Quilcene is a census-designated place in Jefferson County, Washington, United States. The population was 591 at the 2000 census.The community is located on the scenic Olympic Peninsula along the seawater-filled glacial valley of the Hood Canal. Each year many visitors enjoy the panoramic views of Mount Rainier, Puget Sound and Seattle from the summit of nearby Mount Walker, the only peak facing the Puget Sound that has a road to its summit. The Olympic National Forest lands in Quilcene hold a wealth of Douglas fir, spring-blooming Pacific rhododendrons, Oregon grape, and salal. Leland Lake is located near Quilcene.Quilcene oysters, named after the community, have an international reputation among restaurateurs. Quilcene has one of the largest oyster hatcheries in the world. The canal's mild currents make it an ideal habitat for the oysters.