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After our original plan to visit Hurricane Ridge fell through, we decided to head to the Lake Crescent area of Olympic National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, for a quick look at the lodge and a short hike. Lake Crescent is only 18 miles west of Port Angeles, Washington.
Lake Crescent Viewpoint
As we drove along the shore of the deep glacial lake, we stopped at a turnout to take some photos. Visibility wasn’t that great and the clouds were low, but it made for some gorgeous scenery.
Lodge
Next, we stopped at Lake Crescent Lodge to change into our hiking boots and get a hot drink. The lodge was built in 1915 and features a restaurant. Inside, there’s a nice fireplace to sit around. Outside, there are small cottages available for rent.
A short pier next to the lodge juts out onto the lake. From there, you can get spectacular views of the lake and lodge. If you’re up to it, paddle boats and kayaks are available for rent at the lodge.
Marymere Falls
Once we finished at the lodge, we drove to the Marymere Falls trailhead. The trail starts at the Storm King Ranger Station, passes through a short tunnel, and goes a little more than a half mile through the forest before reaching the falls.
Near the end of the trail, you cross two bridges and wind your way up to Marymere Falls. There’s a lower and upper viewing area. The falls have a height of 90 feet and flow into Barnes Creek.
