Clouds over Lake Crescent
Clear water & old-growth forest

Lake Crescent: shoreline walks, waterfalls & stays

Clear water, forest trails and a lakeside picnic. Spend a half day around Marymere Falls or make the lake the focus of an overnight stay.

Lake Crescent · NPS / C. Bubar
Researched October 2026How we researchAbout partner links
On this page
Choose it forShoreline time and forest walks
Time to allowA short stop to a full lake day
Your basePort Angeles or a lake stay
Pairs well withMarymere Falls
01 · Clear water & old-growth forest

Choose one side of the lake first

Start around Lake Crescent Lodge and Storm King for shoreline time and the Marymere Falls trail. Head to the north shore for the paved Spruce Railroad Trail, with restored tunnels and lake views along the route.

A half day gives you time for a walk and picnic. For a longer ride or paddle, make the lake your main outing and choose the access point for that activity.

02 · Clear water & old-growth forest

Add Marymere Falls for a forest walk

Marymere Falls adds a 1.8-mile round-trip forest walk to your lake visit. The trail begins gently through old-growth woodland, then climbs steps to the waterfall viewpoints. Set aside one to two hours for the walk and stops.

For less climbing, follow the shoreline or the short Moments in Time loop near the lodge. Mount Storm King is a substantially harder hike, suited to a different walking plan.

03 · Clear water & old-growth forest

Decide whether to stay at the lake

Stay at Lake Crescent Lodge for the shoreline outside your door and an evening in the forest. The property has varied accommodation categories and seasonal services. Choose the room and dining arrangements that match your dates.

Stay in Port Angeles for restaurants, ferry access and local tour departures. If you are heading west, place the lake visit between your northern park days and the next overnight near Forks. Our itinerary guide lays out that route.

04 · Clear water & old-growth forest

A picnic, paddle or guided lake day

Shoreline walks and a picnic make an easy lake day. Seasonal rentals add time on the water; reserve or confirm the rental with its operator when a paddle is your main activity.

Without a car, take the half-day guided tour linking Lake Crescent, Marymere Falls and the Elwha Valley. You get a forest-and-lake introduction with the rest of the day free in Port Angeles.

Our shortlist

Wake up in town or by the lake.

Find your room, choose your dates and book on Expedia.

Lake Crescent Lodge · property photo via ExpediaLakefront nights

Lake Crescent Lodge

Wake up on Lake Crescent, walk into the forest and spend the evening beside the water. Choose the historic lodge for a stay centered on the lake.

  • Lakefront setting with restaurant and lounge
  • Marymere Falls and shoreline walks nearby

416 Lake Crescent Road · Inside Olympic National Park

Seasonal main lodge with varied accommodation types. Select the room facilities and dining arrangements for your dates.

View rooms on Expedia
Quality Inn Port Angeles · property photo via ExpediaBreakfast before the park

Quality Inn Port Angeles

Start with breakfast included, park for free and head out for the day. Quality Inn offers a practical downtown-edge base for northern park drives and meals in town.

  • Continental breakfast and self parking included
  • In-room refrigerator and microwave

101 E 2nd Street · Cherry Hill / downtown edge

A downhill walk to the waterfront. For early park starts, match breakfast service to your departure.

View rooms on Expedia

Live rates and room options on Expedia.

Go with a local guide

Make this part of your park day.

Choose your next night

Town comfort or a lakefront evening?

Compare Port Angeles hotels with Lake Crescent Lodge for your lake day.

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Build on this part of the trip

A few more useful ideas.