Log Cabin Resort on Lake Crescent in the Olympic National Park
If you’re looking to beat the crowds and find a vacation spot within a couple hours of Seattle, Lake Crescent may be the place to visit.
Located on the Olympic Peninsula, the lake is rimmed by an impressive array of mountains and lush green trees. You can find all the usual activities (swimming, picnicking, fishing, boating, hiking, etc.) on and around the 624-foot deep 8.5-mile long lake. Freshwater Lake Crescent is especially known for its Beardslee trout, a large subspecies that runs in the 12-14 pound range and is known for putting up a fight once it’s hooked. (Apparently that’s a good thing if you’re a fisherman or woman who likes a challenge.)
If you’re looking for a place to stay, you can check out the Log Cabin Resort on the lake’s northeast end. Rates start around $50, and you can find rustic cabins, motel rooms, and waterfront A-frame chalets. There’s some history to the place, and many of the buildings have been standing since the 1920s. There are also hookups for RVs, if you prefer your 21st Century luxury motorhome to a rustic historic cabin. Or if you really want to rough it, they have tent spots too.
You can experience all the lake activities without leaving the resort. There’s a grocery store, and meals are served in the lodge if you prefer someone else do the cooking. When you’re done eating, head outdoors for rowboat, canoe, paddleboat, and kayak rentals. You’ll get quite the workout if you kayak all the way around the lake! (I’m not sure I’d try it in a paddleboat.)
The resort is located three miles from Hwy 101 on E. Beach Road and is open April-October.