Lake Crescent is a glacially carved lake in Olympic National Park on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State, United States, located 18 miles west of Port Angeles. This guide covers opening hours, entrance fees, transport, parking, accessibility and practical tips for visiting.
It’s a top stop on half day park tours from Port Angeles.
Quick facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | Open 24 hours daily year-round; facilities operate seasonally |
| Admission | Olympic National Park entrance fee: $30 per vehicle (7 days), $25 per motorcycle, $15 per person (pedestrian/bicycle) |
| Address | Lake Crescent, Olympic National Park, Washington 98363, United States |
| Nearest public transport | No public transport; private vehicle required |
| Time needed | Half day to full day depending on activities |
| Lake depth | 624 feet (190 metres) |
Lake Crescent opening hours
Lake Crescent is accessible 24 hours daily throughout the year. Lake Crescent Lodge operates seasonally from late spring to early autumn (check website for exact dates). Log Cabin Resort operates seasonally from late spring to early autumn. Fairholme Campground is open year-round. The Storm King Ranger Station operates seasonally with limited hours.
Lake Crescent entrance fees
Lake Crescent is within Olympic National Park and requires a park entrance pass. Fees are $30 for a private vehicle (7 consecutive days, covers all occupants), $25 for motorcycles (7 days), and $15 per person for pedestrians or cyclists aged 16 and over (7 days). Children aged 15 and under enter free. An Olympic National Park annual pass costs $55. The America the Beautiful Annual Pass ($80) provides access to all US National Parks for 12 months.
Senior, military and access passes are available at reduced or no cost. Passes can be purchased at entrance stations or online at Recreation.gov before arrival. The park does not accept cash. Opening hours and ticket prices were checked and updated in January 2026.
How to get to Lake Crescent
By car: From Port Angeles (18 miles, 20-30 minutes), take Highway 101 west. Lake Crescent is accessed via Highway 101, which runs along the south shore. Multiple turnouts, picnic areas and trailheads are accessible from the highway. From Seattle (approximately 3 hours via ferry), take the Bainbridge Island ferry from downtown Seattle, then follow Highway 305 to Highway 3 and Highway 104/101 to Lake Crescent.
By tour: Various tour operators in Port Angeles and Seattle offer day trips to Olympic National Park including Lake Crescent, often combined with Hurricane Ridge, Sol Duc Falls, the Hoh Rainforest and other attractions.
Public transport: No public bus or shuttle services operate to Lake Crescent. A private vehicle or organised tour is required.
Parking at Lake Crescent
Free parking is available at multiple locations around Lake Crescent. The Storm King Ranger Station parking area serves Marymere Falls Trail and fills quickly during peak summer months (July-August) between 10am and 3pm.
The Moments in Time Trail parking area near Lake Crescent Lodge provides overflow parking.
East Beach Road and Camp David Junior Road provide parking for the Spruce Railroad Trail (both ends). Fairholme has parking for the campground, boat launch and picnic area. Parking fills on summer weekends; arriving before 10am improves availability.
How long to spend at Lake Crescent
Most visitors spend a half day to full day at Lake Crescent. The Marymere Falls hike takes 1.5-2 hours return. The Spruce Railroad Trail can be walked partially (1-2 hours for Devil’s Punchbowl, 1.2 miles one-way) or fully (4 miles one-way, 3-4 hours return). Swimming, kayaking or relaxing at the lake adds 1-2 hours. Visitors combining multiple trails, lake activities and dining at Lake Crescent Lodge typically spend 4-6 hours. Those staying overnight at the lodge or campground can explore more extensively over multiple days.
Accessibility at Lake Crescent
The Moments in Time Trail near Lake Crescent Lodge is a short accessible loop (0.5 miles) suitable for wheelchairs and strollers, featuring interpretive signs about old-growth forest.
The Spruce Railroad Trail is paved asphalt and wooden bridge (with partial railings) for most of its 4-mile length, though some sections have steep gradients (5% or greater) where wheelchair users may need assistance. Designated accessible parking is available at the East Beach Road trailhead for the Spruce Railroad Trail.
The Marymere Falls Trail is not wheelchair accessible due to uneven forest paths, bridge crossings and steep stairs near the falls. Lake Crescent Lodge has accessible facilities. Accessible toilets are available at major facilities.
What to see at Lake Crescent
Lake Crescent is 12 miles long and 624 feet deep, making it one of Washington’s deepest lakes. The glacially carved lake features pristine, crystal-clear blue water. Two unique fish populations, the Crescenti and Beardslee trout, evolved after a landslide separated Lake Crescent from Lake Sutherland approximately 7,000 years ago. Swimming is possible from beaches at East Beach, Fairholme and other access points. Water temperature remains cold year-round (typically 50-65°F/10-18°C).
Marymere Falls is a 90-foot waterfall accessed via a 1.8-mile return trail from the Storm King Ranger Station. The trail passes through old-growth forest featuring Douglas fir, western red cedar and bigleaf maple trees. Stairs and switchbacks near the falls lead to two viewing platforms. The hike takes approximately 1-1.5 hours return with moderate effort. Mount Storm King Trail branches from the Marymere Falls Trail after 0.5 miles, climbing steeply 2 miles to a viewpoint (2,000 feet elevation gain). The final quarter-mile requires scrambling with rope assistance and is extremely steep with exposure.
The Spruce Railroad Trail follows 4 miles of former railroad grade along the north shore of Lake Crescent. Built during World War I to transport Sitka spruce timber for aircraft construction, the railroad was completed in 1919 after the war ended and operated intermittently until the 1950s. The trail passes through two tunnels (bring torch), crosses bridges, and provides continuous lake views. Devil’s Punchbowl, located 1.2 miles from the East Beach Road trailhead, is a popular swimming spot with cliff jumping (cold water, jump at own risk). The trail is suitable for hiking, cycling and dogs on leads as part of the Olympic Discovery Trail system.
Lake Crescent Lodge, built in 1915, offers dining in a historic setting with lake views. The dining room serves breakfast, lunch and dinner during operating season. Rowboats and kayaks are available for rental from the lodge. A short pier extends into the lake for viewing and photography. Multiple picnic areas around the lake include Fairholme, Bovee’s Meadow, La Poel (seasonal) and North Shore, all with tables.
Boat launches are located at the east end (Log Cabin Resort area) and west end (Fairholme) of the lake. Kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding and sailing are popular activities. Motorised boats are permitted.
Practical tips
| Tip |
|---|
| Arrive at Marymere Falls parking before 10am during summer to secure a space, or use overflow parking at Lake Crescent Lodge and walk to the trailhead. |
| Bring waterproof clothing as Olympic Peninsula weather changes quickly with frequent rain year-round. |
| Water in Lake Crescent is very cold (50-65°F) year-round; consider wetsuits for swimming or bring towels and warm clothing for after. |
| Purchase Olympic National Park entrance passes online at Recreation.gov before arrival to reduce entrance station wait times during peak season. |
| Bring food and water as facilities are limited; the nearest supplies are in Port Angeles (18 miles east). |
| Mobile phone coverage is limited around Lake Crescent; download maps and information before arrival. |
Frequently asked questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is Lake Crescent suitable for children? | Yes. Marymere Falls Trail is suitable for children able to walk 1.8 miles. The Spruce Railroad Trail is mostly flat and family-friendly. Swimming beaches are accessible for all ages. |
| Do you need to book in advance? | No advance booking required for day visits. Olympic National Park passes can be purchased on arrival or online. Camping at Fairholme requires advance reservation at Recreation.gov. |
| Is Lake Crescent open on Sundays? | Yes. The lake and trails are accessible 24 hours daily including Sundays. Seasonal facilities operate daily when open. |
| Can you swim in Lake Crescent? | Yes. Swimming is permitted from beaches and access points around the lake. Water is very cold year-round (50-65°F/10-18°C). |
| Are dogs allowed? | Yes on the Spruce Railroad Trail, as it is part of the Olympic Discovery Trail system. Dogs are not permitted on most other Olympic National Park trails including Marymere Falls. |
| Are there toilets? | Yes. Toilets are located at the Storm King Ranger Station, Lake Crescent Lodge, Fairholme Campground and other facilities around the lake. |
Things to do near Lake Crescent
Sol Duc Falls and Hot Springs (12 miles west of Lake Crescent): 48-foot waterfall accessed via easy 1.6-mile return trail. Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort offers three mineral pools (98-107°F) and freshwater pool. Day-use pool passes $19 adults. Trail free with park pass; hot springs tickets required.
Hurricane Ridge (35 miles from Lake Crescent via Port Angeles): Subalpine meadows at 5,242 feet elevation with panoramic Olympic Mountains views. Hiking trails, visitor centre and winter skiing. Park entrance fee required.
Elwha River area (between Port Angeles and Lake Crescent): Site of largest dam removal project in US history (completed 2014). River overlooks, trails and former Lake Aldwell area showing exposed stumps from century-old logging.
Port Angeles (18 miles east): Gateway city with restaurants, accommodation, supplies, Olympic National Park Visitor Center and ferry service to Victoria, British Columbia.
Hoh Rainforest (approximately 60 miles from Lake Crescent): Temperate rainforest with Hall of Mosses Trail and ancient Sitka spruce trees. One of quietest places in continental United States. Park entrance fee required.
More Washington travel
Other Washington State travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- A practical guide to visiting the Olympic Sculpture Park in Seattle.
- Watch the salmon run at the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks.
- How to get the best view of Seattle from Kerry Park.
- How to see the Fremont Troll in Seattle.
- How to get the best out of a visit to Snoqualmie Falls in Washington.
