Quinault, WA – Forest visitors planning to camp on the Olympic National Forest this summer should be aware of temporary changes to the popular Willaby and Falls Creek Campgrounds along Lake Quinault. Annual safety inspections identified several trees that present hazards to visitors in both campgrounds.

Forest officials are reviewing options to remove or reduce the hazards presented by these trees. There is currently no time frame for when hazard mitigations will be completed. Thus, to ensure the safety of the public, reservations are no longer being accepted at these sites and opening dates for Willaby and Falls Creek Campground have not been announced.

Those with existing reservations have been notified. When the campgrounds can open safely, existing reservations will be honored; any other available campsites will be “first come-first serve”.

“Camping along Lake Quinault is a special experience, and we’re entrusted to keep these places safe,” said, recreation manager, Kathryn McGillvray, “We’re working to address the areas of concern while respecting the resources in the area and ensuring pre-existing infrastructure isn’t damaged. We hope to have visitors camping along the lakeshore very soon.”

Anticipated opening dates for other campgrounds across the forest are listed below. All campgrounds are “first come-first serve”.

Littleton Horse Camp, Open Year Round

Satsop Center, May 1, 2023

Dungeness Forks, April 21, 2023

Collins, April 28, 2023

Campbell Tree, May 5, 2023

Gatton Creek, May 5, 2023

Browns Creek, May 12, 2023

Seal Rock, May 12, 2023

Big Creek, May 16, 2023

Klahowya, May 19, 2023

Coho, May 20, 2023

Lena Creek, May 22, 2023

Hamma Hamma, May 22, 2023

Lebar Horse Camp, May 22, 2023

Dependent on weather, staffing, and other conditions opening dates may change. For updates visit the forest’s Recreation Conditions Report, follow us on social media, or call a forest office.