Travel Excursion
Olympic National Park’s
Lake Crescent
Lake Crescent Lodge Olympic National
Forest
By Patrice Raplee
Puffs of clouds drift lazily across a deep blue sky and reflect themselves
in the crystal clear depths of Lake Crescent. Evergreen-scented air,
warmed by the sunshine, envelopes drowsy lodge guests sprawled in Adirondack
chairs, while gentle lake waves lap against the shore. The location
of this serene setting is Lake Crescent in Washington’s Olympic
National Forest. Thirteen miles past Port Angeles, Lake Crescent remains
a relaxing and beautiful location for families, hikers and fisherman.
Nestled on the lake’s tranquil shores is Lake Crescent Lodge,
where guests have been seeking the solace of nature since the ‘20s.
Al Singer built the lodge in 1916 as a tavern. It was then developed
into a sportsman’s lodge and today remains essentially as Singer
originally built it. By 1937, additional cabins had been built next
to the lodge and Franklin D. Roosevelt made his famous visit. Roosevelt
stayed in one of the lake cabins and studied the area; this led to
his decision to create the Olympic National Park in 1938. Today, a
series of four cabins sit next to the lodge with Lake front views and
are aptly named the Roosevelt Cottages.
Lake Crescent Lodge is one of only two resorts that actually flank
the lake. Guests can stay in the Lodge itself, or in one of the adjacent
cabins. The cabins are rustic and reminiscent of the style of the ‘60s,
but are clean and comfortable. Coffee makers are offered in each cabin
and there are comfy chairs so guests can sit by the large windows and
sip their favorite brew while enjoying a lake-view and cool breeze,
or sit on their own porch in the sunshine. The bathrooms are completely
modern and host good quality amenities. Guests won’t find a TV
or telephone in their cabins; however, there is a public phone in the
lodge and TV is probably the furthest thing from a traveler’s
mind when visiting this lush and peaceful park. There is an unspoken
rule amongst the guests that noise is kept to a minimum and this aphorism
is part of the charm and draw of the resort.
The lodge rooms have a spectacular view of the lake, quaint decor and
they are less expensive, but guests must share bathroom facilities
down the hall. There is also the newly decorated Storm King Motor Lodge
that sits a little further back into the woods, but still has views
of the lake, Olympic Mountains and is right next to the rainforest
walking trails. These rooms are modern in décor and are more
typical of a standard hotel room.
The lakeside Roosevelt cottages are the finest the resort
has to offer. They are a bit more private and are bordered on one side
by a wooded
creek and set off from the main lodge. Larger than the cabins, the
Roosevelt cottages are equipped with a small fridge and microwave,
as well as modern bathroom facilities. Cedar floors, walls and ceilings
accent the cozy furniture and stone fireplaces in each cottage. The
living area contains a couch, coffee table, end tables and several
easy chairs. A rainy day at the lake is a perfect time to curl up in
a blanket with a steamy cup of coffee or tea by the fireplace and read
a book, or just relax and forget the world. These popular cottages
are limited to four in number and are booked out a good deal in advance;
so it is important to call the lodge and inquire about availability
months before you wish to reserve a cottage.
Lake Crescent Lodge offers a sublime dining room with exceptionally
fine cuisine from Executive Chef Jamison Brandt, who has won the highest
awards in the Northwest for his culinary fare. Fresh local seafood
is the focus of the dining room menus with various beef selections
that are just as delectable, such as a rib eye covered with brandied
peppercorn butter sauce, accompanied by creamy garlic mashed potatoes.
The wine selection is impressive and proffers many Washington State
wines, as well as excellent California Zinfandels, such as Sonoma’s
Seghesio. The deserts are absolutely luscious and a particularly fine
selection is the dining room’s chocolate torte with espresso
whipped cream, raspberry sauce and white chocolate sprinkles. If you
prefer fruit-based delicacies, the marion berry cobbler served warm
with gourmet ice cream is transcendent!
In the evening after sunset, guests congregate in the main lodge around
the large stone fireplace, the bar area, or retreat to the glass-enclosed
sunroom. It’s a perfect place to relax with a glass of wine and
chat, or play a game of cards. In the morning and afternoons, the sunroom
is a great spot to slow down and just take in the beauty of the lake
and lazy summer days.
Activities around the lodge are numerous and are suited to every energy
level. The lodge provides rowboats free of charge and fishing is allowed
on Lake Crescent without a license, but catch and release only.
There are several walking trails through the rain forest right from
your cabin door. The trail loops vary with fluctuating degrees of elevation
and distance. Marymere Falls is just three quarters of a mile away
and well worth the hike. The “Moments in Time Trail” is
less than a mile flat loop where you can enjoy views of the lake and
see former homestead sites, not to mention 700 year-old trees. If you’re
a serious hiker or backpacker, the Olympic National Forest is host
to some of the best hiking in the world. Hurricane Ridge is close by
and visitors can drive all the way to the top; this national treasure
should not be missed!
Travelers have to range further afield to find a secluded paradise
these days and Lake Crescent is one of the few places left that is
unspoiled. Whether you want a family nature outing or simply wish
to read a book and snooze in the sun, Lake Crescent Lodge caters
to an
amazing number of tastes and events; yet somehow harmoniously blends
all these activities into a seamless coexistence. The lake and lodge
are filled with a magical quality that brings visitors back year
after year to experience a world away.
For additional information on Lake Crescent Lodge, call 360-928-3211,
or visit their website www.lakecrescentlodge.com.
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