It's almost summertime in the year 2001 and I see that 'The Queets' doesn't have an overview submitted. That's an absolute shame. The first time I visited this glacial blue river was a million years ago when, as teenagers, my brother and I decided to drive 'The Loop' around the Peninsula. We followed this dusty road off of Hwy 101 until we hit water. It was a little tributary with several trouty looking pools that meandered down into this big, beautiful blue river. We never thought much of the river, but did enjoy the pools... flipping our #1 Mepps. We didn't stay. We weren't smart enough to figure it out..
   The road in to the Campgound on the upper Queets doesn't look very far on a State Map. I think it shows about 16 miles. The reality is that it can take between a half hour to 45 minutes to get there. It's not all the road's fault, although the River does enjoy eating it. After you dive into the woods at the 101 entrance..... it's rather bland for the next 5 miles or so. BUT, once you hit, 'the water'...... you will slow down. A sunny day is nice...... but means dust on the road. A mist is perfect. This is the Rain Forest. It's green and mystical. There may be herds of elk anywhere along the way. Don't hurry. This is a place to absorb what the Rain Forest has to offer.
   I'm a steelheader. Or, at least, I was. A friend's description of the Ranger Hole was enough to get me to haul my camper, and my young family way back in to the Campground 18 years ago. As we arrived..... and my 18-month old son stretched his legs, I watched in amazement as a father and his daughter walked up from the long rocky bar below the campground with a bright, flopping steelhead, swinging from his hand. It was love at first site.
   The reality is: Go there. It's not a place to be in a hurry. The sounds of the river, I promise, will give you the best night's sleep you've had in years. This is a 'fee' camground now. For many years it wasn't. Also, bring your own water (G&T works). I think you even have to carry out your own trash. Don't let this scare you...... it's still worth the trip. The campsites are clean and nice. There are outhouses.
   Spruce trees, bigger than you've ever seen in your life... are found in the campground area. There is a 5-mile loop hike which will really give you a feel of the Rainforest. Bring your camera. If you're a whimp... walk the road back 1 mile to the Ranger Station... and behind it to the right, the trail connects with the river back to the campground... keep your eye out for the bright red, and blue huckleberries. Toss them in to your pancake mix in the morning. My wife swore she heard a bear on this trip... only to realize it was our son snoring in her backpack.
   Fishing regs have changed. The nicest steelhead I ever caught here, about 14#, was on a nightcrawler. Sounds weird eh? An 'old timer' taught me. There's a monster hole about a half mile upstream. If you're hardcore... you can wade the river above the end of the road, where Sam's Creek comes in (thigh high, but I'm 6'3"). It's a short walk above the campground. Folks who hike into the woods leave from here as there are hike in campsites. Crossing the Queets can be dangerous... but for fishermen, it can be rewarding. Depending on the personality of the river that year... there will be deep, beautiful pools just begging for your spinner. Or, a mile or so upstream, one of the world's largest Douglas Firs can be found. Its worth the visit.
   If you plan on fishing, I've seen plenty of fly fishers working the water from above at Sam's Creek down to the campground on the far side. Also, this is wonderful spoon water. I like hiking across the river... and heading up. Plan on smelling elk... and having the opportunity to catch a big fish in one of the many log jam pools. You're exhausted when your return, but that's where the GT's come in. Visit the Ranger Hole... it's about a half mile directly behind the Station. Almost a mile long gravel bar awaits you.
   Regs say, artificials only now. I really do like tossing Mepps and Vibrax. You can only keep hatchery fish, so I bring big steaks for the BBQ... and don't mind letting the occasional fish go at all. Oh, I forgot to tell you. There are 30# Kings... in many of the pools. Just say, "Lord Have Mercy", should you hook one.
   Well, there, you have it. If you go... and you just can't figure things out, look for the campsite that has an ugly blue tarp over their picnic table. THAT'S someone who knows what they're doing. They aren't going anywhere. They'll have an old chair on the river bank soaking up the sounds, sites and smells. For those who know and love the Queets, we always go back.

Current Conditions - Graph graph format of flow rates of the Queets near Clearwater from the USGS
 

Scott Fierst
Drifting Fly Guide Service
Toll Free at: (888) 204-5327 or (206) 609-5327
e-mail: beemanqh@aol.com