Whether you come for the day or plan to stay longer, beautiful Lake Crescent and Olympic National Park exemplify the best of everything Washington state has to offer. Boat launches are located at both east and west ends of the lake, and rowboats are available for rental from Lake Crescent Lodge. Reservations: Visit the Lake Crescent Lodge website for reservations and further information. There are several picnic areas around the lake, with picnic tables, fire pits, and beach access.

For those who prefer more primitive accommodations, camping is available at the Fairholme Campground. Seasonal lodging is available at Lake Crescent Lodge and Log Cabin Resort, both closed in winter. From the Spruce Railroad trail, one can find the entrance to an old railroad tunnel as well as “Devils Punch Bowl”, a popular swimming and diving area. The hike to Marymere Falls by way of the Barnes Creek trail is a favorite, as is the Spruce Railroad trail that runs along the north shore. The area around Lake Crescent has several hiking trails, some of which climb the surrounding mountains, and others that explore the lowland forests and creeks. The lake is home to the Beardslee and Crescenti trout, two types of fish found nowhere else in the world. This 624-foot-deep lake carved from glacial ice is known for its brilliant blue-green waters and exceptional clarity – in some places you might see as far down as 60 feet. Nestled in the northern foothills of the Olympic Mountains, Lake Crescent lies about 18 miles west of Port Angeles, inside the borders of Olympic National Park.

Log cabin resort on lake crescent