Lake Crescent
Lake Crescent is a natural gem of Washington state, offering visitors a unique blend of scenic beauty, outdoor activities, and rich history. It is the second-deepest lake in Washington, reaching depths of up to 624 feet in its southern basin, surpassed only by Lake Chelan. Visitors to Lake Crescent can enjoy a scenic picnic by the lake's edge or explore the area's myriad attractions.
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Permits available via NPS.gov.
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Permits are available via NPS.gov.
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Stay at the historic Lake Crescent Lodge.
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Dine and drink while watching the lake at the iconic Lake Crescent Lodge restaurant and bar.
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Dogs are allowed on-leash in parking lots and campgrounds.
Geological Origin
The lake owes its existence to the formidable forces of nature. Around 14,000 years ago, the Juan de Fuca lobe of the Cordilleran ice sheet covered the northern Olympic Peninsula, shaping numerous valleys and lakes, including Lake Crescent. The ice sheet exploited two faults, the Lake Creek–Boundary Creek fault and the Barnes Creek fault, that strike east–west directly through the lake, carving out a deep basin in the process.
Moreover, the lake's clear waters owe their transparency to its ultra-oligotrophic status. This term indicates that the lake has very few nutrients to support algae or other typical lake-dwelling organisms, allowing the waters to remain clear up to depths of more than 70 feet.
Unique Aquatic Life
Lake Crescent is home to two unique species of trout - the Beardslee trout and the Crescenti trout. These species are found nowhere else in the world. These unique trout species came into existence due to a landslide around 7,000 years ago that cut off Lake Crescent from Lake Sutherland. This event led to the genetic isolation and subsequent evolution of the distinct trout species.
Historical Legacy
The lake's history is steeped in Native American folklore and significant moments in U.S. history. Local Native American legends suggest that the lake was formed by a cannibal giant named Seatco, who ended a battle between the S’Klallam and Quileute tribes by burying them in a landslide.
In the early 20th century, the lake became a popular destination for fishing and recreation, drawing notable visitors like Rear Admiral Leslie A. Beardslee of the U.S. Navy's Pacific Squadron, who famously caught 350 trout in one day at Lake Crescent.
Recreational Activities
Lake Crescent offers a plethora of recreational activities for visitors of all ages. You can rent a rowboat and explore the lake's placid waters or take a hike along one of the many trails that meander through the surrounding forests and mountains. The Marymere Falls trail and the Spruce Railroad trail are particularly popular among hikers.
Camp
Camping permits are available via NPS.gov.
On the west end of Lake Crescent, the Fairholme Campground offers 87 campsites, one which is wheelchair accessible.
Log Cabin Resort also offers a variety of campsites next to Lake Crescent including full hook-up RV sites and group tent camping.
Preservation Efforts
Preservation of Lake Crescent's natural beauty and historical landmarks is a joint effort involving local communities, the Washington State Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation, and the National Park Service. In particular, the restoration of Rosemary Inn, an early 20th century resort, stands as a testament to these preservation efforts.
Accommodation Options
Visitors looking for overnight accommodation have several options. The Fairholme campground, located on the west end of the lake, offers 87 campsites, with one wheelchair-accessible site. For a more comfortable stay, visitors can opt for Lake Crescent Lodge or the Log Cabin Resort, both located near the lake.
The historic Lake Crescent Lodge on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula was built in 1915 and is a great basecamp for adventuring aroud Olympic National Park.
The lodge overlooks the ever-stunning Lake Crescent and offers an in-house bar and restaurant.
Nearby Attractions
Lake Crescent is an excellent starting point for exploring the Olympic Peninsula. Within a 30-minute drive, you can reach the Elwha and Sol Duc areas and trails. The Hoh Rain Forest and the coast are approximately an hour's drive away.
Food and Drink
Lake Crescent Lodge restaurant and its Singer Tavern Lounge offer both lakefront dining as well as a cozy lodge area.
The dining room offers seasonal breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily.
Fun Facts
Lake Crescent has witnessed several significant moments in history. U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt visited the lake in 1937 to view the proposed Olympic National Park. The park was officially established the following year.
