We rented a cabin at Lochaerie Resort for 3 days, and our only regret is that we couldn't stay longer. The cabin itself was very spacious and comfortable. The kitchen was more than adequate, while the porch, with it's Adirondack chairs, and the fireplace provided a rustic ambiance. The views over the lake enchanted and calmed, as did the flower and hummingbird filled grounds. The cabin felt like a private retreat from the world. The owners were on hand to provide information and assistance if needed. Wonderful hikes in the Chinault Rain Forest are close by, and the resort provides several watercraft for use on the lake.

Lochaerie was the first stop of our week long trip to Olympic National Park. We wanted to start our vacation with a chance to relax by the lake while still being able to get out to see the rain forest. We spent three nights in Storm King, which we chose because it overlooks the lake and has a loft room that my daughter thought looked like a fun place to sleep. What a great introduction to the Olympic Peninsula!

During the days there were plenty of nearby excursions: the trails into the rain forest along South Shore Road, July Creek picnic area, hiking to Pony Bridge from Graves Creek Trailhead, or just kayaking in Lake Quinault. When we needed downtime we played games in the cabin or wandered down to the shore to enjoy the views. On two occasions we looked out the window to see river otters playing near the shore. Everyone in my family loved this spot; our three days really were a perfect mix of relaxation and adventure.