Crescent Lake
A breathtaking glacial lake in Olympic National Park, known for its impossibly blue waters and serene, old-growth forest surroundings.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Calm waters, fewer crowds
Crescent Lake
Best Time
Calm waters, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking glacial lake in Olympic National Park, known for its impossibly blue waters and serene, old-growth forest surroundings.
"The lake's deep blue waters and surrounding greenery create a peaceful escape, perfect for relaxation and photography."
🚗 Drive the Scenic Route
Enjoy the breathtaking views along Highway 101 as you approach the lake.
🥾 Hike to Marymere Falls
A must-do short hike for stunning waterfall views.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Deep Blue Waters
Crescent Lake
Experience the mesmerizing, almost impossibly blue hue of this glacial lake, a true PNW marvel.
Devil's Punchbowl
Western end of Crescent Lake
A unique, deep plunge pool known for its swirling currents and intriguing local lore.
Marymere Falls Trail
Near Lake Crescent Lodge
A short, accessible hike through mossy forests leading to a beautiful, cascading waterfall.
Nature Bridge
East end of Crescent Lake
An iconic stone bridge offering picturesque views and a perfect photo opportunity.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the PNW Vibe
Respect the Lake's Depths
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive the Scenic Route
Enjoy the breathtaking views along Highway 101 as you approach the lake. +1
🥾 Hike to Marymere Falls
A must-do short hike for stunning waterfall views.
🏊♀️ Take a Dip (if brave!)
The water is famously cold, but refreshing on a warm day!
📸 Capture the Blue
The lake's unique color is incredible for photos, especially with the surrounding mountains.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive the Scenic Route
Enjoy the breathtaking views along Highway 101 as you approach the lake. +1
🥾 Hike to Marymere Falls
A must-do short hike for stunning waterfall views.
🏊♀️ Take a Dip (if brave!)
The water is famously cold, but refreshing on a warm day!
📸 Capture the Blue
The lake's unique color is incredible for photos, especially with the surrounding mountains.
🏕️ Book Lodging Early
Lake Crescent lodging and campgrounds fill up fast, especially in summer.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Crescent Lake is lauded for its stunning, deep blue waters and serene natural beauty, offering a peaceful escape. Visitors appreciate the scenic drives, accessible hiking trails like Marymere Falls, and the unique historical aspects of the lake. However, some reviews mention pollution and litter detracting from the pristine environment, and overcrowding during holidays can diminish the tranquil experience.
"Crescent Lake is a calm and scenic spot, perfect for relaxation and light outdoor activities. The lake is surrounded by greenery, which makes it a peaceful escape from the noise of busy city life. Visitors often enjoy walking, or just sitting by the water to take in the fresh air.
The atmosphere is clean and refreshing, especially People near the lake doing exercises and jogging in in the morning. It’s also a good place for photography and spending quiet time with friends or family. However, different types of street food improved your experience better.
The place becomes overcrowded on Fridays and other holidays."
Md. Moynul Islam
"A calm & cool place to hangout after the sunset. Lake, green & spectacular night view of the Jatiya Sangsad (National Parliament Building). It's always secure & safe. U will get hawkers selling tea & peanuts. The road closed at 11 PM.
The photo was taken on 17 Aug 2021."
Ridam Paul
"Wonderful place to spend your very memorable afternoon here. Nice place to bring kids and for any recreational party or meetings also."
Utpal Chandra Das
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Crescent Lake is located in Olympic National Park, Washington. The most common way to access it is by driving along Highway 101, which runs along the southern shore of the lake. It's about a 1-hour drive west of Port Angeles. +1 There is no public transportation directly to the lake, so a car is essential for exploring the area.
Yes, Highway 101 provides scenic driving access along the southern edge of Crescent Lake, offering numerous pull-offs for stunning views. +1
A car is highly recommended for exploring Crescent Lake and the surrounding Olympic National Park. This allows you to easily visit trailheads, viewpoints, and lodges.
The closest major airports are Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and William R. Fairchild International Airport (CLM) in Port Angeles. From there, you'll need to rent a car to drive to Crescent Lake.
Currently, there are no dedicated shuttle services directly to Crescent Lake. Visitors typically rely on personal vehicles or rental cars for access.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, Crescent Lake is within Olympic National Park, so an Olympic National Park entrance pass is required. You can purchase passes at park entrance stations or online.
Crescent Lake itself is a natural attraction and is accessible year-round. However, visitor centers and facilities within Olympic National Park have specific operating hours, which can vary seasonally.
While park entry requires a pass, specific activities like camping or boat rentals may have additional fees. Check with the National Park Service or concessionaires for details.
It is highly recommended to book accommodations, including The Lodge at Lake Crescent and nearby campgrounds, well in advance, especially during peak season, as they tend to fill up quickly.
No, hiking to Marymere Falls is free once you have paid the Olympic National Park entrance fee.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Popular activities include swimming (though the water is very cold!), kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking to Marymere Falls, and enjoying the scenic viewpoints like Nature Bridge. +1 The lake's unique history and preserved artifacts also add to its intrigue.
+1
Yes, swimming is allowed, but be prepared for very cold water temperatures year-round due to its glacial origins.
Absolutely! The Marymere Falls trail is a popular, easy hike. More challenging trails are also available in the surrounding Olympic National Park.
Yes, boating and paddleboarding are popular activities. You can rent equipment at some lodges or bring your own.
The 'Lady of the Lake' refers to Hallie Illingworth, whose body was discovered perfectly preserved in Crescent Lake in the 1940s due to the lake's unique chemical makeup. Her story is a tragic reminder of domestic violence.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Lodge at Lake Crescent offers dining options. Otherwise, options are limited, so packing a picnic or planning meals in nearby towns like Port Angeles is advisable.
The Lodge typically offers American cuisine with a focus on local ingredients, often with beautiful lake views.
The nearest full-service grocery stores are in Port Angeles. It's best to stock up on supplies before heading to the lake.
Yes, there are designated picnic areas, and bringing your own food is a great way to enjoy the scenery.
Casual dining options are scarce directly at the lake. It's advisable to plan your meals in advance or bring your own food.
📸 📸 Photography
Nature Bridge, pull-offs along Highway 101, and the shores near Lake Crescent Lodge offer stunning photographic opportunities. The deep blue water and surrounding mountains are incredibly photogenic. +1
Sunrise and sunset offer beautiful, soft light. Midday can be harsh, but the lake's vibrant blue is striking at any time.
Drone usage is restricted in National Parks. Always check the latest National Park Service regulations regarding drone operation before flying.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive lake and mountain views. A polarizing filter can enhance the blue of the water.
The preserved artifacts from past accidents, the unique color of the water, and the dramatic mountain scenery offer unique photographic opportunities. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚗 Road Trippers
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unsettling History of Crescent Lake
These discoveries highlight the lake's unusual properties and have contributed to its mystique. While these stories are fascinating, they also serve as somber reminders of real-life tragedies. Visitors often feel a sense of awe mixed with a touch of melancholy when learning about the lake's past. It's a place where natural beauty meets a compelling, albeit dark, history.
When visiting, remember that these are not just ghost stories but reflections of real events. The lake's depth and clarity are a testament to its unique ecosystem, but also a silent keeper of secrets. Respect the natural environment and the history it holds.
Activities and Recreation at Crescent Lake
Hiking is another major draw. The short, accessible trail to Marymere Falls is a must-do, leading you through a lush, moss-draped forest to a beautiful cascade.
While the lake is known for its beauty, it's also a place to relax and soak in the peaceful PNW atmosphere. Whether you're seeking adventure or tranquility, Crescent Lake provides a memorable experience. Remember to check for any seasonal closures or advisories from the National Park Service.
Lodging and Accommodation Options
For those who prefer camping, several campgrounds are located around the lake, such as Fairholme Campground and Sol Duc Campground (though Sol Duc is a bit further inland). These offer a more immersive nature experience. Reservations are often required, particularly for the more popular sites.
Beyond the park, you can find hotels and vacation rentals in nearby towns like Port Angeles, which is about an hour's drive away. These options might offer more amenities or availability if lakefront lodging is booked. Consider searching for 'Lake Crescent lodging' or 'crescent lake accommodations' to explore all possibilities.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit