge is in the middle of the Quinault Rain Forest,
the area sees about 140 inches of rain per year.
"We take it in stride, but bring an umbrella," Cozad
said.
But the stormy weather can bring some positives.
"We experience about 40 power outages per year, which is
rather romantic," he said.
The lodge offers 92 rooms, 90 percent nonsmoking, some that feature
lake views and fireplaces while others are more family-oriented.
Call 1-800-562-6672 for more information or reservations.
And, while the beauty of Lake Quinault is enough to bring someone
to the lodge, Cozad said the ambiance is what keeps people coming
back.
"If somebody needs time to communicate and get away from
the stress of life, you can't beat this place," he said.
"It's a place for the heart and soul."
|
