Lake Crescent

Approximately 27 miles on U.S. Route 101 west of Port Angeles, in Clallam County, Washington, and close to the small town of Piedmont, is Lake Crescent, a deep lake that is wholly inside Olympic National Park.

It is officially the second deepest lake in Washington with a maximum depth of 190 meters. A lake-wide bathymetric survey was carried out between 2013 and 2014 by Eian Ray and Jeff Enge, which disproved unofficial depth values of more than 300 m that had long been reported in the area. The maximum depth was determined by this survey to be 596 feet. This scan also revealed that the lake has roughly 0.5 cubic miles of fresh water, according to statistical GIS analysis.

Because there isn't enough nitrogen in the water to support the growth of algae, Lake Crescent is renowned for its stunningly clear waters and dazzling blue color. The Spruce Railroad Route, the Pyramid Mountain Trail, and the Barnes Creek trail to Marymere Falls are among the trails in the area, which is a well-liked recreational area. Along the lake's shoreline, the Spruce Railroad Trail follows the grade of what was formerly a logging railroad's rails. Following this path on the lake's northern shore will lead to "Devils Punch Bowl," a well-liked swimming and diving spot, as well as the entrance to a former railroad tunnel.

Location: Clallam County, Washington