Half-Day Guided Tour: Lake Crescent & Marymere Falls in Olympic National Park
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
4 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness; participants should be comfortable walking 2–3 miles on uneven, sometimes muddy trail with short elevation gains.
Overview
A focused half-day escape from Port Angeles to Lake Crescent and Marymere Falls. Expect old-growth forest, a 90-foot cascade, and a shoreline stop at the historic Lake Crescent Lodge — all with a local naturalist guide.
Half-Day Guided Tour: Lake Crescent & Marymere Falls in Olympic National Park
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The van slips away from Port Angeles and the world narrows to cedar-scented air and a ribbon of highway that climbs toward the Olympic spine. Within 40 minutes the trees close in and the noise of the city is replaced by water: first the spare chatter of the Elwha River, then the broader, glassy hush of Lake Crescent. On this half-day outing you move with a guide who reads the landscape — a short waterfall walk to Madison Creek, a 2–3 mile guided ramble to Marymere Falls, and a shoreline stop at the historic Lake Crescent Lodge — all arranged so the day feels like a focused escape rather than a full-on expedition.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Layer for changeable weather
Bring a lightweight waterproof shell and an insulating mid-layer — rain and sun can swap places in the same hour on the peninsula.
Sturdy footwear matters
Trail sections are damp and rooted; wear trail shoes or light boots with good tread rather than sneakers.
Hydrate and snack
Carry at least one liter of water and a snack for energy — the guided hike covers up to 2–3 miles with some elevation gain.
Plan ferry + bus if coming from Seattle
If using the Bainbridge ferry and Strait Shot bus, email the operator ahead to confirm Port Angeles pick-up logistics.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Black-tailed deer
- Varied thrush and other forest songbirds
History
The Lake Crescent Lodge dates to 1916 and reflects early 20th-century tourism; nearby Elwha Valley restoration reversed decades of dam impact on salmon runs.
Conservation
Stay on established trails to protect fragile understory and stream banks; the Elwha restoration is an example of active management reshaping local ecosystems.
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Adventure Hotspots in Port Angeles
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Waterproof jacket
Keeps you dry and warm during sudden coastal rain and wind.
Trail shoes or light hiking boots
Provide traction on muddy roots and wet boardwalks approaching the falls.
Reusable water bottle (1 L+)
Staying hydrated makes the forest hike more enjoyable and safer.
Compact daypack with camera/binoculars
Keeps layers and snacks organized and helps capture wide views of the lake and falls.