Lake Crescent

Washington Coast showing landscape views and a house
Olympic National Park showing landscape views, forest scenes and mountains
Olympic National Park which includes tranquil scenes, mountains and forests
Washington featuring boating, a lake or waterhole and landscape views
Olympic National Park featuring a lake or waterhole and forest scenes


With brilliant blue waters for boating, alpine scenery and abundant hiking trails, this glacial lake is the perfect wilderness escape.

With its sparkling blue water and pine-clad hillsides, Lake Crescent is one of Olympic National Park’s most popular scenic destinations. Breathe in the fresh air, walk among the pines and toast marshmallows by the campfire. You’ll find plenty of serenity in this pristine wilderness area.

Lake Crescent is a deepwater, glacially carved lake that plummets to an official maximum depth of 624 feet (190 meters), though some depth measurements put it far deeper than this. Either way, the depth and elevation mean the water remains cold year-round, so boating is the preferred water pastime.

Rent a rowboat from Lake Crescent Lodge and set off from one of the boat launches located at either end of the lake. Glide over the water and marvel at its clarity and the reflections in its mirror-like surface.

Once you’re back on dry land, explore the surrounding area on foot. Choose one of several different day hikes around Lake Crescent. These range from a short 0.6-mile (1-kilometer) loop with no elevation gain, to a more challenging one-way 7.5-mile (12-kilometer) hike that has an elevation gain of 4,200 feet (1,280 meters).

Set off on the 0.8-mile (1.3-kilometer) trail from the Storm King Visitor Center to Marymere Falls for a relatively easy hike. Walk through the old-growth forest until you reach the cascading falls, which are 90 feet (27 meters) high. The falls are accessible to disabled persons, with some assistance.

There is much to see at Lake Crescent. If you want to cover several of the nearby trails, you’ll need to stay for a few days. Camp at the Fairholme Campground at the western end of the lake. During summer, accommodation is also available at Lake Crescent Lodge or the Log Cabin Resort.

Lake Crescent is about 18 miles (29 kilometers) west of Port Angeles. The Olympic Peninsula’s scenic highway passes right by the lake, giving easy access.

Plan a trip to see Lake Crescent

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Lake Crescent Lodge

Lake Crescent Lodge

2.5 out of 5
Lake Crescent Road, 416, Port Angeles, WA
Lake Crescent Lodge
Adorable lake hideaway with free WiFi, spacious deck, lake views, & shared dock

Adorable lake hideaway with free WiFi, spacious deck, lake views, & shared dock

Port Angeles, WA
Adorable lake hideaway with free WiFi, spacious deck, lake views, & shared dock
Lake Sutherland Retreat on the sunny side of the lake!

Lake Sutherland Retreat on the sunny side of the lake!

Port Angeles, WA
Lake Sutherland Retreat on the sunny side of the lake!
Dreamlike Lakefront Cabin on Lake Sutherland

Dreamlike Lakefront Cabin on Lake Sutherland

Port Angeles, WA
Dreamlike Lakefront Cabin on Lake Sutherland
Rustic Waterfront Cabin Retreat on Scenic Lake Sutherland

Rustic Waterfront Cabin Retreat on Scenic Lake Sutherland

Port Angeles, WA
Rustic Waterfront Cabin Retreat on Scenic Lake Sutherland
Peaceful, Cozy place in the woods. A short distance to everything good outdoors.

Peaceful, Cozy place in the woods. A short distance to everything good outdoors.

Port Angeles, WA
Peaceful, Cozy place in the woods. A short distance to everything good outdoors.
A-Frame Site 5 Shelter w/ Incredible Ocean View

A-Frame Site 5 Shelter w/ Incredible Ocean View

Port Angeles
A-Frame Site 5 Shelter w/ Incredible Ocean View
Forested Cottage in the Woods, near Olympic Park

Forested Cottage in the Woods, near Olympic Park

Port Angeles, WA
Forested Cottage in the Woods, near Olympic Park
A-frame Shelter (T16) Oceanview Olympic Peninsula

A-frame Shelter (T16) Oceanview Olympic Peninsula

Port Angeles
A-frame Shelter (T16) Oceanview Olympic Peninsula
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Lake Crescent

A trip to Lake Crescent offers a variety of enjoyable activities, including camping amidst stunning natural scenery and witnessing breathtaking sunsets that paint the sky in vibrant hues. This idyllic location is perfect for those seeking relaxation or adventure in the great outdoors.

Shopping

At Lake Crescent, enjoy a quaint shopping experience with local gift shops offering unique souvenirs and artisan crafts. If you're up for a drive, visit the Port Angeles Farmer's Market, roughly 11.2km away, for fresh produce, handmade goods, and charming local vendors.

Recreation

At Salt Creek Recreation Area, indulge in tranquil walks surrounded by nature’s beauty, perfect for relaxation. Port Angeles Dream Playground offers family-friendly outdoor fun, while Peninsula Golf Club provides a delightful golfing experience with stunning views, catering to sports enthusiasts in a picturesque setting.

Adventure

The Barnes Creek Trailhead, located 1.2km from Lake Crescent, offers a delightful hiking experience amidst stunning scenery. Happy Lake Ridge, 4.3km away, presents breathtaking views and thrilling trails. Similarly, Pyramid Peak Trailhead, also 4.3km distant, invites adventurers to explore its picturesque landscapes.

Nightlife

Lake Crescent features a serene nightlife atmosphere, perfect for unwinding. The historic Lake Crescent Lodge offers cosy evenings with live music and local brews, while nearby Port Angeles boasts vibrant bars and eateries, ensuring a delightful blend of relaxation and entertainment after sunset.

Find the best attractions near Lake Crescent

Lake Crescent offers a delightful array of attractions, including hot springs, a stunning lake, and picturesque beaches. Ideal for those seeking outdoor adventures, romantic getaways, or a relaxing beach experience, this enchanting destination caters to diverse interests, ensuring visitors enjoy the natural beauty and serenity of the area.

  • Lake Sutherland: Situated a mere 1.9km from Lake Crescent, this picturesque lake offers stunning beach scenery and a romantic atmosphere. It's perfect for outdoor activities such as swimming, kayaking, or simply enjoying a serene picnic by the water.
  • Marymere Falls: Just 1.2km from Lake Crescent, this enchanting waterfall is a hidden gem for adventure seekers. Surrounded by lush greenery, the hike to the falls is both thrilling and romantic, making it a fantastic spot for nature lovers and couples alike.
  • Storm King Ranger Station: Located 1.2km from Lake Crescent, this historic site provides a glimpse into the region's culture and heritage. Explore the visitor centre and learn about the natural wonders of Olympic National Park while embracing the rich history of the area.

Best time to go to Lake Crescent

The best time to visit Lake Crescent can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Lake Crescent falls in August, when visitor numbers are high and weather is sunny with no rain (dry). The coolest average temperature around Lake Crescent falls in December, visitor numbers are low and weather is mostly cloudy with moderate rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January38.7°F (3.7°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February38.1°F (3.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March40.5°F (4.7°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April44.6°F (7.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May51.8°F (11.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighSlightly High
July61.2°F (16.2°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyHighSlightly High
August62.4°F (16.9°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyHighSlightly High
September56.7°F (13.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October49.3°F (9.6°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnyLowAverage
November42.1°F (5.6°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyLowAverage
December37.6°F (3.1°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyLowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Lake Crescent

To save money on your trip to Lake Crescent, consider visiting between December and February when accommodation prices are lower. Tuesdays are the best days for cheaper hotel stays, while Saturdays tend to be more expensive. Use Expedia to compare room rates and filter for eco-friendly hotels. Additionally, look for package deals that combine flights and activities with your hotel stay for extra savings. Exploring the area's natural beauty and engaging in free activities, such as hiking and scenic walks, can also help keep costs down during your visit.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Lake Crescent are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Lake Crescent is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Lake Crescent is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, preferred location, and various other criteria. You can organise your results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to identify the most affordable hotels right away. Additionally, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by booking an Expedia package that combines your hotel stay at Lake Crescent with your flights and activities.