Lake Crescent Lodge

When traveling in National Parks, I usually prefer camping over indoor accommodations.  But after an extremely rainy night at Rialto Beach, the Lodge at Olympic National Park's Lake Crescent looked mighty inviting.  Availability of an inexpensive room sealed the deal.  Handing the clerk my credit card, I felt a little giddy.  I'd never stayed in a National Park Lodge before!

Lake Crescent Lodge

The original lodge building was constructed in 1916, by Avery and Julia Singer.  Known as "Singer's Tavern" at the time, it was built of locally-milled timber, and featured a large fireplace and on-site restaurant.  Built on a peninsula, it offered commanding views of Lake Crescent and the adjacent mountains.  The first guests arrived by ferry, as the highway had yet to be built.

Lake view from the dock (during a rare moment of sun)

Throughout the years this property changed ownership multiple times, adding more improvements with each new management.  Cabins, a boat dock, and improved hiking trails were among some of the amenities constructed.  The lodge's most notable guest was President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who visited the area in 1937, and stayed in one of the cabins.

View from our room

Following his visit, President Roosevelt signed legislation to create Olympic National Park.  In 1938, the Lake Crescent area became part of this new National Park.  Cabins built shortly after the President's declaration became known as the "Roosevelt Cabins."

Kayaks ready to rent

In 1951, the National Parks Service bought the lodge from it's current owners.  Since then, the property has remained in NPS ownership, and is currently operated by a concessionaire.  The Lake Crescent Lodge is open seasonally, from May until late October.

Lodge view from the dock

Although I would've loved to stay in one of the cute cabins surrounding the lodge grounds, a room inside the lodge itself was the only accommodation available (I don't think a cabin rental was in our budget anyway).  The lodge has 5 historic rooms on it's second floor.  The rooms are simple - just a bed, two chairs, and a sink.  Shared bathrooms (men's and women's) are located down the hall.

Peaceful evening

But Roger and I were lucky - our room had a lakeside view.  And boy, was it fantastic!

Cabins along the lakeshore

After hiking in the rain all afternoon, it was great to relax in heated, indoor accommodations.  The warm showers felt wonderful, and in no time we had all our wet gear strewn across the room and electronics devices charging.

Old weathered stump

Downstairs, the lodge offered a fancy restaurant.  But it was a wee bit expensive for our tastes, so Roger and I opted to order from the bar menu and take our food and drinks into an expansive covered porch boasting killer lake views.  A great place to unwind after trekking in the rain.

Good place to watch the sunset

After dinner, we discovered the rain had let up.  Roger and I both grabbed our cameras, and prowled the lodge grounds, in search of that perfect shot.

Evening light reflected on the lake

As the sun began to slowly sink behind the mountains and clouds, I stationed myself on one of the wooden Adirondack chairs placed at Lake Crescent's rocky shore.

Waiting patiently for sunset

Despite heavy clouds, that night's sunset did not disappoint.  Tiny patches of orange color lit up the sky and reflected in the lake's calm waters.  Magnificent!

Day's final light

With no worries of flooding tents, that night I slept like a baby.  It was so nice to have a break from the elements.  I enjoyed our stay in this cozy lodge, and would do it again in a heartbeat.

As the next morning dawned, Roger and I packed our things and bid goodbye to this charming place.  Time to head back west to the coast and explore the Ozette Triangle.  Read all about it in my next installment.


Sharing with:  Wednesday Around the World.