6 BEST Lake Crescent Hikes in Olympic National Park
Of all the trails in Olympic National Park, the hikes around Lake Crescent are some of the most varied. You’ve got steep mountain summits, mossy forest trails to waterfalls, and easy paths right along the shore.
Whether you want to tackle them all or only have time for one or two, here are our favorite Lake Crescent hikes.
📌 BEFORE YOU GO
- Where: Lake Crescent, about 20 miles west of Port Angeles on Highway 101
- Passes: Lake Crescent is inside Olympic National Park, so bring your park pass or an America the Beautiful Pass
- Dogs: Only allowed on the Spruce Railroad Trail (leashed), not on the other trails here
- Parking: The Storm King lot fills up fast in summer, so arrive early
- Tours: Olympic National Park tours · Best tours in Washington
🏨 Where to stay: Lake Crescent · Port Angeles
1. Mount Storm King (Most Popular Lake Crescent Hike!)
Distance: 5.3 miles
Type of Trail: Out & Back
Difficulty: Hard
Elevation Gain: 2,076 ft
When it comes to Lake Crescent hikes, Mount Storm King is, well, king! It’s one of the toughest hikes in Olympic National Park, climbing straight up from the lake through old-growth forest.
It’s also one of the most rewarding. Up top, you get sweeping views over Lake Crescent and the mountains around it, plus serious bragging rights.
Past the end of the maintained trail, the route to the summit uses fixed ropes on steep, loose rock, and the top is narrow and exposed. Only experienced hikers should go beyond the viewpoint, and it’s fine to turn around there. The view is still great.
👉 Read the full guide: Hiking Mount Storm King
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2. Marymere Falls Trail
Distance: 1.7 miles
Type of Trail: Out & Back
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 298 ft
On the other end of the spectrum, the Marymere Falls Trail is one of the most relaxed Lake Crescent hikes. It winds through old-growth forest to a tall, wispy waterfall, and it’s some of the best bang for your buck in the park.
It’s right off Highway 101, so it gets busy. Arrive early to beat the crowds.
You can easily pair this one with Mount Storm King, since they share a trailhead. Finish Storm King, then keep going to Marymere Falls. That’s what we did, and it made for an awesome day of hiking!
🏨 Where to stay nearby: Lake Crescent
👉 Read the full guide: Marymere Falls Trail | Lake Crescent
3. Devil’s Punchbowl via Spruce Railroad Trail
Distance: 2.4 miles
Type of Trail: Out & Back
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 144 ft
More of a stroll than a true hike, Devil’s Punchbowl via the Spruce Railroad Trail is great for all ages. The Spruce Railroad Trail is paved and wide, and it’s one of the few trails in the park where leashed dogs are allowed.
The trail follows the northeast end of the lake to Devil’s Punchbowl, a deep, clear-blue cove that’s a popular swimming spot in summer. The last bit to the Punchbowl is a short dirt side path off the paved trail.
Even if you skip the chilly water, the view from the bridge over the Punchbowl is one of the best in the park.
4. Spruce Railroad Trail
Distance: 11.2 miles
Type of Trail: Out & Back
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 410 ft
Loved the walk to the Punchbowl? Keep going on the Spruce Railroad Trail. It follows an old railroad grade along the north shore of the lake, through two historic tunnels.
It’s long, but it’s easy, since the trail is mostly flat and paved. It’s part of the Olympic Discovery Trail, so it’s also great on a bike. Leashed dogs are welcome here too.
🏨 Where to stay nearby: Port Angeles
5. Pyramid Mountain Trail
Distance: 6.6 miles
Type of Trail: Out & Back
Difficulty: Hard
Elevation Gain: 2,486 ft
The Pyramid Mountain Trail starts on the north shore near the Spruce Railroad Trail, and it’s no walk in the park. It’s one of the most demanding Lake Crescent hikes, and a little more rugged than Mount Storm King.
At the top, you’ll find an old World War II aircraft lookout and views of the lake through the trees. It’s quieter than the trails across the lake, so it’s a great pick if you want some solitude. Just know you’ll have to work for it!
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6. Moments in Time Trail
Distance: 0.7 miles
Type of Trail: Loop
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 9 ft
Short on time (or energy)? Try the Moments in Time Trail. At under a mile, it’s one of the shortest and easiest Lake Crescent hikes.
It’s a self-guided nature trail, so you’ll learn about the plants, animals, and history of the area as you loop through the forest near the lake.
Other Hikes Near Lake Crescent
Willing to drive a bit? The Sol Duc Falls hike is close by if you want to chase more waterfalls. For more mountaintop views, head to the trails at Hurricane Ridge.
👉 More guides: Things to Do in Olympic National Park | Things to Do in Port Angeles
Where to Stay Near Lake Crescent
FAQs About Lake Crescent Hikes
Mount Storm King is the most popular for its huge view over the lake, but it’s steep. For something easy, the Marymere Falls Trail and the walk to Devil’s Punchbowl are both great.
Leashed dogs are allowed on the Spruce Railroad Trail, including the walk to Devil’s Punchbowl. They’re not allowed on the other trails here.
Yes. Lake Crescent is inside Olympic National Park, so you’ll need a park entrance pass or an America the Beautiful pass.
The maintained trail is steep but fine for fit hikers. Past the end of the maintained trail, the route uses ropes on loose, exposed rock, so only experienced hikers should continue to the summit.
Final Thoughts on Lake Crescent Hikes
From a lung-busting climb up Mount Storm King to an easy stroll to Devil’s Punchbowl, there’s a Lake Crescent hike for every kind of hiker. Pack a swimsuit, because that blue water is hard to resist!
More of our guides to Olympic National Park:
- Things To Do in Olympic National Park: 35 Must-Do Activities!
- Where to Stay in Olympic National Park
- 9 Incredible Olympic National Park Beaches to Explore
- Kalaloch Beach in Olympic NP: What to Know
- 7 Waterfalls in Olympic National Park
- 6 BEST Lake Crescent Hikes
- Marymere Falls Trail
- Exploring Lake Crescent
- Your Guide to Hurricane Ridge Trails
- Your Guide to La Push Beaches
- Hiking Rialto Beach to Hole in the Wall
- 15 Best Hikes in Olympic National Park
- Hiking Mount Storm King
- 16 AWESOME Things to Do in Forks
- 21 BEST Things To Do in Port Angeles
Which Lake Crescent hikes are you tackling? We hope this helped you plan your trip!
