Lake Crescent

So much fun and great wildlife viewing. Saw 7 bald eagles and so many deer. Did the Moments in Time walk and it was very nice and accessible. The lake is so tranquil and beautiful. Parking is plentiful and easy to find. Take your binoculars and hiking shoes. There are several docks and two lodging areas on the lake which are amazing. The lake is 30 min from the visitors center in the Olympic National Park.

I took Bus 14 at 7:45 AM from the Port Angeles gateway transit center to get to Lake Crescent. It took roughly half an hour to get to Hwy 101 At O.P.I. which is the stop at which I got down to walk to Lake Crescent. Bus 14 is the one that goes all the way to Forks, and it runs self regular intervals. There was a trail right at the bus stop, and I took it to complete a short hike which was a loop that eventually got me to Lake Crescent. I followed the trail that led to a creek, then continued and eventually went to Marymere falls! I then continued back to go to lake crescent. I loved that the trail goes under the road - that’s so cool! I saw a couple of deer grazing, and they were so cute!!!! I finally got to the lake and dipped my feet in the lake. I saw a photographer with a tripod taking photos of the lake. The day I was there, it was cloudy and drizzling and it did feel like vampires were around (twilight vibes through and through)! The lake was so beautiful - the shades of green and blue in the lake were simply breathtaking! I could spend the entire day just looking at its beauty and walking along the lake.

Lake Crescent is one of the most beautiful places in Olympic National Park with crystal clear turquoise water. Certainly it will leave breathtaking memories in heart for ever. From Port Angeles, drive on 101 West for 20 miles (heading towards Forks). It will take about less than 45 minutes. You may stay at west end of Lake Crescent, at the Fairholme campground. From the west end of Lake Crescent, the Hoh Rain Forest is must to visit and is about an hour drive. RVs can be accommodated. Clean restrooms are available. The lodge is located in a parking lot if you want to stay having dining available with bar and gift shop. Log cabin resort is also an option to stay.In lodge food is available, however having packed food with you is a good decision. Enjoy easier waterfall hike, Marymere Falls or a more challenging hike, Mount Storm King. You’ll find kayaks, paddleboards, and canoes for rent at Lake Crescent Lodge.

Drove past the lake two times while visiting Olympic National Park. Today, the water was so calm, it looked like glass. So beautiful! Several pullouts along the lake. It’s huge so you get many miles to travel alongside it. Would be perfect for paddle boarding or kayaking. There are a couple beaches off of it as well.

Stunning lake created by an ancient glacier and set against the background of Olympic hills and forests 🤩

Great Lake to roam around and piece full environment.

The beauty of Lake Crescent can't be described. You have to see it to appreciate the beauty. Whether you want to take a hiking trail to soak in the view from a vantage point or you wanna take a swimming/boating session, Lake Crescent is the place. The clear turquoise colored water seems like a fairly-tale place. I am definitely going to come here again if I visit Olympic.

When mom and I went in our vacation, we spontaneously found a place to stop along the road here. This was one of the prettiest places we drove through. We found a nice spot on the lake to swim too. Just for a few seconds because it was ice cold!