Lake Crescent

Rating: SKII

Distance:  14 NM

Date:  December 9, 2000

Leader:  Don Rice                              Participants:  3

Launch:   11:00 am                             Return:  4:30 pm

Weather:  Mostly clear, very light breezes, ~35F.

Description:  If you're looking to get away from canceling trips due to poor winter weather in the Sound, this one's a sure go!  Made a late launch from East Beach at around 11:00 under fair skies.  In December the sun is just high enough in the sky to peer above the mountain peaks to the south, and drape the north shore of the lake in sunshine. We headed for Devils Point and toured the north shoreline west.  The scenery along the north shore was pleasant and wintery, to the south, the peaks were beginning to cover with snow.  Reaching the west end of the lake we landed on the beach and took our lunch break.  On the return we followed the south shore.  The sun wasn't high enough to reach this shore so paddling was a little cooler but still pretty enjoyable.  We reached East Beach around 4:30, just before dark.  A nice pleasant trip.  Did I mention that we never saw another boat during the entire day?  

Fearless Leader bathed in the morning sunlight

Tides/Currents:  It's a lake, there aren't any.  It should be noted, however, that west winds can blow on Lake Crescent and create a pretty strong chop, not to mention dropping the wind chill into unfavorable territory.

Charts:  How about a map.  Use USGS "Olympic National Park and Vicinity.

Directions to Launch Site: From I5 at Highway 16 it takes 2 1/2 hours (125 miles) to get to the East Beach launch site on Lake Crescent.  Take highway 16 to highway 3 (at Bremerton), then take hwy 3 until you reach 104. Take 104 across the Hood Canal bridge and then over to the Olympic Peninsula where you’ll get on Hwy 101. Follow 101 into and through Port Angeles following the sign to "Forks".  About 25 minutes after leaving Port Angeles you'll be at Lake Crescent.  Your turn is well marked for East Beach on the brown Olympic National Park sign.  Turn right and go 0.6 miles and turn left on the gravel road leading down to the East Beach launch.

Lake Crescent Lodge:  If you're looking to spend the night up north instead of doing the 2 1/2 hour trek back to town, you might consider the Lake Crescent Lodge.  In the winter they keep 4 cabins operating but shut down the dining room.  We paid $90 for the two of us and $10 each for our two dogs.  The cabin (number 35) had three double beds but two couples would be a better way to do it and retain some sense of privacy.  The cabin is heated, has a fire place, and a huge source of wood in the building right next door (free).  There is also a small refrigerator, but no stove.  Bring your camp stove, or whatever.  The cabin is located about 15 feet from water's edge and the views are spectacular.  To get there, just drive 4 miles west on 101 from the East Beach turn. For more info go to : http://www.olypen.com/lakecrescentlodge/.

Another Possibility:  Another possibility for lodging is the Log Cabin Resort located on the northeast shore of the lake.  It's not open year round.  There is also a campground at this location. Contact them at 360-928-3325.

Facilities

1.  The East Beach launch site has parking for 10 or 12 cars, pit toilet, launch on sandy beach.
2.  The North Shore, located near the Pyramid Peak trailhead and on the map as Ovington, has a dock (you can't miss it), has a pit toilet.
3.  At the far western end of the lake is Fairholm.  You can land on the beach for lunch but it's not near any facilities.  There's also a general store that you'll see at the extreme end of the lake, up by the highway.  They're open from April to mid-October.
4.  There's a Ranger station and picnic area at La Poel on the south side of the lake, almost as far east as the North Shore dock across the lake.  La Poel has restrooms and a picnic area.

Sample Magazine Submittal:  Lake Crescent (SKII). 14 NM RT. A moderate pace of 3 knots will be maintained.  Lake Crescent is located in the Olympic National Park approx. 25 minute drive west of Port Angeles.  We will put in at East Beach and paddle to the west end and most likely get some assistance from the wind on the return.  The mountain views from the lake are spectacular as are many of the inlets we will explore.  Be prepared for cold and windy weather.  Wet or dry suit required.