July 20, 2013 Hike on the Spruce Railroad Trail in the Olympic National Park

Today we hiked around the magnificent Lake Crescent in the Olympic National Park/Forest. After stopping by the Park Headquarters in Port Angeles, WA, we drove about 20 miles west to the start of the Spruce Railroad Trail at Lake Crescent. Before setting off down the trail, we ate lunch at the trail-head. There were three people riding horses resting at the trail-head, and we were able to watch them mount up and ride off. Claire really enjoyed watching the horses.

Luke with Levi in the pack and holding Claire

The trail started off in the woods and eventually made its was along the beautiful shores of Lake Crescent. The lake is officially 624 feet deep, but could be over 1000 feet deep in some spots. The water looked very blue on this sunny, cool day. Although the trail was up and down and all around, it was mostly kid friendly. The trail offered amazing views of the surrounding mountain ranges. We walked somewhere between 4-5 miles total, the walk back always seems faster than the walk out.

 

      

These are some of the views from the trail of Lake Crescent and the surrounding mountains.

Claire and Jessica on the trail.

Luke and Levi on the trail.

Claire and Jessica walking along Lake Crescent.

Rocky slopes above the trail.         

Lake Crescent.

Levi took "break time" very seriously.

Claire resting before the walk back.