Longing for deep blue water ringed by lush, forested mountains?
Welcome to Lake Crescent on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula!
Check out the travel tips below to plan your visit, then follow me on a scenic trip around Lake Crescent, stopping at the most beautiful spots to swim, paddle, and more.
ABOUT LAKE CRESCENT
Glacially carved Lake Crescent is famed for its incredibly clear water, with visibility extending down as far as 60 feet. Originally, a much larger lake spread across the northern end of the Olympic Peninsula, but ancient landslides split it into two. As a result, today we have Lake Crescent to the west, and the smaller Lake Sutherland to the east. According to local tribal legend, the landslides were caused by Mount Storm King, who was angered over the incessant fighting between the Quileute and Klallam tribes, and sought to separate them.
Legend also has it that the lake is bottomless, but in actuality, it’s around 650 feet deep at its deepest point. Even if its depths are no longer a mystery, Lake Crescent remains unfathomably beautiful. In 1938, it was included as part of the newly created Olympic National Park. Prior to then, a number of small resorts were built along the lakeshore, as well as private homes.
Today, historic Lake Crescent Lodge on the south shore and Log Cabin Resort on the northeast are the only remaining resorts. A number of vacation homes dot the north shore, but national park status effectively quashed further development. This is great news for the thousands of visitors who flock to Lake Crescent each year to marvel at its serene beauty.
Lake Crescent is an ideal location for paddling, swimming (if you don’t mind a little cold water), and camping. It’s also a wonderful home base for exploring the northern Olympic Peninsula.
GOOD TO KNOW
Since Lake Crescent is located within Olympic National Park, be sure to hang your America the Beautiful pass (or other national parks pass) in your car window, or show a receipt for the $30 entrance fee (valid for up to seven days) that can be purchased at a park entrance. You can also purchase an annual pass at a park entrance station or parking lot pay station. There are no entrance stations at Lake Crescent, but you will pass them en route to Hurricane Ridge or Sol Duc.
Full disclosure: I am not sure if payment is technically required when parking at Lake Crescent. In many places, I didn’t see signage about parking fees, but one park ranger told me that a pass is required everywhere within Olympic National Park. Since many of the funds that support our national parks come from the sale of these passes, I encourage all who can afford one to purchase a pass.
WHEN TO GO
You can visit Lake Crescent at any time of year. Due to the Olympic Peninsula’s mild maritime climate, it doesn’t see much snow in winter, but is often cold and wet (gee, maybe because it’s a lake? haha). While the area around Lake Crescent is certainly drier than the nearby Hoh Rain Forest, it’s smart to expect rain. With that said, beautiful, pleasantly warm weather isn’t uncommon in summer. Droughts in recent years have brought even more sun, but also higher fire danger. Summer is the busy season here, especially on sunny weekends. This, of course, is the best time to visit for swimming and boating, but spring and fall are ideal for those seeking peace and quiet.
HOW TO GET THERE
Lake Crescent is part of Olympic National Park. The southern shore of the lake hugs Highway 101 as it heads east to west across the northern Olympic Peninsula. Lake Crescent Lodge, located about midway along the lake, is 20 miles east of Port Angeles, the largest town on the Peninsula. From north Seattle (and points further north), most visitors take the ferry from Edmonds, Washington to Kingston on the Kitsap Peninsula, then head east toward Port Angeles.
If you’re coming from the downtown Seattle area or south Seattle, the ferry to Bainbridge Island is a better option. In the Tacoma area, Highway 16 takes drivers across the Narrows Bridge to the Kitsap Peninsula, avoiding any ferry crossings. From Olympia, follow Highway 101 north toward Port Angeles.
JUNIOR RANGER PROGRAM
Traveling with kids? The National Park Junior Ranger program is a must! It’s always a hit with my older son, J. My younger one, T, is starting to age into some of the programs and is absolutely thrilled. It’s also great for parents, as it helps the kids engage more with the park experience.
When you first arrive at the park, pick up a Junior Ranger booklet from one of the visitor centers. At Lake Crescent, you’ll find them at the Storm King Ranger Station, or you can get one at the main Olympic National Park Visitor Center in Port Angeles.
Activities vary by age, and many parks require that a specific number of activities in the booklet be completed to earn a badge. In most cases, it’s not difficult to complete the requirements in one day. Some activities can be done simply by filling in the pages in the booklet, while others may require you to take a hike, record your observations, or attend a ranger program. Many parks now offer the option to earn Junior Ranger badges online as well.
Once your child completes their required activities, return to the visitor center or other designated location so they can be sworn in as a Junior Ranger. At Lake Crescent, the rangers on duty at Storm King can swear your child in. They may also offer to lead a swearing in ceremony after one of the ranger talks held near Lake Crescent Lodge. Your kids will receive their badge, which they can wear as a point of pride for the rest of the trip!
If you’re traveling elsewhere in Olympic National Park, there are a few other special badges kids can earn, including the Ocean Stewards patch and the World Heritage badge.
WHERE TO STAY
If you want to stay on the shores of Lake Crescent, there are three main places from which to choose: Fairholme Campground, Lake Crescent Lodge, and Log Cabin Resort. They span the gamut from tent camping to luxurious lodge rooms. Here’s what you need to know:
- Fairholme Campground is an exceptionally popular campground on the western end of Lake Cresccent. The wooded location is gorgeous and the sites are well maintained. We spent five nights there in 2021, and you can read my full review online. The downside is that it’s close enough to Highway 101 to hear the trucks.
- Log Cabin Resort is at the opposite end of Lake Crescent, far removed from the traffic of Highway 101. This is a fantastic location with a boat launch, boat rentals, and restaurant. A variety of cabins are available for rent. There’s also a small campground for RVs or tents, but personally I find these sites unappealing. They don’t offer a lot of privacy or space, and most feel like an RV parking pad. While I definitely recommend Log Cabin Resort for a cabin stay, I’d rather stay at Fairholme when camping.
- Lake Crescent Lodge, located midway along the southern shore of Lake Crescent, is the posh place to stay. Actually, they offer a wide range of accommodations, from rooms in the historic 1915 lodge to beautiful cabins. A few more modern buildings on the premises also offer rooms. The price and amenities vary greatly depending on which room or cabin you book, and the time of year. The location is superb, and it somehow manages to maintain the relaxed charm of a bygone era. The lodge also offers a restaurant that features local cuisine, and a small gift shop.
FOOD & DRINK
There aren’t many restaurants or other eateries along Lake Crescent, but there are a few worth mentioning. Both Lake Crescent Lodge and Log Cabin Resort have restaurants. A few miles east of Lake Crescent off Highway 101, Granny’s Cafe is the place to go for a not-so-fast food meal or soft serve ice cream.
Of course, if you’re camping I recommend packing most of your food with you. If you need to restock, Port Angeles is close at hand, with numerous grocery stores and restaurants. Day trippers can pack a picnic to enjoy at one of Lake Crescent’s many fine picnic spots. But if you’re looking for food near the lake, here’s you short list of options:
- Lake Crescent Lodge is the high end choice. We haven’t tried the food here yet, but the menu is appealing and features many locally sourced ingredients. If you want a nice meal in a beautiful historic lodge and are willing to pay a little extra for it, this could be a great experience. I expect the quality is similar to Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort, which is also operated by Aramark, the company that manages the lodges and restaurants for Olympic National Park. We enjoyed a delicious dinner at Sol Duc, and felt it was worth a one-time splurge.
- Sunnyside Cafe at Log Cabin Resort also offers meals with a view, but in a more casual setting. Prices aren’t cheap here, either, but it’s a step down from Lake Crescent Lodge.
- Granny’s Cafe is a hugely popular stop along Highway 101. Expect a wait in summer, especially on weekends or late afternoons, when many come just for the giant cones of soft serve ice cream. Fortunately, Granny’s has extensive grounds with picnic tables and restrooms, and even a collection of farm animals to entertain the kids. Chickens, rabbits, goats, donkeys, emus (yes, emus), and cats — they’re all here! Just be sure the kids wash their hands before they eat. As for the food, servings are hearty and good. You’ll find a variety of burgers, sandwiches, salads, and more on the menu. I enjoyed the veggie burger, which had great flavor, although it was a little on the soft side.
SWIM & PADDLE
Now this is what it’s all about! It’s why I love visiting Lake Crescent in summer despite the crowds. Luckily, even in peak season there are places off the beaten track to explore. And with a lake the size of Lake Crescent, it’s easy to leave the rest of the world behind as you paddle your kayak.
To check out some of the many places you can swim or paddle, please see the “Exploring Lake Crescent” section below. But before you do, here are some general tips for your visit:
Lake Crescent is cold. The water temperature is in the mid-40s. Yikes! Fortunately, in swimming areas where the water is shallow, it’s not as cold, and a sunny day helps warm the surface temperature. On a hot day, swimming here is fantastic, as the clear water is blessedly free from weeds and muck. On a cool or cloudy day, you may want to exercise caution, unless you enjoy polar bear plunges.
Motorized boats are allowed on Lake Crescent, but may not exceed speeds of five miles per hour or create a wake within 300 feet of the shoreline. This really helps keep the number of motor boats on the lake low, which is ideal for paddlers and swimmers. There are boat launches at Fairholme, Barnes Point, and (for a fee) Log Cabin Resort. These are all great places to launch kayaks, canoes, or paddle boards, too.
Many of the picnic areas along the lake are also a good places to launch if you don’t mind carrying your kayak or board a bit further. Kayaks and paddle boards can be rented seasonally at Lake Crescent Lodge and Log Cabin Resort. Kayak, canoe, and paddle board rentals are also available at Fairholme.
Free children’s life jackets are available to borrow at Fairholme and Barnes Point. This is such a great service! I recommend young children, or anyone who isn’t a strong swimmer, wear one while swimming. While there is shallow water near many of the beaches, Lake Crescent can get deep quickly and unexpectedly. If you’re renting a boat, life jackets should be included with the rental.
HIKE & BIKE
There are numerous hiking opportunities around Lake Crescent. This guide focuses primarily on the water, although I cover both the Spruce Railroad Trail and the Marymere Falls Trail. These short hikes are easy to include as part of your lake explorations, but Lake Crescent has some more challenging trails as well.
- The Spruce Railroad Trail is paved, accessible, and open to pedestrians and bicyclists. You can go as far as you like, up to almost 5.5 miles one-way, or even further if you continue on the Olympic Discovery Trail (please note that the trail isn’t paved past the end of the Spruce Railroad segment). For a one-mile taste of the trail, hike to swimming hole at Devil’s Punchbowl. Unlike most national park trails, dogs on leash are allowed.
- Marymere Falls is an easy two-mile hike, with the trailhead located just off Highway 101. The first part of the hike is accessible.
- Mount Storm King is a strenuous 4 mile out-and-back hike that share the same trailhead as Marymere Falls. It leads to expansive views over Lake Crescent.
- Pyramid Peak is a strenuous 6.8 mile out-and-back hike that can be treacherous in spots. It’s more remote than the Mount Storm King Trail, and while it also provides gorgeous views of Lake Crescent, you may find that vegetation partially obscures the view from the top.
NEARBY & NOTABLE
OK, there is simply no way I can talk about all the many other wonderful things to do near Lake Crescent and keep it brief! So I decided on a short list including a few of my favorites that are also covered here at My Backyard & Beyond. Follow the links for more information.
- Hurricane Ridge is the high point for many who visit the Olympic Peninsula (ha! see what I did there?). It’s an ideal day trip from Lake Crescent or Port Angeles, and yes, it’s possible to visit both Hurricane Ridge and Lake Crescent in the same day. We had a fabulous time hiking the Sunrise Ridge Trail and taking in the incredible views.
- Sol Duc Falls is a short drive into the hills southwest of Lake Crescent. A short hike leads to this enchanting waterfall, or you can take the longer Lover’s Lane Loop, like we did.
- Sol Duc Hot Springs is the place to unwind after your hike to Sol Duc Falls. These manmade pools are filled with natural hot spring water. Surrounded by forested hills, relaxing in the steamy water is like heaven for weary hikers.
- Lake Ozette is further away than the other places listed above, but as the largest lake on the Olympic Peninsula, I feel it deserves a mention here. Ozette feels wilder and more remote than Lake Crescent, and this is a fantastic place to paddle, camp, and hike. If you’re spending several nights at Lake Crescent, Lake Ozette is a good day trip.
Our Experience
Time for a tour! Join me as we explore the best of Lake Crescent.
DEVIL’S PUNCHBOWL & SPRUCE RAILROAD TRAIL
If you drive to the end of East Beach Road, you’ll find yourself at the Spruce Railroad Trail parking lot. On a sunny day, don’t be surprised to find a large number of cars parked here. The Spruce Railroad Trail is a gorgeous, 5.5-mile long paved path that skirts the north shore of Lake Crescent. This accessible trail is beloved by bicyclists and pedestrians alike. It’s part of the longer Olympic Discovery Trail, connecting Port Townsend on the east side of the Olympic Peninsula with La Push on the Pacfic Coast. Visit the Olympic Discovery Trail website for more information about this incredible trail system.
The Spruce Railroad Trail also leads to one of the most popular swimming spots on all of Lake Crescent — Devils Punchbowl! Our family had such a delightful time swimming here that I wrote an entire post about the experience. Located about a mile down the trail from the Spruce Railroad trailhead, Devils Punchbowl features deep blue water, bridge jumping, and, of course, incredible lake views. Just be on the lookout for poison oak on the way there; it grows prolifically along the dirt path to the swimming hole. Please also note that this short path leading from the main trail to Devil’s Punchbowl is not accessible.
You can also reach Devil’s Punchbowl by boat. Consider kayaking or paddle boarding over from Log Cabin Resort, as there is no place to launch at the Spruce River trailhead. What a gorgeous place to paddle! And speaking of Log Cabin Resort, that’s the next stop on our lakeside tour…
LOG CABIN RESORT
Looking for a great place to stay on Lake Crescent? Log Cabin Resort is located in an idyllic spot, well away from the noise of Highway 101. Even if you aren’t staying here, day use parking is available, allowing you easy access to the boat launch and docks. Don’t have your own watercraft? No problem! Log Cabin Resort rents kayaks, paddle boards, and more. In summer, you can enjoy a meal with a view at Sunnyside Cafe. Check the schedule ahead of time; hours were limited in 2021.
Log Cabin Resort is an excellent home base for exploring Lake Crescent. It’s only a few miles down the road from the Spruce Railroad trailhead, so take advantage of this proximity and bring your bike or rent one from the resort. If you prefer to travel by water, it’s easy to kayak or paddle board form the resort to Devil’s Punchbowl as mentioned above. This is also a great way to avoid the poison oak on the Devil’s Punchbowl Trail!
Earlier in this guide, I mentioned that while I recommend Log Cabin Resort for a cabin stay, I prefer Fairholme when camping. The campground at Log Cabin Resort feels more like an RV park, with small sites packed close together. If you’re tent camping here, try to reserve one of the shadier campsites along the creek, which offer a bit more privacy.
EAST BEACH
On the way back to Highway 101, let’s make one last stop along East Beach Road… East Beach! As the name suggests, this is a beach located at the east end of Lake Crescent. It’s less than a mile from the highway, and extremely popular on sunny days. Frankly, the beach itself is not the greatest, as it’s covered in tiny broken twigs that have washed ashore, but it provides a fantastic shallow entry point into the Lake Crescent’s translucent waters. This makes it an especially good place for families with young children.
East Beach may also be the largest picnic area on Lake Crescent, with numerous tables spread out near the shore. A vault toilet is available. While the parking lot is ample, it fills up on warm summer days, so arrive early if you want to claim a spot.
MARYMERE FALLS
Marymere Falls is one of the most popular stops along Highway 101 in Olympic National Park, and it’s easy to see why. The trailhead is right off the highway near the Storm King Ranger Station. In fact, you’ll cross under the highway as you begin the trail. The Storm King Ranger Station is housed in a small historic cabin, positively oozing with charm. When it’s open, this is a great place to pick up Junior Ranger booklets or chat with a ranger.
The trail to Marymere Falls is just two miles round trip, and leads visitors through a sylvan wonderland to a small, yet graceful, waterfall. The first part of the trail is wide and flat, but the last section climbs steeply along a short series of switchbacks and stairs to view the waterfall. It’s a busy trail, although you may find solitude in the off season. I’ve hiked to Marymere Falls several times over the years, and no matter the crowds or weather, it never disappoints. For a full review of the hike, visit my post on hiking to Marymere Falls.
The parking area for Marymere Falls is also near the Barnes Point boat launch. This is one of the few places on Lake Crescent where you can launch a motorboat. Smaller watercraft are also welcome to launch here, but please note that for safety reasons swimming is not allowed near the dock. The cove here features shimmering emerald green water, and is a lovely place to relax on shore if you don’t plan to swim.
LAKE CRESCENT LODGE
Built in 1915, gracious Lake Crescent Lodge encourages visitors to slow down appreciate life’s simple pleasures. President Theodore Roosevelt visited the lodge in 1937, and his visit was likely instrumental in Lake Crescent’s inclusion in Olympic National Park, established in 1938. Today you can savor the sunset from an Adirondack chair, stroll along the lakeshore, or take a kayak out for a spin (summer kayak and paddle board rentals are available). It’s also a great place to swim when the weather cooperates. The shore is pebbly, but in my humble opinion it’s the loveliest beach along all of Lake Crescent, and probably the longest, too.
Lake Crescent Lodge houses a beautiful restaurant and bar that feature local cuisine. You’ll pay a premium for a meal here, but the setting can’t be beat. If you collect National Park souvenirs, plan a visit to the small gift shop located in the lodge.
This is also the place to come for evening ranger talks in the summer and other activities. Check the schedule posted in the lodge or at nearby Fairholme Campground. We enjoyed a wonderful interactive ranger presentation here one evening, and the setting could not have been more perfect (except for some sun in our eyes, but who’s complaining?). If you only have time for one quick stop along Lake Crescent, Lake Crescent Lodge is my top pick.
LA POEL
La Poel is kind of a funny place. Many years ago, there was a resort here. It was torn down long ago, and practically all that remains is a steep dirt road looping through the forest. Due to the steep and narrow nature of the road, trailers and RVs are not allowed. As you drive, you’ll see what appear to be campsites tucked away in the woods. In fact, camping is not allowed at La Poel; it’s day-use only.
If you’re looking for a secluded, shady place to picnic, pull into the spot of your choice. A few sites are near the lake, but most are higher up and don’t offer views. There is no parking lot, but each picnic site has a parking space, and there are a few extra places to pull over near the water. If you get a spot on the lake, La Poel is a lovey place to while away a few hours. In part because of its unusual configuration, it sees far fewer visitors than East Beach or Lake Crescent Lodge.
FAIRHOLME
Ah, Fairholme! This magical camping spot was our home for five nights this past summer, and we loved it! Even its proximity to Highway 101 (thankfully out of sight, but still close enough to hear the trucks roar) does not dampen its appeal. For much more detailed information about Fairholme, please visit my full online review.
Even if you aren’t camping at Fairholme, there is a lovely day use area with a boat launch. From Memorial Day weekend through mid-September, kayaks, paddle boards, and canoes are available for rent. The Fairholme Store, a small convenience store, is also in operation during peak season.
In addition to water access, several magnificent big leaf maple trees make their home here, providing excellent climbing if you happen to be young (or young at heart). One odd thing about the day use area is that there is no toilet, at least not that I could find. If you need one, head to the restrooms in the campground next door.
The beach at the day use area has two docks as well as a shallow swimming area near the shore. Near the boat launch, children’s life jackets are available to borrow for free. This is such a great service, especially since Lake Crescent is so clear that it can be hard to tell how deep the water really is. Shallow as it may be near the shore here, it drops off quickly.
We launched our inflatable kayak from Fairholme and had a wonderful time paddling along the north shore of Lake Crescent, admiring the waterfront vacation homes. These homes had the good fortune of being grandfathered in when Olympic National Park was founded in 1938. Dwarfed by the mountains above, they’re barely noticeable from most points along the lakeshore. It’s the azure water and emerald forests that really draw your attention, and a visit to Fairholme gives you ample opportunity to soak it all in.
NORTH SHORE
After passing the entrance to Fairholme Campground, the road soon narrows, becoming bumpy and dusty as the pavement ends. This dead end drive leads to the final stop on our tour of Lake Crescent — North Shore Picnic Area. More secluded than anyplace else we’ve visited, North Shore is a special spot. You may not have the place completely to yourself, but you won’t be just one more person in the crowd, either. It takes a little extra effort to get here, but it’s absolutely worth it.
The small parking area at North Shore is located above the lake. Follow a short downhill trail (including some stairs) to reach the water. A vault toilet is located at the parking area. In the woods near the lake, a picnic table and fire pit provide a great spot to while away an evening by the lake. As always, be sure there is no burn ban in effect before lighting a fire.
A few more picnic tables are located on the dock, a prime spot in good weather. Enjoy jumping into the water directly from the dock, then resurface and take in the incredible views that surround you. The small beach here is rocky, so bring water shoes if you plan to wade into the water from shore.
Past North Shore, the road comes to the Pyramid Peak trailhead and the west trailhead for the Spruce Railroad Trail. If that sounds familiar, it’s because we started this journey at the opposite end of the Spruce Railroad Trail on our visit to Devil’s Punchbowl. The distance between the east and west trailheads is roughly 5.5 miles, and you can continue further along the Olympic Discovery Trail if you like. There are also a few spots to pull over and park as the road skirts the edge of Lake Crescent beyond North Shore. With a little luck, you may find your own private piece of lakefront paradise!
Here ends our tour of Lake Crescent. If you’re visiting the Olympic Peninsula, don’t forget to check out my other posts about this amazing place — including Rialto Beach, the Lyre Conservation Area, and so much more.
Happy exploring, from my backyard to yours!
