Quillayute River

Level of Difficulty

Distance: Private waterfront access, Elevation gain: 0 feet, 

The vacation rental has 1,000+ feet of Quillayute River frontage and it is connected downstream to Olympic National Park. This long and wide gravel bar is rocky and flat.

Finding the Trailhead

Driving distance from the home: 0 miles, 5 minutes

Lands: Private Land

Turn right after exiting the front door and walk cross the lawn and down to the main road on the property. Follow the road south to the trail leading to the river.

The Quillayute River is the confluence of the Sol Duc, Bogachiel, Calawah and Dickey Rivers forming the heart of the Quillayute River System, which has the best native steelhead run in the lower 48. It's a untamed ribbon of emerald green water that tumbles from glacier-capped mountains to the churning Pacific Ocean just 2 miles downstream from the home.

In the winter the river is wide and in the summer it offers swimming, kayaking, canoeing and fishing.  

A Fisherman's Paradise

The Quillayute River has long been a haven for anglers. Its pristine waters are home to a diverse population of fish, making it a dream come true for both experienced and novice fishermen. The river also boasts healthy populations of  salmon, steelhead and sea-run cutthroat trout, offering a variety of opportunities to test your skills.

The Quillayute River holds immense cultural significance for the Quileute Tribe, who have stewarded these waters for generations. Fishing is not just a sport here; it's an integral part of their way of life. At times you will see tribal gillnetters working the river plying their skills to harvest the returning salmon and steelhead. Avoid fishing during times when gillnetters are working the water and check the gillnetting schedule for closures.

The Quillayute River offers more than just fishing. Kayak down the calmer stretches, enjoying the unique perspective of the river from the water, you can launch from the property. If you look carefully, you will see bald eagles perched high in the trees on the far bank at the riffle on the property. They wait as the river flows by like a sushi conveyor belt carefully choosing it's meal.

Restrictions and Tips

Check Washington State regulations before fishing.  Your access to the Quillayute River gravel bar is private and downstream from the property line is Olympic National Park, which is governed by their own regulations.  A fishing license is not required to fish in Olympic National Park but if you pursue salmon or steelhead, you need an Olympic National Park Salmon Steelhead Tag, which can be obtained for free at Thriftway in Forks or purchased online. Remember, practicing responsible fishing techniques and respecting the delicate ecosystem are crucial for ensuring the river's health for future generations.