Lake Crescent - lovely lodge on the lake

Lake Crescent

Lake Crescent is a picturesque lake located in the Olympic National Park in WA.  To get to Lake Crescent, take the Seattle to Bainbridge Island Ferry then drive north-west for 1.5 hours to connect with Highway 101.  Take the exit to Lake Crescent Lodge just off Highway 101 on Lake Crescent Road.

Lake Crescent Lodge

Charming Lake Crescent Lodge was built in 1916, and has sweeping lake views.  Stop for a drink or coffee in the main hall, or sit in the adjacent sun porch for best views of the lake and surrounding mountains.  This historic lodge on the lake also includes a fine-dining restaurant.  On warmer days, visitors can rent a kayak on Lake Crescent, or simply enjoy a glass of wine on the beach while relaxing in a deck chair (please note the lodge is closed during winter).

The pier is a popular place for swimming, and is a great vantage point to observe the unusually clear depths of this lake.  The lack of nitrogen in the water inhibits the growth of algae, contributing to the pristine water quality of the lake.  Lake Crescent is as deep as 624-feet in some sections.

Marymere Falls

Take some different hikes around Lake Crescent:

• The 1.5-mile roundtrip to Marymere Falls leaves from the nearby Storm King Ranger Station, through old growth forest to 90-foot falls. 
• The 0.8-mile Moments in Time Trailhead is also accessible from the Storm King Ranger Station, or Lake Crescent Lodge.  It's a leisurely walk through woods and along the shoreline.
• The 5-mile Spruce Railroad Trail is also popular, and travels along the north shore of Lake Crescent.

Accommodation at Lake Crescent Lodge, or Log Cabin Resort

• Lake Crescent Lodge - There are a range of lodging choices at Lake Crescent Lodge, including the popular Roosevelt Fireplace Cottages listed on the National Register for Historic Places.  The Lodge is closed late October through early May, but Fireplace Cottages are still available on the weekends.
• Log Cabin Resort - Another accommodation option is the Log Cabin Resort on East Beach Road, with chalets, cabins and RV sites.  

Fairholme Campground

The Olympic National Park’s Fairholme Campground is located at the West End of Lake Crescent.  This is also a nice place for a picnic.

Nearby things to do at Lake Crescent

• Hurricane Ridge 35 miles southeast
• Olympic Game Farm  36 miles east
• Dungeness Spit - Sequim  37 miles east
• Port Townsend   67 miles east
• Fort Worden  68 miles east
• Port Gamble 74 miles east

Combine a visit to Lake Crescent with a driving tour of the Olympic National Park.

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