This is the largest drainage on the west slope of the Olympics, and it is the first to go out of shape because of it and the last river to return to shape because of the abundance of volcanic clay on its banks. The Queets River, at just under 53 miles long, is almost entirely within Olympic National Park, with the last 4 miles in the Quinault Reservation, so guiding and people/boat pressure is very limited. Lined by ancient old-growth forests, it tends not to change significantly from flooding; that being said when it does decide to change course, it can be dramatic, forming some of the largest log jambs you'll likely ever see. Flows can fluctuate massively within 24 hours...5,000 cfs to 80,000+ cfs, for instance, is not uncommon.

Some very large salmon during fall months, chinook to 50 lbs. and coho up to 20 lbs. are not uncommon, and 40"+ steelhead call these waters home during winter and spring.