Lake Crescent Hiking Guide: Best Trails & Tips

Lake Crescent is stunning and definitely not something you want to miss during your trip to Olympic. There are multiple trails around Lake Crescent, varying in length and difficult. I recommend doing a few of them if you have time because they all give you different prescriptive of this stunning lake.

Lake Crescent Location

Lake Crescent is located about 18 miles west of Port Angeles, making it an easy drive for those visiting the area. Highway 101 runs alongside the southern shoreline of the lake for around 10 miles, offering stunning views as you travel. Along this the route, you’ll find several pull-offs where you can stop for pictures or to stretch your legs.

Things to Know about Lake Crescent

• Lake Crescent is a up to 600 feet deep in some places with a visibility of up to 60 feet!
• The lake is so clear thanks to the limited level of nitrogen in the lake. This means very little algae or phytoplankton can grow in the water, keeping it clear.
• The water often appears blueish green because of its clarity and the light reflecting off of it.
• You can swim/paddle/boat on the lake. If you choose to swim do so with caution as it is extremely cold and the water temperature is usually in the low 40s.

Lake Crescent Trails

Lake Crescent is home to some of the most scenic hiking trails in Olympic National Park. The trails below range from easy walks to more challenging hikes. Whether you are looking for a short hike or a longer adventure, these trails are perfect to add to your Olympic National Park itinerary.

Moments in Time Nature

• Distances: 0.6 mile loop
• Elevation Gain: none

This quick and easy trail starts at the Lake Crescent Lodge. The loop winds through a lush, moss-covered old-growth forest, with interpretive signs along the way that highlight the area’s natural and cultural history. You’ll catch glimpses of Lake Crescent and its surrounding mountains, making it a peaceful and scenic stop. At just under a mile and mostly flat, it’s an easy addition to the other trails on this list and ideal for a short stroll or a quick nature break.

Devil’s Punchbowl

• Distances: 2.4 miles
• Elevation Gain: Minimal (less than 200 ft)

Devil’s Punchbowl is located on the north shore of Lake Crescent and is known for its incredibly blue water in this spot! The trailhead shares a parking lot with the Spruce Railroad trail and you actually follow the same path for most of the way. This trail is mainly flat and paved, until you branch off to get closer to the lake. After about 1 mile you’ll reach the Spruce Railroad tunnel, follow the trail on the left to continue to Devil’s Punchbowl. After this, the trail is much narrower and the trail has many branches/rocks.

As you approach the bridge, you’ll know you’ve arrived at Devil’s Punchbowl. The trail continues past the bridge, and I’ve read it leads to the other side of the tunnel. However, we chose to retrace our steps back after we spent sometime in this area. This spot is popular for swimming during the summer, but be cautious, the water here is both incredibly cold and very deep. Only consider jumping in if you’re a confident swimmer!

Marymere Falls

• Distances: 1.8 miles
• Elevation Gain: 400 ft

While this trail doesn’t give you any views of the lake, the trailhead is located close to the shoreline so its worth doing when you’re in the area. The trail starts at the Storm King Ranger Station, where there is a large parking lot and bathrooms. Even though their is a large parking area, it can get very busy and will be closed off if there are no more parking spots available.

Follow signs for Marymere Falls into the forest. The trail there is very beautiful and feels like you are in the rain forest. At the beginning of the trail there is a massive mossed covered tree that is worth admiring for a second. The is mostly flat until right at the end, where you’ll gain some elevation to get a different view of the waterfall. Once you finish the trail, head back the way you came, or make a detour to climb Mount Storm King.

Mount Storm King

• Distances: 4.4 miles
• Elevation Gain: 2000 ft

Before I say anything else about Mount Storm King, let me start off by saying this trail is HARD. You’ll gain 1000 ft of elevation per mile and it is not for the weak of heart. The first half a mile follows the same trail as Marymere Falls, at half a mile follow signs to the left uphill towards Mount Storm King. From here the trail follows a series of switchbacks (that seem like they will never end) and is up hill the rest of the way.

Eventually, you’ll reach a clearing on the left where Lake Crescent comes into view. This spot is perfect for taking a break and enjoying a snack to recharge before continuing. From here, it’s not much farther to the end of the maintained trail. Beyond this point, the park no longer maintains the path, so you’ll be hiking at your own risk.

The trail narrows significantly and includes a steep rope section that most hikers use for support. While I can’t personally speak to what this section is like, we decided not to proceed past this point for safety reasons. Instead, we took a moment to enjoy the beautiful views before heading back.

More Ways to Enjoy Lake Crescent

Lake Crescent isn’t just about hiking—there’s plenty to see and do around the lake!

Rent a Kayak/Paddle Board

Kayaks, paddle board, and canoes can be rent either at the Lake Crescent Lodge, or the Log Cabin Resort. Both rentals are available in the summer – fall months. Check their websites or call the lodges for availability. You can rent for a half day for $45 or a whole day for $60.

If you have time, I definitely recommend renting a kayak on the lake. Its incredible peaceful and gives you a different preceptive of the lake.

Jump in the Lake

There are a few docks around the lake where you can jump in. If it’s a warm day it’s such a fun experience! A few options include in front of the Lake Crescent Lodge, the Lake Crescent Pier (right by the Mount Storm King Ranger Station), or by the Lake Crescent Lodge.

After hiking Mount Storm King, we jumped off the Lake Crescent Pier, and it was honestly just what our bodies needed! The first time you jump in, it definitely takes your breathe away, but once you get used to it, it’s very refreshing! There’s a bathroom not too far away, making it easy to get changed after your swim. If you have water shoes, I definitely recommend wearing them, as the lake bottom is rocky and there are lots of tree branches in the water.

Watch the Sunset at Lake Crescent

The shoreline next to the Lake Crescent Lodge is the perfect spot to watch the sunset. If you want to make it extra special, grab some takeout and have a picnic while the sunsets. It’s the perfect way to end a day in the park.

Lake Crescent Trails

Whether you’re looking for a short, easy stroll or a longer, more challenging hike, Lake Crescent has something for everyone. Each trail offers a unique perspective of the lake’s beauty, from its crystal-clear waters to the surrounding old-growth forests. If your schedule allows, try to explore a few trails—you’ll walk away with a deeper appreciation for this stunning corner of Olympic National Park.