Surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, the Cascade Mountains, and many reservations and preserves, Washington provides an unmatched camping experience. The pacific northwest is known for its natural beauty and endless opportunities for outdoor adventures. There is truly nothing that compares to unplugging and creating lasting memories solo, with your partner, or the whole family for a weekend tucked away in nature. Olympic National Park offers just that, with cozy cabins and lakeside views at Crescent Lake.

Discover Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is home to multiple ecosystems, making it such a unique place to be able to see coastline, rainforest, and mountains all in one place. The park is located in northwest Washington, about a 2 ½ hour drive from Seattle. Whether you are making a road trip out of it with all of your camping gear in the back or flying in and renting a car and a cabin, this is the perfect escape outside of the city. Once you are in the park, you have some top places to choose from below to stay with perfect views of the lake, mountains, and forest.

Log Cabin Resort

Located on the north side of the lake and the north side of the park, Log Cabin Resort offers a variety of options to stay in. Places to stay range from lodge rooms, to cabins and chalets, to tent and RV campgrounds. Log Cabin Resort covers a large area that includes all the amenities you need such as lake toy and boat rentals, dining at Sunnyside Cafe, and a large picnic and fire ring area by the lakeshore.

If you are looking for a cabin stay experience, there are options for a non-kitchen cabin or a kitchenette cabin that each hold up to 6 people, as well as a camper cabin that is a more simple option which sleeps up to 4 people. If you want a front row seat to the lake, make sure to book a lakefront chalet, which is made up of 2 queen beds and a picnic area leading out the water. Make sure to check out the Virtual Tour of the grounds to see what option you like the best and make reservations ahead of time.

Lake Crescent Lodge

Built in 1915, this beautiful and historic lodge lies right on the south edge of Lake Crescent. Take a step back in time as you enter the rustic, antique furnished Lake Crescent Lodge, surrounded by stunning giant fir trees and dense forest. After check-in, make sure to enjoy the dining options, gift shops, and lake access all at the tip of your fingers. If you are someone who loves to get the lay of the land before you arrive, check out the virtual tour offered of the lodge and surrounding area.

Cabins By the Lake

The Roosevelt Fireplace Cabins are one of the top places to stay. With the lake as a front yard and the woods behind you, you won’t think twice about putting your phone down and grabbing a good book or some hiking shoes and walking along the shore. There is a one bedroom and a two bedroom option for these cabins, but they fill up quickly so make sure to check availability and make reservations in advance.

Activities In and Around the Lake

Lake Crescent is about 12 miles in length, giving you and the family plenty of space to explore in and around the water. Once you settle in during your stay, take advantage of all of the activities offered through the lodge. Below are a few great options to get to know and enjoy the land:

• Take a Boat Tour of Lake Crescent: Sit back and relax for an hour and a half tour on the crystal clear lake with mountain views. Guided by a knowledgeable captain, you will learn about the history of Lake Crescent and the park it lives in. This tour is offered from mid-June to mid-September and runs 4 times a day from Thursday to Sunday.
• Rent a Paddleboard, Canoe, or Kayak: If you want a little more freedom to explore on your own, you can rent one of the water toys, and venture out on the lake. You are also free to bring some snacks out with you to have a middle of the lake picnic, or find a secluded area to pull over for a bit. Doors open at 8am and these options are all first come first serve for rentals so make sure to get there as early as you can to ensure a spot.
• Enjoy Time on the Lake Fishing: Lake Crescent is open to fishing, with a strict “catch and release” policy with the goal of bringing back the native trout population. There is a specific trout that is native to the lake, called the Beardsley Trout, known for having a head that takes up ⅓ of their body. Make sure to read through the fishing rules and regulations before getting onto the lake. For more fishing tips and top destinations, check out our Fishing Fundamentals blog.
• Hike Along Mountains, Forests, and Waterfalls: Lake Crescent Lodge offers guided hiking tours on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9am that range from 2 hours to 3 hours. There are also many hiking trails that you can take at your own pace around the lake that range from moderate to challenging. Always check the weather conditions and alerts on the National Park Services website to ensure a safe and fun trip.

Start Planning Your Trip Today

Don’t keep daydreaming about your next adventure, and start planning your trip! Experience the beauty of some of the top places to stay in Olympic National Park surrounded by endless adventure in nature. Whether you want to curl up in a cabin and read a book, take a dip in the lake, or hike around in the woods, Lake Crescent has truly something for everyone!