The name Quinag is an anglicisation of the Gaelic name Cuinneag, a milk pail, reflecting its distinctive shape.

It provides a backdrop to Loch Assynt, and seen from the road coming from the village of Lochinver, Quinag stretches as far as the eye can see.

Spidean Coinich projects a broad south-east ridge which provides the usual ascent route for walkers.

Remnants of ancient woodland comprising birch, rowan, hazel, wych elm, aspen and oak are scattered throughout the northern side of the mountain particularly in the deep gulleys and sheltered situations near the seashore.

Quinag is mentioned in Iain Banks's 2007 novel The Steep Approach to Garbadale as lying just west of the estate of that name.