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One of the most gorgeous lakes I've ever seen! Crystal blue waters with lots of visibility. Easy hikes and a fair amount of parking at the trailheads. Visit the historic lake crescent lodge for a meal or enjoy the beach seating for a picnic. There are many scenic viewpoints along the highway that give great views of the lake.
Must stop when you are in the area. Trails, waterfalls, camping, lodge and more. Gorgeous, well maintained area.
Summer in the PNW heaven! We rented a small tent in Port Angeles, and drove to the lake here. It's absolutely breathtaking - so blue and clear, and shrouded by beaches and evergreens. If you do want a kayak rental, make sure to book them early :)
Beautiful mirror lake. I visited in mid-February and I experienced multiple colors of this lake. At first it was raining with dark waters, then it turned an emerald green after the rain. Finally after a few hours when the sun out, it became a mirror! Bonus we hiked the Merymere falls loop. So beautiful!
On our way to Hoh Rainforest, my friend and I stopped here. The views were beautiful. The lake is vastly huge. I wasn't expecting it to look as good with the thick fog shadowing the mountains in the back drop. The visit was short, but well worth it. Parking lot off of the highway to see scenic views. The overcast helped the mountains look mysterious. I loved this pitstop.
I was able to drive by this amazing lake on a few occasions going from Forks to Port Angeles and back on my recent trip to Washington. At 12 miles long, Lake Crescent is a pretty large lake. It is also the second deepest lake in the state of Washington at a depth of 624 feet. Lake Crescent is part of Olympic National Park. There are a number of pullouts along U.S. Highway 101 that you can stop and enjoy the views of this pretty lake. I really wanted to do some kayaking on Lake Crescent while I was on my trip. But because of time, I wasn't able to fit it in my schedule. There are a number of recreational activities that you can do on or near this lake including boating, fishing, hiking and enjoying the picnic areas. Fishing has a catch-and-release policy for certain fish. Near Lake Crescent is Fairholme campground if you want to do some camping by the lake. I personally enjoyed the hike to Marymere Falls that starts next to the Storm King Ranger Station. My favorite thing to do while I was passing by Lake Crescent was to just pull over and enjoy the view. The clear blue water with the sunset in the background made for some amazing photos.
I stumbled upon this dramatic lake on my way to an early morning hike - what a find! Mount Storm King keeps watch over the insanely deep, crystal clear waters which are surrounded by pine-covered, snowy mountains and all that magnificently moody PNW weather - superb! The lake sits right inside one of the northern entrances to Olympic National Park. I passed by it on my way to the Marymere Falls trailhead and definitely had to pull over and check it out - there are lots of easily accessible turn outs with great views. A bonus treat was that you can also access the lake around the Marymere Falls trailhead and parking too bc it's all sort of in the same general area with restrooms and a long pier that takes you right out into the lake. You get views of the lake everywhere so you can't miss it. This lake was carved by glaciers thousands of years ago and is crazy deep - measuring 624 feet deep at its max depth point. And you can tell just by looking down into those clear waters - even just peeking over the pier involuntarily triggered my fear of heights haha! The water is so clear bc of low nitrogen levels inhibiting algae growth. You can swim here but it's glacially fed so the water is very cold - be aware. I visited in winter so definitely not an option but would love to come back in warmer months and give it a try just to see how cold it gets lol. You can see lots of boulders and giant trees in the bottom - would be such an intriguing place to snorkel! Another fun fact - bc a landslide closed off the lake to streams and other nearby lakes, there are two unique species of trout that have evolved here! There's a lodge on the lake that rents canoes/kayaks and swimming in the "Devils Punchbowl" is popular - definitely would love to come back and try that haha! Very much worth a visit and I will no doubt return to explore - highly recommend a stop at this true Pacific Northwest beauty!
Lake Cresent is located in the northern foothills of the Olympic Mountains and is about 18 miles west of Port Angeles. The pristine waters of this deep, glacially carved lake make it an ideal destination for those in search of natural beauty. There is a peaceful feel to the area that puts your soul at rest. Canoeing is one of the common activities to do while at Lake Cresent to soak in the stunning views. There are several hiking trails near the lake. Some of them are shorter and some like Mount Storm King are more challenging due to the incline. Whether you hike or go canoeing, the views all around you are spectacular. You can also go out on a rowboat as well. There are plenty of picnic areas around the lake if you want to have a picnic or lunch and soak in the stunning views!
Lake Crescent is absolutely GORGEOUS. You can see it from the main highway as you're driving through Olympic NP. And while that view is beautiful, you need to plan part of your day around the lake to really enjoy its natural beauty. We stayed at the Fairholme campgrounds, and it was a short couple minute walk from our campsite to the lake edge. It was so peaceful to sit and enjoy, especially if you're there for sunrise. The Lake Crescent Lodge is also at the water's edge. We saw people swimming from there, and they also have a bar with some outdoor seating facing the lake. There are also some wonderful hikes originating from there that really showcase the lake. If you're feeling spicy and up for a strenuous hike (think a step climb the entire way of about 2,1000 feet), the Storm King hike is rough and involves some rope climbs. However, once you make it to the top, you'll be more than 2,000 feet over Lake Crescent and the view is unparalleled. Words (and pictures) do not do it justice. While we didn't do it, I did hear that there is about an 8 mile easy hike that walks the circumference of the lake if you want to enjoy it that way. However you choose to take in Lake Crescent, it is well worth the time spent.
Beautiful and clear lake Of the weather is nice I recommend renting a kayak to explore. There is a dock by the lodge where you can walk out into the water. When you look down you can see to the bottom. The lake is surrounded by mountains. It is very peaceful and serene with little tourism to obstruct the view.
100% yes!!! This place is so breathtaking. I had so much fun. The water was so clear . We got luck with perfect weather
It's a beautiful lake with water in the right temperature, not too cold but good enough to cooling off in the 90+ hot summer days. The view is gorgeous and water is clear. There's a lodge nearby which's great to visit the bar and souvenir shop and use the washroom
Lake Crescent wins for being the most stunning body of water that I've ever seen in person! Have you ever looked at a photo and wondered if the image has been enhanced to make the colors pop? Well, there's no need to Photoshop pictures of this lake! The water is super clear and the most gorgeous color of natural blue-green. A couple minutes drive from the Lake Crescent Lodge, there's a boat launch area near the Marymere Falls trailhead. While you wouldn't set your towels and chairs out in this area, it's well worth stopping by for a lovely view of the lake away from most other visitors. On a weekday morning, except for a couple of swimmers jumping from the dock, we were the only ones there. We spent a few moments admiring the glistening water and listening to the gentle waves. After this, we headed over to the side of the Lake Crescent Lodge. This is a super busy area, especially since it's where all the little cabins are located. Despite the crowds on the shoreline, this is a prime place to capture photos of the calm water with hills of trees in the background. We did not have a ton of time, so we walked the "Moments in Time" trail, which is just a 0.6 mile loop starting adjacent to the lake and going through the forest. Little plaques are posted along the path, providing history behind the land and facts about the trees and wildlife. This is a really tame walk that is suitable for any age. There are restrooms located inside the lodge, but they are small, so expect a wait. The lodge also has a restaurant, gift shop and little sitting area. If you're planning to be around Port Angeles, definitely put Lake Crescent on your itinerary!
On my trip to Olympic National Park, I spent some time at Lake Crescent. Wow, Lake Crescent is absolutely beautiful. The clear water and the greenery that surrounds it makes it a very picturesque place. It wasn't crowded unlike at Hurricane Ridge. You get a real sense of peace hanging out by the water. The sparkles so purely in the sunlight, and it is as clear as glass. You can look the bottom of the lake pretty easily as long as the light reaches the depths, even though it's super deep. Best of all, there are no biting insects to harass you when you're enjoying yourself. I saw a mother duck and some ducklings paddling around on the lake, super cute. Be sure to check out Marymere Falls nearby. It's a short hike (under 2 miles) with a very picturesque waterfall at the end of it. read more
Lake Crescent is absolutely the most stunning lake I have been to! Probably the prettiest place I have ever been to in Washington state! Believe all the reviews about this beautiful place! We parked at Spruce railroad trail head east and walked through the tunnel entrance and from there we took the path to Devils Punch bowl. It's a fairly easy walk. There is a bridge that is very popular for people to jump into the beautiful blue water! Highly recommended! It's so beautiful, my pictures do not capture its beauty! Breathtakingly stunning read more
One of the most gorgeous lakes I've ever seen! Crystal blue waters with lots of visibility. Easy hikes and a fair amount of parking at the trailheads. Visit the historic lake crescent lodge for a meal or enjoy the beach seating for a picnic. There are many scenic viewpoints along the highway that give great views of the lake. read more
4 months ago
Summer in the PNW heaven! We rented a small tent in Port Angeles, and drove to the lake here. It's absolutely breathtaking - so blue and clear, and shrouded by beaches and evergreens. If you do want a kayak rental, make sure to book them early :) read more
7 months ago
Beautiful mirror lake. I visited in mid-February and I experienced multiple colors of this lake. At first it was raining with dark waters, then it turned an emerald green after the rain. Finally after a few hours when the sun out, it became a mirror! Bonus we hiked the Merymere falls loop. So beautiful! read more
On our way to Hoh Rainforest, my friend and I stopped here. The views were beautiful. The lake is vastly huge. I wasn't expecting it to look as good with the thick fog shadowing the mountains in the back drop. The visit was short, but well worth it. Parking lot off of the highway to see scenic views. The overcast helped the mountains look mysterious. I loved this pitstop. read more
I was able to drive by this amazing lake on a few occasions going from Forks to Port Angeles and back on my recent trip to Washington. At 12 miles long, Lake Crescent is a pretty large lake. It is also the second deepest lake in the state of Washington at a depth of 624 feet. Lake Crescent is part of Olympic National Park. There are a number of pullouts along U.S. Highway 101 that you can stop and enjoy the views of this pretty lake. I really wanted to do some kayaking on Lake Crescent while I was on my trip. But because of time, I wasn't able to fit it in my schedule. There are a number of recreational activities that you can do on or near this lake including boating, fishing, hiking and enjoying the picnic areas. Fishing has a catch-and-release policy for certain fish. Near Lake Crescent is Fairholme campground if you want to do some camping by the lake. I personally enjoyed the hike to Marymere Falls that starts next to the Storm King Ranger Station. My favorite thing to do while I was passing by Lake Crescent was to just pull over and enjoy the view. The clear blue water with the sunset in the background made for some amazing photos. read more
I stumbled upon this dramatic lake on my way to an early morning hike - what a find! Mount Storm King keeps watch over the insanely deep, crystal clear waters which are surrounded by pine-covered, snowy mountains and all that magnificently moody PNW weather - superb! The lake sits right inside one of the northern entrances to Olympic National Park. I passed by it on my way to the Marymere Falls trailhead and definitely had to pull over and check it out - there are lots of easily accessible turn outs with great views. A bonus treat was that you can also access the lake around the Marymere Falls trailhead and parking too bc it's all sort of in the same general area with restrooms and a long pier that takes you right out into the lake. You get views of the lake everywhere so you can't miss it. This lake was carved by glaciers thousands of years ago and is crazy deep - measuring 624 feet deep at its max depth point. And you can tell just by looking down into those clear waters - even just peeking over the pier involuntarily triggered my fear of heights haha! The water is so clear bc of low nitrogen levels inhibiting algae growth. You can swim here but it's glacially fed so the water is very cold - be aware. I visited in winter so definitely not an option but would love to come back in warmer months and give it a try just to see how cold it gets lol. You can see lots of boulders and giant trees in the bottom - would be such an intriguing place to snorkel! Another fun fact - bc a landslide closed off the lake to streams and other nearby lakes, there are two unique species of trout that have evolved here! There's a lodge on the lake that rents canoes/kayaks and swimming in the "Devils Punchbowl" is popular - definitely would love to come back and try that haha! Very much worth a visit and I will no doubt return to explore - highly recommend a stop at this true Pacific Northwest beauty! read more
Lake Cresent is located in the northern foothills of the Olympic Mountains and is about 18 miles west of Port Angeles. The pristine waters of this deep, glacially carved lake make it an ideal destination for those in search of natural beauty. There is a peaceful feel to the area that puts your soul at rest. Canoeing is one of the common activities to do while at Lake Cresent to soak in the stunning views. There are several hiking trails near the lake. Some of them are shorter and some like Mount Storm King are more challenging due to the incline. Whether you hike or go canoeing, the views all around you are spectacular. You can also go out on a rowboat as well. There are plenty of picnic areas around the lake if you want to have a picnic or lunch and soak in the stunning views! read more
Lake Crescent is absolutely GORGEOUS. You can see it from the main highway as you're driving through Olympic NP. And while that view is beautiful, you need to plan part of your day around the lake to really enjoy its natural beauty. We stayed at the Fairholme campgrounds, and it was a short couple minute walk from our campsite to the lake edge. It was so peaceful to sit and enjoy, especially if you're there for sunrise. The Lake Crescent Lodge is also at the water's edge. We saw people swimming from there, and they also have a bar with some outdoor seating facing the lake. There are also some wonderful hikes originating from there that really showcase the lake. If you're feeling spicy and up for a strenuous hike (think a step climb the entire way of about 2,1000 feet), the Storm King hike is rough and involves some rope climbs. However, once you make it to the top, you'll be more than 2,000 feet over Lake Crescent and the view is unparalleled. Words (and pictures) do not do it justice. While we didn't do it, I did hear that there is about an 8 mile easy hike that walks the circumference of the lake if you want to enjoy it that way. However you choose to take in Lake Crescent, it is well worth the time spent. read more
Beautiful and clear lake Of the weather is nice I recommend renting a kayak to explore. There is a dock by the lodge where you can walk out into the water. When you look down you can see to the bottom. The lake is surrounded by mountains. It is very peaceful and serene with little tourism to obstruct the view. read more
It's a beautiful lake with water in the right temperature, not too cold but good enough to cooling off in the 90+ hot summer days. The view is gorgeous and water is clear. There's a lodge nearby which's great to visit the bar and souvenir shop and use the washroom read more
3 years ago
Lake Crescent wins for being the most stunning body of water that I've ever seen in person! Have you ever looked at a photo and wondered if the image has been enhanced to make the colors pop? Well, there's no need to Photoshop pictures of this lake! The water is super clear and the most gorgeous color of natural blue-green. A couple minutes drive from the Lake Crescent Lodge, there's a boat launch area near the Marymere Falls trailhead. While you wouldn't set your towels and chairs out in this area, it's well worth stopping by for a lovely view of the lake away from most other visitors. On a weekday morning, except for a couple of swimmers jumping from the dock, we were the only ones there. We spent a few moments admiring the glistening water and listening to the gentle waves. After this, we headed over to the side of the Lake Crescent Lodge. This is a super busy area, especially since it's where all the little cabins are located. Despite the crowds on the shoreline, this is a prime place to capture photos of the calm water with hills of trees in the background. We did not have a ton of time, so we walked the "Moments in Time" trail, which is just a 0.6 mile loop starting adjacent to the lake and going through the forest. Little plaques are posted along the path, providing history behind the land and facts about the trees and wildlife. This is a really tame walk that is suitable for any age. There are restrooms located inside the lodge, but they are small, so expect a wait. The lodge also has a restaurant, gift shop and little sitting area. If you're planning to be around Port Angeles, definitely put Lake Crescent on your itinerary! read more
1 year ago
Lake Crescent is located in Olympic National Park about 20 minutes from Port Angeles. It has a max depth of 624 feet and is the second deepest lake in Washington State (behind Lake Chelan). Even if you don't go to the lake you'll most likely drive by it to get elsewhere because it's so gigantic. To get to the lake, drive down a long narrow road. There are parking lots and restrooms at the trailhead and is about a mile to the lake. It was less of a hike and more of a stroll because the ground was mostly paved and flat. This hike was actually wheelchair accessible which was rare for me to see. When you get to a tunnel, go to the left to walk to the lake and you'll end up on a bridge that overlooks the lake. The water was BLUE and CLEAR. There were beautiful views of the lake and there were very few people which was peaceful. It made for a great backdrop for photos and I was just staring at it because it was so mesmerizing. As we looped back around we found that you can still go through the tunnel and get to the lake too. If you want, you can even continue walking to go further past the lake. If you want to play in the lake you can head to Devils Punch Bowl to swim and do other water activities. It's seriously such a beautiful place and I highly recommend coming here! read more
Lake Me Out Amazing Lake that's located in the north end of Olympic National Park and just a short drive from Port Angeles. We only stopped at one of the lookouts to gaze at its beauty when Mr & Mrs Quack flew over to greet us. They posed for a few pics and moved on shortly afterward since we had no goodies for them. Beyond the friendly natives, this Lake has boat launches at the east and west ends of the lake, where vacationers can launch kayaks, boats or even rent rowboat from the Lake Crescent Lodge. There's also beaches and picnic tables for those who prefer to stay landside. We can't wait to check out more of this beautiful Lake on subsequent visits, as well as catch up with the Quacks. Say hi for us if you see them! read more
Such a beautiful lake. We were there hiking to Marymere and roaming on the nature trails from the Rangers Station and around the lodge. Even on a very cloudy day it was obvious how stunning the water is. Just a gorgeous spot, lovely trees for days, and a peaceful drive around the south shore. Much bigger than I expected. Cannot wait to put the kayak in! read more
I really do love Lake Crescent. My aunt used to camp here as a young girl some 60+ years ago, and we have been coming for at least 20 years. Beautiful lake, gorgeous historic lodge, peaceful vibe, and great hikes right from the lake. Plus, you and the kids can jump right from the dock into the chilly lake water and feel like a kid again! Either bring a picnic lunch, or enjoy a more upscale lodge at the historic Crescent Lake Lodge. read more
1 year ago
Gorgeous lake, and a must see and stop while visiting the Olympic National Park! There are many viewpoints along highway 101 to get out, take in the scenery and snap some photos. We saw quite a few stopping to picnic by the picturesque lake. Would highly recommend! read more
6 years ago
I would love to stay here when I visit the Olympic National Park again. Lake Crescent was on the last part of our agenda, which my have been a mistake, for we really only got to enjoy the views of this beautiful lake from the land instead of the water. There were many stops for where you can pull over and see Lake Crescent, but I recommend following the signs for the lodge area, which is the main space for Lake Crescent. There's a huge parking lot, so it's easy to find a spot. Plus, we arrived here close to sunset, which wasn't as busy as I suspect it is in the earlier part of the day. There's a lodge area with a restaurant, bar, informational table and restrooms. They also have plenty of outdoor seating for the restaurant and just out on the lawn. But you can see close to the lodge where people stay in their own cabins. It looked so fun, so would definitely look into that as a camping trip with friends! Especially since it's right by the lake. If you come earlier in the day you can rent a kayak or canoe here, which is what I was disappointed in when we visited so late. I saw a sign by the rental area that indicated last boat rentals were at 2pm. Next time! But this is a beautiful lake with clear water, as it was formed from a glacier, creating a view of the landslide. There are trails that you can hike from here, and plenty of space to lay out and hang. It's worth a visit when checking out the Olympic National Park. read more
Excellent place to swim, stand up paddle board, or kayak! Gets packed quick so I recommend arriving as early as possible. Parking can be difficult but you are able to unload right near the bank area if accompanied by friends or family. Restrooms are located in the main area (Lake Crescent Lodge). On a hot summer day the water can still be cold. Just dive in and start moving around, and it will feel normal. Definitely bring enough water to hydrate and high SPF sun block. read more
6 years ago
Such a beautiful lake with an incredible offering of activities in its surroundings. We set this on our itinerary mostly so that we could tackle Mt. Storm King but found the experience to be so much more inclusive then we could have imagined. The lake itself is beautiful and was quite pleasant for the swim we took after hiking. There are so many hikes in the area but as mentioned we chose to do Mt. Storm King and then enjoyed Marymere Falls. It was great to have so many choices all in one stop! After, we had a wonderful picnic on the beach and a nice swim. There were a lot of families in the area enjoying the beautiful day and a large parking lot to accommodate everyone. We've seen some pretty amazing campgrounds in the area and are looking forward to trying them out on our next visit. It's such a beautiful area I'm certain you could spend a full week here and never get bored. read more
There is not a bad view at Lake Crescent. It's just beautiful here. Formed by a glacier forever ago, it's hundreds of feet deep with great fishing. There are a few access points. Pull over access right off of Hwy 101. read more
My favorite part not just in Olympic National Park but out of the three National parks, this was the best and the most fun we've had. Coming from California where we are dealing with. Drought and the shrinking of lakes, my heart stop at the beauty of this lake. Not just it's vastness, but the clearness and beautiful shades of clue and aqua and green. My gosh, it was glorious. Also, pay attention to the sky as bald eagles are present here. You can drive around along the road (101) but to truly experience this beauty get out and play in the water. We rented kayaks and paddled to an empty spot where you could climb and jump off the water. Not a soul around for a while. A bit further on, "park" your kayak and jump off the devils punch bowls, too. More people here since it's more accessible but still not crowded. Noticed some poison ivy on the little trail that leads it, be careful. The water is super clear and clean and the temperature was amazing. We lucked out with a 70 degree weather. Planning to come back and camp on the camp site near the rentals, by the lodge. Can't wait to come back. read more
3 years ago
Surprisingly, over our expectations, delicious, fresh food was nicely presented. Overlooking the lake. William was our server. He was very friendly, polite, and knowledgeable. read more
7 years ago
This was a highlight of our July 2019 family trip to Olympic National Park. My two sons (14 years, 12 years) insisted that we stop by the lake to enjoy the scenery. The lake water is crystal clear with bright shades of emerald and navy blue. After driving about 20 miles west of Port Angeles on Highway 101 and sitting in some traffic due to highway construction, we decided to stop by the Lodge for a quick photo. My sons were mesmerized by the bright colors of the lake and my wife enjoyed the peacefulness of the shoreline. After skipping stones, my sons and I rented a kayak ($20 per hour). In the lodge, you can pay for kayak rentals and find restrooms. I thought it was well worth the cost for the delightful views in the middle of the lake and some exercise. The lunch in the lodge took a very long time (which was the only blemish of our Lake Crescent visit). In retrospect, I wish we could have stayed longer to enjoy the hikes and more time on the lake (instead of taking a painful drive to the Hoh Rain Forest - which was a disappointing stop in comparison). Who knew that a brief photo stop would turn into a 3 hour excursion and highlight of our entire trip to Olympic National Park? read more
3 years ago
5 years ago
Beautiful big lake. We drove along the way to see this beautiful beast. Lake was very clear that you could see the rocks on the bottom. Wish we came here in the mid or late summer because currently ( may) is still a little too cold in Seattle to do any water activity. Definitely want to come back again for more activities in the future. read more
3 years ago
Excellent Lake! I just spent the day in this lake and it is wonderful. The water is super clear, and the scenery is exquisite to say the least. The water if extremely cold, but once you get in it's excellent, especially during the summer months (my visit being in late July). I also rented a paddle board at the Lake Crescent Lodge (which i also reviewed) and went out a ways, absolutely stunning. Definitely a place to check out when going to Olympic National Park, or are even in the general area of Washington State. I included some sunset photos of the lake. read more
3 years ago
Breathtaking views. Great fishing. Public access. Lodging, campgrounds and restaurants. Kayaking and hiking. Nice sized lake so not much traffic. It's glacier fed so the water is cold! read more
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Port Angeles, WA 98362
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