How to Visit Lake Crescent in Olympic National Park

Lake Crescent is a glacially carved lake that is 12 miles long and 624 feet deep. This area is a fairly busy part of Olympic National Park, mostly because of the proximity to Port Angeles, but also because these sapphire waters are the perfect place to cool off and hang out during the summer.

While a visit to Lake Crescent can be just a few short hours, there are a variety of things to do, so it would be easy to spend a couple of days here as well. There is something for everyone, including breathtaking views, multiple hikes in the area, as well as kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing in the lake.

I have been traveling to Olympic National Park for years now. I’ve hiked most of the trails and visited the most popular spots, including Lake Crescent. In this article, I’ll tell you about all of the must-see things to do, plus some extra activities to add to your visit.

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How to Get to Lake Crescent

Lake Crescent is located right on Highway 101. The farthest east side of the lake is 17 miles west of Port Angeles. The farthest west side of the lake is 30 miles from Forks.

The most accessible and populated spots of Lake Crescent are along Highway 101. There are several pull-offs along the route to stop and enjoy the views. If you want to find more solitude on the lake, then I recommend driving along the northern part of the shore as well.

The road along Lake Crescent is well-paved. There are some windy sections with the speed limit being quite a bit lower than the rest of Highway 101.

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Passes and Fees

While there is no entrance station at Lake Crescent, a National Park Pass is still required. The nearest place to purchase a pass is at the Sol Duc Entrance Station or the main Olympic National Park Visitor Center in Port Angeles. The passes are ~$30 for seven days or ~$80 for a yearly America the Beautiful Pass, which grants you access to all National Parks for a year.

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1. Visit Storm King Ranger Station

Visiting the nearest Ranger Station is always a good first stop on your visit. The Storm King Ranger Station is a great place to get updated trail conditions, recommendations for the area, and attend ranger-led programs. This Ranger Station is only open when the park is fully staffed, so I wouldn’t rely on this location to be open every day. The other option would be to stop by the Olympic National Park Visitor Center in Port Angeles first.

2. Take in the Views Along the Lake

There are plenty of pull-offs and viewing opportunities around the perimeter of Lake Crescent. There is a lot to take in here as you see the dense forests meeting the water’s edge from every viewpoint. The water acts as a mirror, casting the reflection of the towering mountains onto its surface. This makes for amazing sunset photos.

It doesn’t take long to notice how crystal clear the water is. In some parts of the lake, you can see up to 60 feet deep. The color of the water can vary between a bright, almost fluorescent blue to a deep sapphire blue. Which is where it gets the nickname Sapphire Lake. The lake water has a lack of oxygen, which limits algae growth and makes the water clearer.

Lake Crescent was carved out by glaciers over 10,000 years ago. The lake is still fed by snowmelt and natural springs, so the temperature of the water is in the mid-40s year-round.

3. Marymere Falls

Marymere Falls is always a fan favorite hike. This is an easy 1.8-mile trail with 318 feet of elevation gain. Most of the elevation is at the very end, where there is a fairly steep staircase leading you to the falls. This hike begins at the Storm King Ranger Station, although the parking lot does fill up quickly. You can find alternative parking at the Moments in Time trailhead near the Lake Crescent Lodge.

DISCOVER: 7 Can’t-Miss Hikes in Olympic National Park: A Quick and Easy Guide

You’ll start the trail by walking on a short path to a tunnel that leads you under the road. You’ll continue walking through a lush forest following a stream. The trail is fairly flat with a few downed trees that you will need to maneuver over. There are a couple of bridges that lead you over a creek crossing towards the end. The last bridge is fairly narrow and only allows one person at a time to cross.

After the final bridge, you will start the climb. Stay left at the falls loop to walk the staircase up. There are 2 viewing platforms for the cascade. The bottom one is my favorite; it provides unobstructed views of the falls right in front of you. There is plenty of standing room here, too. Once you arrive at the second viewing area, you’ll start the descent back down. There is no staircase leading you back down, and it can be kind of a steep, muddy climb, so take your time and use caution.

PRO TIP: On this trail, watch out for deer. I have seen them incredibly close to the trail. Always admire from a distance.

4. Moments in Time Trail

The Moments in Time Trail is an easy, 0.8 mile walk. What is really fascinating about this trail is the informational signs along the way. You’ll learn about the people who originated in this land, how the glacier carved out the lake, and how the forest thrives in the modern day.

The trail is flat and well-groomed. This would be a perfect hike to take the whole family on. It is a relaxing walk through towering trees where you get glimpses of the lake along the way. There are also benches to sit and take in all of the beauty. This is also a great walk to do if you want to avoid the crowds. My last visit was during a busy weekend, and I only saw one other person on the trail.

5. Take a Stroll to Lake Crescent Lodge

The Lake Crescent Lodge is worth taking a walk to, even if you aren’t staying the night. Nestled right on Lake Crescent, it’s a dreamy scene to enjoy. The lodge has some chairs and picnic tables out front that allow you to just lounge and hang out. There is also a small pier that you can walk on and look for fish in the water.

6. Hike Mount Storm King

Mount Storm King is a strenuous 4.1-mile hike with about 2,000 feet of elevation gain. Despite the challenge of this trail, it is one of the most favored hikes among visitors to Olympic National Park. The trail is accessed via the Marymere Falls Trail. About a half a mile into the walk, you’ll see a sign for Mount Storm King, which takes you straight up the mountain tops.

The hike is a steady 2-mile climb, with the last 1/4th mile being steep and rocky with a series of ropes to climb up. Even if you choose not to climb the ropes, the viewpoint from here still offers sweeping views of the nearby mountains, ocean, and Lake Crescent. From the very top, you can see Mount Olympus, Hurricane Ridge, and the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

PRO TIP: If you are planning on doing the rope section of this hike, bring a pair of gloves with you to help with your grip. Even just gardening gloves will work.

7. Spruce Railroad Trail

The Spruce Railroad Trail is an easy 11.2 miles out-and-back with a mild elevation gain of 410 feet. This trail takes you along Lake Crescent on an old railroad route. You can even walk through the old railroad tunnels, which always excites me. While this trail is a bit lengthy, the best views are up to the 4 miles into the trail. After that point, you are well above the lake in tree cover.

There are 2 access points for this trail, via East Beach Road or Camp David Jr Road. East Beach Road is located on the northeastern side of Lake Crescent. Camp David Jr Road runs alongside the Fairholme Campground on the western side of the lake. I do recommend using East Beach Road if you have a larger vehicle, because the other road is narrow and not very well paved.

My favorite stopping point for this trail is Devil’s Punchbowl. You can access this popular swimming spot by walking 1.2 miles on the Spruce Railroad Trail via the East Beach Road access. As soon as you arrive at the first tunnel, there is a trail leading to the left with a sign telling you where to go. When you approach a bridge on the side trail, you’ll know you’ve arrived. There are rocks along the water’s edge that allow you to climb back up after taking a dip. Even if you don’t want to swim, this is a picturesque place to enjoy Lake Crescent.

8. Get on the Water

The best way to experience Lake Crescent to the fullest is to get on the water. There are a variety of options for every adventurer. From swimming holes to kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing, the lake has a lot to offer.

Swimming in Lake Crescent

There are a couple of spots along Lake Crescent that allow swimming. The easiest swim spots to access are the boat ramp next to Fairholme Campground, East Beach Picnic Area, and Lake Crescent Lodge. If you are looking for a hike-to swim spot, you might want to check out Devil’s Punchbowl on the Spruce Railroad Trail.

Watercraft Rentals and Boat Launches

• Lake Crescent Lodge offers row boats, paddle boards, kayaks, and canoes for rent. You can choose between a half-day or full-day row. This is a great option if you are hiking the nearby trails or are staying at the lodge.
• Fairholme Store has kayak rentals. It is located half a mile from Fairholme Campground, right on Highway 101, making it easily accessible for anyone visiting the area.
• There are two boat ramps on Lake Crescent if you want to bring your own watercraft. The Lake Crescent Pier is located in the same parking lot as the Storm King Ranger Station. The other main boat ramp is next to the Fairholme Campground. There are some restrictions on the type of boat you can bring and the speed limit, so check in with a ranger before heading out.

Fishing in Lake Crescent

Fishing in Lake Crescent is allowed from June 1st to October 31st; however, it is catch and release only. There are some rules you need to follow to fish in the lake, so I recommend talking to a ranger before heading out with your gear.

INTERESTING FACT: Lake Crescent is home to the Beardslee and Crescenti Trout that are not found anywhere else in the world.

Where to Stay

• Fairholme Campground: This campground is located on the western side of Lake Crescent. It is operated by the National Park, so you will need a National Parks Pass to stay here. Fairholme Campground opens May-September. Reservations are required for most of the year. There are 88 campsites, with some being hike-in camping. This site offers flush toilets, potable water, and a dump station, which is ~$10. There is a trail in the campground that takes you along Lake Crescent, which makes for a beautiful sunset walk.
• Lake Crescent Lodge (book here): Located by the Storm King Ranger Station. This historic lodge offers cabins, cottages, and lodge rooms for rent. Many of the accommodations have lake views. They are open year-round, with weekend-only availability from January through April.
• Log Cabin Resort: This resort has a lot to offer for overnight stays. They have chalets, lodge rooms, and cabins for rent. As well as an RV park with full hook-ups and some tent sites. They are only open seasonally, mid-May through late September.
• Bear Creek Campground: If you are unable to secure a site at the Fairholme Campground, or if you want more of a rustic experience, Bear Creek Campground is an option. This is a first-come, first-served campground open year-round. There are 16 sites, most of which are fairly small, but a few can accommodate larger RVs. There are two vault toilets, fire pits, and picnic tables. This site is run by DNR, so you will need a Discover Pass to stay, but there are no additional fees.

Where to Eat

As with many places in Olympic National Park, Lake Crescent is limited in restaurant options. It’s always recommended to bring your own food and supplies before heading to the lake. The nearest full grocery store is in Port Angeles. There are a couple of choices, though, if you are looking for a bite to eat.

• Lake Crescent Lodge Dining Room: Offering three meals a day with a variety of options at a fair price point, Lake Crescent Lodge is a great place to take in the lake views while enjoying a bite to eat. While breakfast and lunch are a bit calm in the dining room, business really picks up for dinner. Reservations are recommended for your evening meal.
• Sunnyside Cafe at the Log Cabin Resort: The Sunnyside Cafe offers three meals a day, with plenty of options to choose from. The breakfast menu has all of the classics like egg plates, French toast, and yogurt. For lunch and dinner, they are serving up salads, sandwiches, and pizza. They also have a deli stocked with grab-and-go items.
• Fairholme Store: If you want to pick up a quick bite to eat, Fairholme Store does offer sandwiches, soft-serve ice cream, and a variety of snacks to pick up.

You can read more about some great places to eat when visiting Olympic National Park in our article Where to Eat In and Around Olympic National Park.

Know Before You Go

• Cell service is limited in parts of Lake Crescent. I always recommend downloading offline maps of the area and picking up a physical map at a Ranger Station or Visitor Center.
• Lake Crescent is a wildlife habitat, with bears, deer, and elk that roam through the forests. Always be aware of your surroundings and admire these critters from a safe distance.
• Swimming in Lake Crescent can be dangerous because of the water temperature. Know your limits, and always swim with a buddy or in populated areas.

If you are looking for a crystal clear lake to hang out at, breathtaking hikes, and a dramatic wilderness backdrop, Lake Crescent is a great place to add to your Olympic National Park itinerary.

What Else Do I Need to Know?

Most travelers want to visit the most popular sites and still avoid the crowds. We created a step-by-step itinerary so you can visit the best places at the right times.