Unguided Hiking
Hike the Great Outdoors
Lake Crescent offers many hiking trails, some involve climbing the surrounding mountains and others will have you exploring the lowland forests and creeks.
Marymere Falls Hiking Trail
The self-guided Marymere Falls Hiking Trail is 3/4 of a mile from the Storm King Ranger Station. The 90-foot drop from Falls Creek into a small plunge pool is a fairly flat hike through old growth forest, except for the final approach, which is fairly steep. This trail is generally available for year-round views.
What you will see: Old growth forest and 90 ft. waterfall.
Distance: 0.9 mile one-way
Elevation Gain: 400 ft
Fairholme Campground Loop Hiking Trail
The self-guided Fairholme Campground Loop Hiking Trail has entrances at the top of Loop B and the campground access road. Starting at Fairholme Store, you can continue on down the Camp David Junior Road on the north side of Lake Crescent from Fairholme to hook up with the Olympic Discovery Trail and the Spruce Railroad Trail, which takes you near a couple of train tunnels. On a clear day in this area you can look deep into the pristine lake and make out the shadows of a train engine that fell into the lake many years ago.
What you will see: Old growth forest.
Distance: 0.8-mile loop
Elevation Gain: 100 ft
Moments-in-Time Hiking Trail
The Moments-in-Time Hiking Trail is a self-guided nature trail that runs through forest and by the lake, and is accessible with assistance. This hike is an easy 0.5-mile trail that meanders through the woods and along the shoreline of Lake Crescent offering a variety of environments from breathtaking views of Lake Crescent and Pyramid Mountain to tiny fern and wildflower meadows to lush woods with towering evergreens and spectacular mosses and fungi. Appropriate for the entire family, it begins just off the parking area of the Storm King Ranger Station on Lake Crescent in the Olympic National Park.
What you will see: Old growth forest, lake views, and wildlife.
Distance: 0.6-mile loop
Elevation Gain: None
List of Moderate-to-Challenging Hiking Trails
More Self-Guided Hiking Trails:
| Mt. Storm King - Steep switchbacks climb part way up Mt. Storm King. | Distance: 2.2 miles one-way | Elevation Gain: 2,000 ft |
| Spruce Railroad - Hugs the north shore of Lake Crescent along an old railroad bed. | Distance: 4 miles one-way | Elevation Gain: 100 ft |
| Pyramid Peak - Climbs steeply to a World War II spotting tower with views of the lake. | Distance: 3.5 miles one-way | Elevation Gain: 2,600 ft |
| Aurora Creek - Climbs steeply up rocky terrain through old growth forest to Aurora Ridge. | Distance: 3.4 miles one-way | Elevation Gain: 3,220 ft |
| Barnes Creek - Climbs up to Aurora Ridge through old growth forest, only first 4 miles maintained, small ford 1.5 miles in. | Distance: 7.5 miles one-way |
Elevation Gain: 4,200 ft |
Guided Hiking
Operating Days & Time
- 9:00 am
- Tuesdays & Thursdays
Here are four several guided interpretive hikes. To book one of these hikes call us at 360.928.3211.
Interpretive Barnes Creek Hike
Olympic National Park in Washington protects nearly one million acres of land, and 95% of that is designated Wilderness. Get a taste of journeying into the heart of Olympic wilderness on this guided hike that follows the Barnes Creek ravine, home to the rare Crescenti cutthroat trout in northwest Washington. This hike includes a visit to Marymere Falls.
Cost $35.00
Length: 2.5 hours
Interpretive Mount Storm King Hike
Mount Storm King looms behind the lodge at an impressive 4,537 feet of elevation in northwest Washington. This strenuous 3-hour hike will go to the end of the park-maintained trail at a spectacular viewpoint; guests who choose to venture beyond this point will be advised to use great caution and hike at their own risk. During the 2,000-foot elevation gain, guests will learn about the different forest zones and unique geology of the Olympic Mountains.
Cost $35.00
Length: 3 hours
