This was a nice hike. But, it is quite muddy. It had rained/snowed the night before, and there was quite a bit of traffic on it before and after we did this. We only went about a mile in, and turned back. Half-way through, the sun started to poke out. And despite all the mud, and a little wind, the trail was generally nice. We didn't see too much wildlife though; a couple woodpeckers and one duck. Once you get past the hill, you start to really see Lake Crescent. And there were plenty of opportunities to snap some pictures.

We started at the Western TH today to connect the dots to our hike last Friday when we started at the Eastern TH. We hiked 3 miles to the bridge over the punchbowl at Devil Point. The western TH is reached via the Northshore Road of Lake Crescent. There is a tree across the trail at the start, but this can be climbed over. Today was clear so we could see the peaks and ridges surrounding the lake. From this end the trail was mostly flat. The lake was shimmering in the sunlight.

We began our hike at the Eastern TH. This trail has very little elevation gain following a former rail line along the shoreline of Lake Crescent, sometimes right beside the lake and at other times slightly above.Turn-around time came before we reached the 3 mile mark where the trail passes a tunnel which the railroad passed through. We did see a bypassed tunnel just after crossing the bridge at Devil Point. This is a very nice winter walk. The trail was cleared of fallen trees It is one of the few trails in ONP allowing mountain bikes.

I'm cheating - we actually biked this one. That doesn't change the fact that it is a great trail. Mostly flat, with the only ""real"" climbing at the east end. The trail is in very good shape. Lake Crescent was amazing. Crystal clear, and as blue as blue can get. I guess is gets to be over 600' deep! Stopped to watch some kids jump off the rocks. Good times. I'll definitely come back for a walk sometime. 4.1 miles one way - car shuttle is a possibility.

It was a spectacular day, sunny, and warm. So, why did I not go high in the mountains in the Olympics where the views were probably one of the best of the year? Hurricane Ridge was my initial destination, but I have hike those ridges before, I wanted to try something new. Lake Crescent was just around the corner wasn't it? Sure enough what's a few more miles on the car, besides it's just further away from ""civilization."" Go east on 101 out of Port Angeles until you reach Piedmont Road. Hang a right go about 3.3 miles on a narrow (but nicely paved!) road until you hit the Boundary Creek Road and follow the nicely marked signs that point you to the trailhead (at least no bullet holes in these nice signs, afterall, it is the National Park!). The trail starts very near the lakes outlet and climbs through what looked like an old orchard. Very nice and peacefull here, nice place for a picnic? Whoa, wait! The signs at the trailhead warned of the dreaded: TICKS! Li'l pesky critters. It's best to stay on the trail, but still you should check when your done to make sure you didn't pick up a unintended hitchiker. You're warned. The trail was wonderfully LEVEL! Aferall, the trail really never leaves the lake for very long. You are either right there, or you can peek through the trees to catch a glimpse. The lake was absolutely brilliant. Deep blue and green and absolutely clear. The lake gets the clarity from the absence of nitrogen. No nitrogen, no algae, no muck. The lake has only a few areas fit for swimming. This trail hike as no real areas for swimming. Best bet for swimming is to visit the three resort areas on the lake: East Bay Inn, Lake Crescent Lodge/Inn, and the Fairholm Inn. The hike was all of 4 miles to the end, where you run into the east end of the trailhead (out and back baby!). That trailhead is accessed from the North Shore Road (from Fairholm). There were a couple of old tunnels that have collapsed, but you should avoid going exploring. The rock is loose and breaks loose quite easily. The majority of the trail is an old railroad grade, so it's very level and a nice walk. This is a good place to take kids, go for a run (I saw several runners) or to take a bike trip (saw a few of them too). This trail has something for everyone. Good easy hike too. Enjoy. Saw a few ants (hey, I always seem to have lunch sitting on an ant hill...you'd think I'd look first), no bugs.