Adventures with Apple : Lake Crescent and the Spruce Railroad Trail
We’re slightly spoiled that our backyard is the Olympic Mountain Range and miles and miles of biking trails, lakes, camping, waterfalls and hiking. So when we have a long weekend, we load up Apple, our vintage Aristocrat Trailer and unplug from the daily routine. Come visit the PNW, Olympic National Park is so beautiful and inviting with loads of options for folks of all levels. Definitely load up your bikes so you can enjoy the Spruce Railroad Trail! If you have 2 or so days to spend near Lake Crescent here are our favorite spots to check out.
WHERE TO STAY
To stay on Lake Crescent you can reserve a Campsite at Fairholme Campground or a room at the Lake Crescent Lodge. If you opt for camping, hop onto the Reserveation Site and claim a spot. There’s nothing like the stress of trying to get out of town AND hoping that there will be a spot left for you. There are nice bathrooms with running water and flush toilets plus water spigots at each bathroom for dish washing and cooking. If you’re with a crew and have a trailer or a lot of gear check out sites 53 - 61 they have a view of the lake, easy access to a trail down by the lake and are still pretty close to one of the bathrooms. If you don’t mind carrying your tent and gear down a small incline, you can camp right along the lake in sites 83-90. The rest of the campground is beautiful, the sites have a lot of space and are tucked in between old growth trees dripping with moss.
If you’d rather stay in a cozy bed at a historic lodge, check out Lake Crescent Lodge. The lodge feels like you’ve stepped back in time with a gorgeous window paned sun porch, rich wood covered walls and all situated right along the lake.
WHERE TO BIKE
One of the reasons we love camping at Fairholme is that it’s within biking distance to the Spruce Railroad Trail From the campground it’s about a mile and half ride on the road toward Camp David Jr. Once you see Camp David Jr. to the right, look for a trail heading up the hill to the left. It may have a rope across the main section so cars do not drive up it. Hop off your bikes and hike up the hill to the paved bike trail, it’s less than 1/8 of a mile walk uphill. From that point head to the right (toward the lake) and you’ll be cruising along on the most beautiful section of the Spruce Railroad Trail (click here for a quick video) taking in the sites of Lake Crescent within a couple of miles.
If you’re driving out to enjoy the Spruce Railroad Trail, drive to the end of Camp David Jr Road to the parking area and main access to the trail. The trail is shared by folks walking and biking with one of the big destination spots being Devils Punchbowl. It’s about 4 miles from the parking area to Devil’s Punchbowl, it’s an easy bike ride going along the lake and thru old railroad tunnels. If you happen to hit it on a hot day get ready to jump into the crystal clear blue water off the bridge at Devil’s Punchbowl!
WHERE TO HIKE
If you’re looking for easy hikes/walks check out Marymere Falls for a beautiful walk along the river, passing massive old growth trees, going over bridges and then up to the falls. It’s easy to get down to the river and play so pack your lunch and explore!
If you’d like a taste of the moss filled rainforest walk the Moments in Time trail near Lake Crescent Lodge. There are great spots to stop by the lake for a picnic, or you can pop into the Lodge for lunch, happy hour or if it’s chilly go stand by the big fireplace.
Another great very short stop on the way to or from Lake Crescent is Madison Falls Trail. It will take you longer to get out of your car than it will to walk the trail, it’s truly just a quick stop but worth it! The falls are beautiful and if you have younger kids you’ll get all the reward of a long hike from just a 3 minute walk from the parking area.
Want a short but true hike? Check out Storm King It’s an uphill climb, but oh so worth it. When the sky is clear you have a view of the entire lake, it’s worth the hike. Just beware that the top portion has some rope areas that are not too tricky but would definitely make me feel concerned hiking with younger kids. The good news is that you do not have to go to the very top in order to enjoy views of the lake, so don’t let that trickier top section deter you!
More places to explore! Walk to the old Elwha Dam Site up Olympic Hot Springs Road, Solduc Falls, Mount Mueller, Salt Creek Recreation Area … so many amazing places to hike and explore. You’ll want to plan another weekend back to this area!
WHERE TO EAT
We love planning for all the fun while out in Apple so if you’re looking for some inspiration on easy snack foods here’s a list of some of our faves. And if you need a new slow coffee set up for camping, I put all of the details on the gear we like here!
Of course there’s always more spots to stop and eat than we ever have time for but here are a few that we love to hit on our way to and from Lake Crescent.
Hurricane Ridge Coffee in Sequim - this is a great mid point stop if you need a break from driving
Jose’s in Sequim - delicious fresh mexican food, massive burritos, big plates of nachoes and lots of fresh salsa to choose from
The Straight Slice in Port Angeles - great wood fired style pizza that you can buy by the slice or by the pie. Call ahead and your order will be ready for you when you arrive!
Pofokes Pizza in Port Angeles - if it’s the summer season, make a pit stop here on your way back from camping. The woodfired pizza is amazing, it’s delicious and 100 times better than you’d expect walking up to a pizza tent in a parking lot.
The Next Door Gastro Pub in Port Angeles - this is a great sit down fresh menu
A few other spots recommended by locals in Port Angeles, Buena Luz Bakery, the Coffee Box Cafe
Granny’s Cafe - the soft serve ice cream cones are a must. If you’ve been out hiking and exploring the area it’s a great spot to stop for fresh fries and ice cream.
Cheers to exploring and enjoying the great outdoors, it’s truly the most refreshing way to untether your heart from the daily grind. May the sun greet you as you step out into the beauty of creation. And yes, if you’re a local and thinking oh man you didn’t mention _______ you’re right, there are SO many amazing trails and hikes and bike paths and spots to explore! Want to check out the Washington Coast? Here’s a fun route that you can do in 3 days!
