Lake Crescent Tours and Activities

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


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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Best Lodging Options Near Lake Crescent

Olympic NP Lakefront House-Hot Tub+Dogs Welcome!

Olympic NP Lakefront House-Hot Tub+Dogs Welcome!

Port Angeles
Olympic NP Lakefront House-Hot Tub+Dogs Welcome!
Lake Crescent Lodge

Lake Crescent Lodge

2.5 out of 5
Lake Crescent Road, 416, Port Angeles, WA
Lake Crescent Lodge
Peaceful lake house nestled in the Olympics on beautiful Lake Sutherland

Peaceful lake house nestled in the Olympics on beautiful Lake Sutherland

Port Angeles
Peaceful lake house nestled in the Olympics on beautiful Lake Sutherland
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
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
Lake Sutherland Retreat on the sunny side of the lake!
Dreamlike Lakefront Cabin on Lake Sutherland

Dreamlike Lakefront Cabin on Lake Sutherland

Port Angeles
Dreamlike Lakefront Cabin on Lake Sutherland
Rustic Lakefront Cabin with Bonus 'Tree House' - A Place to Unwind

Rustic Lakefront Cabin with Bonus 'Tree House' - A Place to Unwind

Port Angeles
Rustic Lakefront Cabin with Bonus 'Tree House' - A Place to Unwind
Sunny Lake Sutherland Gateway to Olympic National Park

Sunny Lake Sutherland Gateway to Olympic National Park

Port Angeles
Sunny Lake Sutherland Gateway to Olympic National Park
Rustic Waterfront Cabin Retreat on Scenic Lake Sutherland

Rustic Waterfront Cabin Retreat on Scenic Lake Sutherland

Port Angeles
Rustic Waterfront Cabin Retreat on Scenic Lake Sutherland
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

At Lake Crescent, visitors can enjoy a range of activities including camping and picturesque sunsets. The area features a lovely picnic area for relaxation, serene spots to unwind, and informative visitor centres. For those seeking adventure, water activities and scenic bike rides provide opportunities to explore the stunning surroundings and appreciate the beauty of this enchanting location in Port Angeles, Washington.

Recreation

Salt Creek Recreation Area offers tranquil surroundings with scenic views, perfect for relaxation and mindfulness. For family fun, visit Port Angeles Dream Playground, where outdoor adventures await. If you're looking for sport, the Peninsula Golf Club provides a welcoming atmosphere for golfers, surrounded by beautiful landscapes.

Adventure

At Barnes Creek Trailhead, located 3.2km from Lake Crescent, enjoy a scenic hike surrounded by lush forests and stunning vistas. Happy Lake Ridge, 11.3km away, offers breathtaking views and a challenging trail. Similarly, the Pyramid Peak Trailhead, also 11.3km from the lake, presents an exhilarating adventure for outdoor enthusiasts.

Nightlife

At Lake Crescent, the Elwa River Casino, located 17.7km away, offers a vibrant mix of romance and city vibes. Enjoy thrilling games and lively entertainment in a welcoming atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for an exciting night out.

Find the best attractions near Lake Crescent

Lake Crescent, nestled in Port Angeles, Washington, offers a serene escape with its stunning lake, inviting beaches, and rejuvenating hot springs. Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking wellness and romance, visitors can explore nearby attractions and enjoy reviews highlighting the area's natural beauty. Whether you're relaxing by the lake or indulging in the local attractions, Lake Crescent promises a memorable experience for all travelers.

  • Lake Sutherland: A picturesque lake located 4.8km from Lake Crescent, Lake Sutherland offers a romantic atmosphere with stunning scenery. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as kayaking and picnicking on its sandy beaches, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and recreation.
  • Storm King Ranger Station: Situated 3.2km away from Lake Crescent, this historic site immerses you in the region's rich culture. The station offers educational programs and scenic trails, allowing you to connect with the natural beauty and heritage of the Olympic National Park.
  • Marymere Falls: A breathtaking waterfall located 3.2km from Lake Crescent, Marymere Falls is an adventure seeker’s delight. The short hike to the falls is surrounded by lush greenery, and the romantic setting makes it ideal for photography and nature appreciation.

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. The coolest average temperature around Lake Crescent falls in December, visitor numbers are low and weather is mostly cloudy with moderate rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
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 CloudyAverageAverage
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 CloudyLowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Lake Crescent

Visiting Lake Crescent on a budget is quite feasible with several money-saving tips. Enjoy free access to the stunning Lake Crescent and nearby attractions like Lake Sutherland and Olympic Hot Springs. For the best accommodation deals, consider visiting between December and February, when prices are lower. Use Expedia to compare hotel rates, find eco-friendly options, and combine bookings for savings. Additionally, aim for mid-week stays, as Wednesdays are generally cheaper than weekends. Remember to search for free cancellation options to maintain flexibility in your travel plans.

  • 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 Wednesday. 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, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you find the most affordable hotels first. Furthermore, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type—selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly accommodations that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your Lake Crescent hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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Explore a world of travel with Expedia