Lake cabins in Lake Crescent

Washington’s Lake Crescent owes its existence to a massive earthquake that rocked the Olympic Mountains several thousand years ago. The resulting landslide dammed a river, causing a valley to flood and create this 12-mile-long, crescent-shaped lake. Now part of the Olympic National Park, Lake Crescent is known for its startlingly clear waters (a result of low nitrogen and algae levels) surrounded by old-growth forest. While the landscape feels remote and almost prehistoric, it’s welcoming to travelers of all levels of ruggedness. You’ll find plenty of outfitters to help get you out on the water along with well-tended trails that climb from the shore into the misty Pacific Northwest wilderness.

Lake Crescent borders parts of Olympic National Park considered a rainforest, but it sees notably less rainfall. The weather remains temperate and cloudy through spring, with highs in the upper 60s Fahrenheit in May. The heat steadily climbs into the mid-70s through August, and July through September are generally sunny. Fall cools off to the 40s and 50s and brings spectacular foliage. In winter, lots of rain and average temperatures in the 40s keep all but intrepid travelers away. Whatever time of year you choose to go, pack good hiking shoes, layers for cooler spells during the day, and a wetsuit (or plan to rent one there — the water is chilly year-round).

Boating and Swimming at Lake Crescent

The earlier in the day you can get on the lake, the better. Wind tends to pick up in the afternoon. You can rent kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards (or sign up for group excursions) at several spots around the lake. Motorized boats are allowed, but to preserve calm waters they’re not permitted to go faster than five miles an hour. If you’re tempted to dive into the lake, head to Fairholme or East Beaches, where swimming is allowed.

Marymere Falls

On the lake’s south side, you’ll find the area’s other notable water feature: this 90-foot-tall waterfall, which rushes down from a groove in a cliff. Starting from the Storm King Ranger Station, you can reach viewing platforms by the waterfall via a 0.7-mile-long trail that is shaded by fir and cedar trees.

Spruce Railroad Trail

To experience Lake Crescent from a different vantage point, lace up your hiking boots. This densely forested trail tracks closely to the shore and then ascends above it at a moderate grade. It’s four miles long (eight miles there and back), though if you’re entering from the trailhead on North Shore Road, you only need to hike one mile in to reach the trail’s best vista—a bridge over a part of the lake known as the Devil’s Punchbowl.