Lake Crescent
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| Lake Crescent | |
|---|---|
| Location | Clallam County, Washington |
| Coordinates | |
| Lake type | Crescent |
| Primary inflows | Barnes Creek, Smith Creek, Aurora Creek, Eagle Creek |
| Primary outflows | Lyre River |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 12 mi (19 km) |
| Surface area | 5,127-acre (21 km²) |
| Average depth | 300 ft (91 m) |
| Max. depth | 624 ft (190 m) |
| Surface elevation | 580 ft (177 m) |
| Settlements | Piedmont |
Lake Crescent is a lake located in Clallam County, Washington, originally named Lake Everett. Lake Crescent is a popular recreational area in the Olympic National Park. With a maximum depth of 624 feet (201 m), it is one of the deepest lakes in the state of Washington. The community of Piedmont is nearby.
Lake Crescent is home to a number of trails, including the Spruce Railroad Trail. The railroad trail follows the grade of an old railroad along the shores of Lake Crescent. One can even visit the entrance to a tunnel the railroad went through, but the trail circumvents.
The lake has several beaches and boat ramps. The sport of boating is enjoyed by many on Lake Crescent.
Contents |
[edit] Origins
The lake was formed when glaciers carved out deep valleys during the last ice age. This gives Lake Crescent almost the look of a fjord and great depth. Many geologists believe that Lake Crescent and nearby Lake Sutherland were once the same lake, but became separated by a landslide.[1]
[edit] Ecology
Lake Crescent is known for its brilliant blue waters and amazing clarity, which are caused by a lack of nitrogen in the water, inhibiting the growth of algaes.
The lake is also home to two unique species of fish, the Beardslee trout, the Crescenti trout.
[edit] References
- ^ Williams, p.145
[edit] See also
[edit] History
Steamboats of Lake Crescent, Washington
[edit] Sources
- Williams, Hill. The Restless Northwest: A Geological Story, Washington State University Press, 2002, ISBN 0874222508.
[edit] External links
- Olympic National Park - NPS
- Seattle Post-Intelligencer article - The allure of Lake Crescent never grows old
- NW Travel - Lake Crescent
- History Around Lake Crescent, Clallam County, Washington
- University of Washington Libraries Digital Collections – The Evergreen Playground) Online museum exhibit that highlights the history of tourism on the Olympic Peninsula, including the development of the Olympic Loop Highway (U.S. Highway 101) and the Olympic National Park. Includes many images of Lake Crescent.
- Lake Crescent is at coordinates Coordinates:

