Olympic National Park in Washington State is well known for its pristine wilderness and rugged backcountry trails. But it is very accessible through the Highway 101 loop, which forms an inverted U around the park and the adjacent Olympic National Forest.

As you circumnavigate the park, don’t miss a stop at Lake Crescent. This glacially formed lake is right on Highway 101, and most of its ten miles are visible from the road.

It is over 600 feet deep and extremely cold. Oddly enough, the floor of the lake is actually 100 feet below sea level. In winter the water drops almost to freezing. In summer, it rarely creeps above sixty degrees. Visibility is up to 100 feet deep.

If you manage to wheedle Mother Nature into one of her warm, clear days when you’re at Lake Crescent, take the short hike down to the swimming hole at the Devil’s Punch Bowl. If you have the urge for a quick wake up call, jump 35 feet off the cliff into the lake below.

Lake Crescent’s clear turquoise waters sparkle against the backdrop of 4534 foot Storm Mountain. There are lots of places along the shore to stop for a picnic lunch or take one of several hiking trails...[continued]