The Moments in Time hike at Lake Crescent is one of our favorite hikes in the area. It's an easy hike for the kiddos with interpretive signs along the way that they love to check out.
The entire trail is about 1 mile long and makes a loop through the forest and along the shore of the lake. You will learn about the old railroad, nurse trees, old homesteads and more along the way.
If you catch the trail from Lake Crescent Lodge, the trail takes you along the lake for a ways. There are a few access points to secluded beaches that are great for exploring. Continue along the trail and it will lead you to Barnes Point. We love to stop here for a while and let the kids play with the rocks and water. The water here is always so blue it's incredible, and if you look across the lake you will see the Spruce Railroad trail.
The trail continues toward Nature Bridge and then turns through the woods. Keep an eye out for the crazy trees growing out of old nurse logs and don't miss the hollow burned out tree. That one always makes for good photos with the kids!
The trail continues through the woods and loops back to the shore of the lake. We always like to bring a picnic lunch (or dinner) and hang out on the shore for a while after the hike. The kids love playing on the shoreline and find so many things to do; they love throwing rocks in the water, making a rock wall "dam", sailing logs out into the water, and more. It's so wonderful to see their imaginations run wild with just the things nature provides! Sunny summer days are the absolute best days to visit the lake. The cold, glacier fed water feels so good on your toes on a nice hot day.
If you are able to, plan your visit with the sunset, or just hang out until the sun goes down. The sun sets right through the mountains and is sure to be one of the best sunsets you will watch during your trip! The dock of Lake Crescent Lodge makes for some great sunset photos as well as daytime family photos!
If you are looking for some things to make the day extra special, Lake Crescent Lodge offers boat rentals for a reasonable cost. They have canoes and kayaks available, and they even supply life jackets for adults and toddlers alike! If boat rentals aren't your thing, try their lavender lemonade for a special treat! So yummy!
You will also find a public bathroom located in the Lodge by the giftshop.
Note: Public restrooms are not available in the Lodge if Covid restrictions are still in place. The nearest public restroom is located at Bovee's Meadow, a short drive down Lake Crescent Rd. past the lodge.
Pros:
Great hike for kids
Great place to watch the sunset
Additional activities nearby
Public Restrooms available
Cons:
Not sure if there are any. This always makes for a great day!
To get there from Port Angeles:
Take 101 West (18 miles west of Port Angeles)
Turn Right at the sign for Lake Crescent Lodge
Turn Left at stop sign
Follow the signs to Lake Crescent Lodge
From their large public parking lot, you will want to head east on foot (away from the lodge), following the paved pathway along the shoreline. The pathway will eventually turn into a well worn dirt footpath. You are now on the Moments in Time Trail.
Follow the signs to complete the loop.
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