Irely Lake Trail
What to Expect
Safety Advisory
Slippery roots and muddy sections are the norm, not the exception — trekking poles help with balance, especially after rain when the trail becomes a slip-and-slide.
Black bears are active in the Quinault valley; make noise on the trail and store any snacks properly, even on a short hike like this.
Trail Details
Pro Tips
Wear waterproof boots regardless of the forecast — the trail stays perpetually muddy thanks to the Quinault valley's 12-plus feet of annual rainfall, and sneakers will be soaked within minutes.
Hit this trail midweek or early morning to have the lake entirely to yourself; it's short enough that weekend day-hikers tend to cluster around midday.
Bring a macro lens or get your phone camera close to the nurse logs — the variety of mosses, lichens, and tiny ferns growing on decaying wood here rivals anything you'd see in a botanical garden.
