When I went to the Olympic Park Institute on an educational feild trip with a small part of my school, I was amazed at not only how beautiful the lake was, but also by my surroundings. As soon as I arrived I knew that I would enjoy the few days I would be spending there. Crescent Lake is the perfect place to go to anytime. It offers a great deal of natural beauty, eduacational opportunities, as well as a terrific place to be at peace. Once you're actually there, your mindset changes, and it's practically impossible not to enjoy your surroundings. There are also many other great places to visit in the area if you have more time.

On a whirlwind tour of the Olympic Peninsula, my partner and I were driving north on Highway 101 and caught a fleeting glimpse of Lake Crescent, which is found on the north-central end of the Olympic Peninsula. We had an agenda and could only stop for a brief period of time, but we both agreed that we would return to the soaring, green cliffs and pristine blue waters of Lake Crescent at a later time.
A year later, we planned an entire vacation around the Lake Crescent area, staying at a lakeside cabin community with stunning views and affordable prices. We hiked to Marymoore falls (a 90 foot waterfall in the nearby rainforest - a must-see for all visitors of the area) and canoed for entire days on the massive expanse of Lake Crescent. This is an outdoor paradise, unspoiled by people in many respects. The soaring cliffs that rise on all sides of the Lake are beautiful unto themselves, often crowned by beautiful cloud formations or a dusting of snow. The lake is a 700 ft. deep leviathan whose beauty is thusfar unsurpassed in my extensive travels.
A nearby place of interest would be Crescent Beach fifteen minutes to the north, a place my partner and I have often reflected upon in daydreams or fond memories. Sunrise on this beach will reveal tidepools filled with anemone and urchins, and eagles can often be seen soaring in regal circles above. A single stone 'smokestack' formation is crowned with pines and the beach is often largely unpopulated, creating a wonderful sense of privacy and remoteness. Sunsets here are postcard worthy, romantic and unforgettable. Word of advice: Bypass the south entrance to the beach which insists on a fee and drive slightly north to the public access entrance instead.
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact me.