Top 20 Lakes in Olympic National Park

For families, Lake Crescent Beach and Lodge is an excellent choice. It offers easy outdoor activities like the Marymere Falls Nature Trail and a scenic beach. The Spruce Railroad Trail (Lake Crescent) is also family-friendly, providing a picturesque route along the lake.

Yes, the Spruce Railroad Trail (Lake Crescent) is a scenic rail-to-trail path that skirts the north shore of Lake Crescent, leading to Devils Punchbowl. It's known for its accessibility and offers stunning views.

Olympic National Park's lakes boast several unique natural features. Lake Crescent is known for its crystal-clear, deep blue, glacially carved waters and two unique trout populations. Lake Quinault is nestled within a lush rainforest and features towering evergreens, including six record-setting trees. Lower Lena Lake, formed by a landslide, reveals the stumps of a ghost forest during low water levels.

For camping, Deer Lake offers a very calm wilderness experience, but requires a Wilderness Camping Permit and is a quota area. Lower Lena Lake also provides backcountry camping with designated sites. For kayakers and canoeists, Ozette Lake has backcountry camping options, including on islands, and requires bear canisters for food storage.

For a challenging hike, consider the trail to Upper Lena Lake, which is a steeper, 3-mile route from Lower Lena Lake and requires a National Park Wilderness Camping Permit. The Mount Storm King trail near Lake Crescent Beach and Lodge is also a stiffer climb with fixed ropes on some sections.

Ozette Lake is a significant historical area, with discoveries unearthing a 300-year-old village and a culture dating back at least 2,000 years. The Low Divide area, while not a lake itself, was part of the historic route of the 1890 Press Expedition, the first non-native Americans to cross this divide.

The best time to visit can vary by lake. For Lake Crescent, September offers a quiet experience. For Deer Lake, July and August are ideal to avoid snow and enjoy the trails. Generally, late spring through early fall provides the most favorable conditions for exploring the lakes and their surrounding trails.

Yes, Lake Crescent is ideal for swimming, kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding due to its pristine, clear waters. The Devils Punchbowl, accessible via the Spruce Railroad Trail, is a popular swimming spot. Ozette Lake also offers opportunities for kayaking and canoeing.

The diverse ecosystems around the lakes support various wildlife. Lake Crescent is home to unique Beardslee and Crescenti trout. The lush rainforest surrounding Lake Quinault and Ozette Lake provides habitat for numerous species, though specific wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

For a more secluded experience, Upper Lena Lake offers greater solitude compared to its lower counterpart, though it requires a more challenging hike and a permit. Deer Lake is also described as a very calm lake in the lonely wilderness of the Olympic National Park.

Yes, fishing is possible in some lakes. For example, fishing for trout and salmon is popular in Lake Quinault, but requires a valid permit from the Quinault Indian Nation. Always check local regulations and permit requirements before fishing.

Beyond exploring the lakes themselves, you can find numerous outdoor activities. There are many hiking opportunities, including easy trails like the Marymere Falls Nature Trail near Lake Crescent, or more difficult ones like the Deer Lake and Little Divide Trail. For more options, explore waterfall hikes, easy hikes, and running trails throughout Olympic National Park.