Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Denmark
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Finland
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Poland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
the Czech Republic
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
Canada
Mexico
the Dominican Republic
South Africa
Australia
Fiji
New Zealand
Papua New Guinea
Lake · Port Angeles, Washington State
Lake Crescent
A very clear-water lake in a valley carved by glaciers, about 30 km west of Port Angeles in Olympic National Park. It has forested shores, the trail to Marymere Falls and an old railroad turned into a trail.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Lake Crescent
Lake Crescent occupies a deep valley carved by the glaciers of the last ice age in the northern Olympic Peninsula. About 8,000 years ago a large landslide separated this lake from its neighbor, Lake Sutherland. With a maximum measured depth of roughly 190 meters, it is among the deepest lakes in the state.
The water is very clear and blue because it has few nutrients, which limits algae growth. A trout species found only here, the Beardslee, has been isolated for thousands of years. US 101 runs along the south shore, with several pullouts to view the water and surrounding mountains.
On the south shore, near the Storm King information center, the Marymere Falls trail begins — about 1.5 km each way through cedars and firs to a roughly 27-meter waterfall. On the north shore, the Spruce Railroad Trail follows the bed of an old logging railroad, with an old tunnel and Devil's Punch Bowl cove, popular for swimming in summer.
You can paddle on the lake by kayak, canoe, or paddleboard. The water is cold year-round, even on hot summer days.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From two hours, to cover the pullouts and the waterfall trail, up to a full day if you include paddling and the Spruce Railroad Trail.
Best time
June through September for hiking and paddling. Windless mornings often leave the lake mirror-calm. In winter the low trails remain open, but there is more rain.
How to get there
On US 101, about 30 km west of Port Angeles — roughly a 30-minute drive. The Marymere Falls trail starts from the Storm King area on the south shore; the Spruce Railroad Trail begins at the lake’s east or west end.
Tip
Do the Marymere Falls trail in the morning and save the afternoon for paddling or walking the Spruce Railroad Trail. On Highway 101 the shoreline curves are narrow: use the designated pullouts.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Lake Crescent
Where is Lake Crescent?
In the northern part of Olympic National Park, about 30 km west of Port Angeles on US 101.
Can you swim in Lake Crescent?
Yes, in areas such as Devil's Punch Bowl cove, but the water is cold year-round, even in summer.
What is the easiest trail at Lake Crescent?
The Marymere Falls trail, about 1.5 km each way through the forest, starting from the Storm King area.