Lake Crescent

Forest in Port Angeles, Washington, United States

Lake Crescent
Aire Volador

About

What It Is

Lake Crescent is a deep, glacially carved freshwater lake located entirely within Olympic National Park in Clallam County, Washington, approximately 17 to 18 miles west of Port Angeles along U.S. Route 101 [1][3]. The lake covers roughly 5,024 acres and sits at an elevation of 584 feet [2]. A massive landslide approximately 7,000 to 8,000 years ago separated it from nearby Lake Sutherland, and the resulting isolation produced two endemic fish subspecies found nowhere else [1][3]. The lake was incorporated into Olympic National Park in 1938 [3].

With a recorded maximum depth of 624 feet, Lake Crescent is the second deepest lake in Washington state, after Lake Chelan [3]. Its waters are exceptionally clear and distinctively blue, a quality attributed to very low nitrogen levels that suppress algae growth [3].

Activities & Experiences

Visitors can hike several trails around the lake, ranging from lowland forest routes to climbs into the surrounding mountains [1]. Popular options include the Barnes Creek trail to Marymere Falls and the Spruce Railroad Trail, which follows the former grade of a logging railroad along the north shore and passes an old railroad tunnel leading to a swimming and diving area known as Devils Punch Bowl [1][3]. Picnic areas with tables are available at Fairholme, Bovee's Meadow, La Poel (seasonal), and the North Shore [1].

On the water, visitors can kayak, canoe, sail, or launch motorboats from boat ramps at both the east and west ends of the lake [1]. Rowboat rentals are available through Lake Crescent Lodge [1]. Fishing for the endemic Beardslee rainbow trout and Crescenti cutthroat trout is also possible, subject to special regulations [2].

Practical Access

The lake is reached via U.S. Route 101, roughly 17 to 18 miles west of Port Angeles [1][3]. Boat launches are located at both ends of the lake [1]. Lodging is available at Lake Crescent Lodge (Barnes Point, Lake Crescent Road) and the Log Cabin Resort (East Beach Road, north of Highway 101), both park concessions generally open from late spring through early fall; reservations are required [1]. The Fairholme campground on the west end offers 87 campsites, including one wheelchair-accessible site [1].

Restrictions

Fishing at Lake Crescent is regulated by the National Park Service, not the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife [2]. Selective gear rules are in effect, and two-pole fishing is not allowed [2]. Shoreline access is described as good, with roads and trails following the lake [2].

What Makes It Distinctive

Lake Crescent holds the distinction of being the second deepest lake in Washington, with water clarity and color that result directly from its unusually low nitrogen content rather than from depth alone [3]. Its geological origin, a prehistoric landslide that cut it off from a neighboring lake, produced two fish subspecies found nowhere else on Earth: the Beardslee trout and the Crescenti cutthroat trout [1][3]. The combination of a historic lodge, diverse trail network, on-water recreation, and a setting inside Olympic National Park makes it one of the more complete single-destination experiences in the Pacific Northwest [1].

Sources

  1. Visiting Lake Crescent - Olympic National Park (U.S. National Park Service)
  2. Lake Crescent | Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife
  3. Lake Crescent

Access & fees

Things to do

Amenities

Best time to visit

Features

Nearby

Good to know

Catalog identifier: AVIA-KHPM-JNA85