Daydreamer

We'll probably overnight at Lake Crescent (or 2) if we do Olympic Nat'l Park on upcoming trip. Trying to figure out the logistics of whether trip doable in a way that would permit more time for hiking around the coast & Hoh rainforest area.

Any recommendations?
Anyone ever stay at the following on the west side of ONP Manitou Lodge (on way to Rialto Beach)
Eagle Point Lodge (Beaver, WA...10 miles north of Forks)
Miller Tree Inn (Forks)
Kalaloch Lodge? (south of there?)

I've read mixed reviews of it in books/online. Other options are nowhere to be found, almost in reviews.
Thanks for any ideas for staying closer to Makah area & Hoh. I'm assuming overnighting near Forks closer to hikes in that region than overnighting at Lake Crescent?

Might do Lake Quinault too if doing a loop.
Undecided still on whether this trip would even work for us. Thanks!

NWWanderer

I'm almost positive that Eagle Point has been sold and is no longer a B&B (which is a shame, as there aren't a lot of good options that far out on the peninsula as you are discovering--I've been saying for years that if I had an extra million or two that's where I'd build a nice inn because there's such a gap in the available accommodations out there).

I think Lk Crescent works fine as a base, or look into Brightwater House outside of Forks (I have stayed in their separate cottage and liked it-- simple, clean and comfortable rather). Kalaloch has the great oceanfront location but the accommodations are pretty basic. If you don't mind that for a night, it could work for you.

Clousie

Daydreamer

We stayed at Manitou Lodge for 4 nights two years ago, and thought it was in a great location. We were just a few miles from the beach so we were able to go out for sunset after exploring other areas during the day.

The lodge was very clean and had a large common room with fireplace (great, since it rained almost every day we were there, which we were told isn't the norm for July) A basket breakfast was put in our room refrig each day for the following morning. There was fruit, yogurt, muffins and something to be heated in the room microwave. We enjoyed being able to eat whenever we desired, but we understand some folks wanted/expected a hot served breakfast that many B&B's provide.

We only saw Kalaloch Lodge from the outside during a lunch stop there, but we felt that we had made a better decision with Manitou.

We did a day trip from Forks to Lake Crescent for lunch (an especially rainy day) and hiked Marymere and Sol Duc Falls that day. So that's another possibility. Hiked at hurricane Ridge the day we lft Forks enroute to Squim.

Food isn't great in Forks, but I can "dine out" at home when I'm not surrounded in the beauty of the Olympic Pennisula.

Daydreamer

Thank you so much, you guys!
Appreciate it, again.

I did attempt to call the Eagle Pt. place tonight, before I saw this posting...and indeed, it's gone out of business.

I'll look more into the other ones mentioned here. Oh...and NWWanderer,
you & I think alike! For years, we too have seen a very untapped market
near Forks & the region as far as lodging goes. I can't believe no one yet has decided to capitalize just a bit on that.

But I suppose the problem is the weather come winter. But...then, I think of those places people seek out in Tofino, B.C with pleasure during the stormy season. So, I STILL think
if someone would build/renovate a nice inn, the people would come!
(no matter the season)

Thanks to both of you.
Re: Manitou...
Clousie, I understand the breakfasts are more basic there. Did you find the rooms okay? Quite basic too?

I'll have to check into both it & the Brighwater, too.

Clousie

Daydreamer

I just revisited Manitou's website, and I think the text and photos accurately portray the lodge. The rooms are "rustic" in the sense that the furnishings are what I'd consider appropriate for the area--some rough hewn furniture, drifwood, shells, beautiful quilts, etc. I wouldn't expect shiny black and white. We stayed in Pocohantus, which is the smallest room, and although it was a bit cramped, we felt it was comfortable, clean and homey. We peeked into the other rooms, and they were also quite nice, but larger. Didn't see in the cabin, but I think that may be more basic.

Let us know what you decide.

china_cat

we stayed in an ocean front room at Kalaloch and loved it. yes the rooms are definitely basic. but the beds are comfortable, and the rooms are clean. And the view is fantastic. sunsets from our front door were fabulous. the food at the restaurant was pretty mediocre, so we bought supplies at the local grocery store and ate at our picnic table. It was windy, but so beautiful.

yestravel

We also stayed at Manitou Lodge for 3 nights in August a couple years ago and thought it was just fine. Not particularly basic at all. We stayed in Sacagawega Room and it was very comfortable -- nice size with a king bed. We too liked having the breakfast in our room and the flexibilty to eat it when we wanted in the privacy of our room. Thought the location was good for exploring the West side of ONP.

Daydreamer

Yestravel...
location-wise...did Manitou feel
too desserted...or off the beaten path? Is Rialto beach (near there)
superior to beaches like Ruby or Shi Shi? Any thoughts?

Other options are closer to Forks itself...just wondering how off the 101 Manitou is...if you felt like it added needless time to driving to Hoh & other sights. Thanks!

yestravel

Manitou Lodge was about 5 maybe 10 minutes off the main road. Its location was fine for us and didn't seem to be off the beaten path. In general the whole area is spread out in terms of seeing sites. We travel very leisurely so having to drive a bit to get places isn't a major concern. There also was no traffic so driving was quite easy and nice. It was close to Rialto Beach which we went to a couple times. It was a beautiful beach as was Ruby. Rialto is accessible from your car without having to do a lot of hiking to get there. So you could easily drive down from Manitou Lodge and sit or walk along the beach for short periods of time if you wanted. You can walk for miles along the beach. Ruby was spectacular and not as close to Manitou so we were only there one time. Didnt go to Shi Shi so can't comment on that beach. Spent one afternoon at the rainforest and I dont recall it being more than a half hour from Manitou, but I could be wrong on that. We chose Manitou Lodge because it seemed to be the nicest accomodation in the area and I can't say that we saw any other places that we wished we had chosen. Suggest you contact Manitou Lodge as I'm sure they will give you distances and drive times. Enjoy your trip

Daydreamer

Thanks so much!
For safety sake, I booked 3 nights at Lake C for now, but will try Manitou to see if they will allow a short stay on Mem Day weekend .

We need 2 nights at Lake C, as we arrive very late the first night.
That would only leave us one for Forks area. I tried another place before seeing your note, and they said "no go"on the one night thing. So, I'll keep fingers crossed, but am guessing we'll end up having to stay put this time around. Novel for us,
but perhaps what we most need & should do anyway? Will see...

yestravel

We're like u in that we move around alot. We were supposed to spend a night at Lake Crescent, but ended up cancelling and staying the extra night at Manitou. We liked the smallness of the place and the location. We did Hurricane Ridge the day we left since it was far from Manitou. Good luck. I'm sure you'll have a great trip wherever u stay.

happytrailstoyou

Forks is a town much like hundreds of other towns of 3,000, except that it gets a lot more rain.

It has a few basic mom-and-pop motels and an ambience that gives no hint that it is located in one of the most beautiful regions of the US.

I prefer staying in a leaky tent.

justme22

stayed at the dew drop inn as a base of operations for the rainforest. very basic but clean accomodations. no ambiance.

clarasong

Lake Quinalt Lodge is awesome! It's an old, rambling lodge in the forest, near the lake, and has some modern units, a very nice breakfast, and it fills up in the summer. Also, Kalaloh is right on the ocean, has cabins with all the ammenities. Have stayed at both, and prefer Lake Quinalt. Lots of hikes right near the lodge. Your going to love it.