To live in Washington is to be spoiled by nature. And whether you prefer to sink your toes into the ocean or relax on the sandy shores of a glittering lake at a state park, you’ll have plenty of options for doing that here. But did you know we happen to have one lake that is rumored to be bottomless? The depth of Lake Crescent, while beautiful, is also full of mystery.

Lake Crescent is located in the vast and stunning Olympic National Park, in the northern foothills of the Olympic Mountains.
Udo S / Flickr
The lake is about 18 miles west of Port Angeles. The lake is a popular destination in the summertime, and it's easy to see why. It has such clear, pristine waters, and there are several great hiking trails surrounding it.
But ask anyone how deep Lake Crescent is and you're bound to get a shrug or a blank stare.
Tom Collins / Flickr
Nobody really knows, and many people -- even park employees -- will tell you it's considered bottomless.
If you look online, you might see the Crescent Lake listed as having a depth of 624 feet.
robposse / Flickr
But further research will show that the measurers of that depth from over 50 years ago were limited to 624 feet by their own sounding gear. More recent equipment has measured it at 650 feet, but it may be much deeper in parts.
To top it off, this monstrous lake is shrouded in mystery.
Ken Lund / Flickr
Generations of Native Americans would not go near it because of one of its legends. According to said legend, the Klallam and Quileute tribes fought a bloody battle beneath Mount Storm King, and the mountain got angry and threw a chunk of rock into the valley over the battlefield. The rock killed the warriors and dammed the river, creating Crescent Lake.
And as if that legend wasn't disturbing enough, there's also the Lady of Crescent Lake to consider.
Jasperdo / Flickr
In 1936, a woman named Hallie worked in a tavern on the lake. After two failed marriages, she met and married a man named Montgomery J. Illingworth that same year. Unfortunately, he turned out to be the worst of them all. After months of abuse, Hallie disappeared, her husband claiming she'd left him for another man. But in 1940, Hallie's body surfaced in the lake, almost perfectly preserved by the properties of the water. Although it was obvious she had been strangled, it took awhile to convict her husband, who finally spent nine years behind bars.
Despite these disturbing tales, Lake Crescent is extraordinarily peaceful.
Jonathan Miske / Flickr
And somehow, its secrets and mysteries make it even more magical.

Have you ever been to one of the deepest lakes in Washington, Crescent Lake? Did you know it’s also one of the biggest lakes in Washington? If you’ve never been and are still googling “how deep is Lake Crescent” be sure to add it to your next trip to Olympic National Park so you can make your own guesses!

There’s so much more to explore in the ONP. Get a closer look at Washington’s Olympic National Park and start planning your adventure!

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Jennifer | December 20, 2022

What is the biggest lake in Washington?

A quick glance at a map of Washington state will show what locals already know first-hand: Washington is full of water. Lakes, rivers, streams, waterfalls, and coastal inlets fill every corner of the state. Of these bodies of water, 90% of them remain year-round. While no lake in Washington is short on recreation opportunities or scenic beauty, some of the biggest lakes in Washington in terms of geographical area are:

  • Lake Roosevelt
  • Lake Washington
  • Lake Wallula
  • Lake Chelan
  • Potholes Reservoir
  • Banks Lake

 

What are the prettiest lakes in Washington?

Beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder, but when it comes to beautiful places, Washington state has no shortage of magnificent scenery - lakes included. Fortunately, the state has gorgeous lakes tucked away in every single region. Some of the prettiest, must-visit lakes in Washington include:

  • Bench Lake
  • Bumping Lake
  • Clear Lake
  • Colchuck Lake
  • Corral Lake
  • Lake Ann
  • Lake Diablo
  • Lake Chelan
  • Reflection Lake
  • Silver Lake
  • Summit Lake

 

What are some things to do in Olympic National Park?

With over 1,442 miles of diverse ecosystems, trails, forests, lakes, and mountainous terrain to explore, Washington's Olympic National Park is truly a world of its own. Visitors to the ONP should plan to spend a minimum of three days exploring the scenic sights, but the more the better! Some of the most popular places to visit and things to do in Olympic National Park include:

 

 

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Lake Crescent, Washington 98363, USA