Hiking to Devil’s Punchbowl at Lake Crescent

Washington has some of the most beautiful bodies of water I’ve ever seen, and that’s coming from a Florida girl. Lake Crescent has gorgeous blue water that you can actually see through and I’m going to fill you in on this amazing swim spot!

Directions: Go ahead and download the “Alltrails App“. It is free and contains every Hike that exists out there. Do a search for “Spruce Railroad Trail: Lake Crescent”. Here is where you can click directions and it will open up the location in maps for you.

This hike is about thirty minutes outside of Port Angeles so approximately two and a half hours from Joint base Lewis-McChord. Don’t freak out that the app says this trail is 11 miles long, it’s only a mile to the swim spot! The directions will spit you out in the parking lot.

There is plenty of parking. No pass or fee on this hike, it’s free! Dogs are allowed and this is an easy hike for kiddos since it’s mostly flat. The trail head starts at this sign across the street from the parking area. There is a restroom at the parking area but there are no restrooms, trash cans, or benches on the trail itself.

The trail itself is very wide and unpaved gravel. The woods are gorgeous and have a rain forest feel. You will be walking around the lake to your left.

We saw some wildlife including deer, chipmunks, blue jays, etc so keep your eyes open!

When you get to the tunnel, the swim spot is actually to the left of it. Going through the tunnel is pretty cool though, especially since it’s pitch black. So if you want to walk through it just hang a left on the other side.

The actual Spruce Railroad Trail continues past the tunnel which is 11 miles around the lake if you’re up for it. It’s about a mile to the swim spot so two total there and back.

There are are a few spots to get down to the water but the bridge is where this big and beautiful spot is known as the “Devil’s Punchbowl”. It is a popular spot for cliff diving. Not for me, but my daredevil husband Travis did it. There were also a ton of kids doing it too.