Hike of the Week: Kestner Homestead
 |
| Contemplate pioneer life in the rainforest on the Kestner Homestead Trail |
Kestner Homestead
A place to ponder the pioneers of the Peninsula
by Craig Romano
photo by Craig Romano
produced by Michael Fagin
Februray 15, 2008
Quick Facts
Location: Quinault Valley
Land Agency: Olympic National Park
Roundtrip: 1.3 miles
Elevation gain: minimal
Green Trail Map: Kloochman Rock, WA- No. 165
Contact: Olympic National Park Wilderness Information Center (360) 565-3100
Notes: Dogs prohibited
Access: From Hoquiam follow US 101 north for 37 miles to Amanda Park. Turn right on the North Shore Road and proceed for about five miles to the Olympic National Park Quinault Rain Forest Ranger Station.
Rugged, isolated and receiving over 12 feet of rain a year, can you imagine eking a home and a living in the Quinault Rainforest? Of course native peoples have been living within this dramatic valley for centuries. But for Americans of European descent it wasn’t until the late 1800s that a few hardy souls and families migrated to this region of big timber, abundant game and copious rainfall.
Take a walk on the Kestner Homestead Trail for a 1.3 mile introduction to life in the Quinault Valley. Stroll through the grounds that Anton Kestner claimed in 1889 under the Homestead Act and proceeded to clear for pasture and his domicile. The Kestner and Higley families lived here for decades and the attractive stream that bisects their former homestead and the peak that shadows it bears their names.
From the trailhead located near the ranger station, head up the wide and easy to walk trail paralleling gurgling Kestner Creek. After walking under a tunnel of maple, spruce and hemlock cross the creek and emerge at the century plus old homestead. Wile through the grounds inspecting the main home, barn, out-buildings and various farming relics. Look for elk, frequent visitors during the winter months.
After admiring the homestead return to the darkness of the saturated forest. In early spring flowering skunk cabbage, nature’s swamp lanterns add light and life to the dank rainforest. The trail meanders through maple glades and swampy swales and alongside boughs of sword ferns nearly head high. At about a mile it intersects with the Maple Glade Nature Loop Trail. Continue straight to return to the trailhead, or turn left on the wheelchair accessible Maple Glade Trail to add another .25 mile to your wanderings into the past.
For information on lodging and other attractions near Kestner Homestead visit
Click here for link to Olympic Pennsula
