Posted in Washington December 24, 2019 by

Washington Is Home To A Bottomless Lake And You’ll Want To See It For Yourself

To live in Washington is to be spoiled by nature. And whether you prefer to sink your toes into the ocean or relax by a lake, 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? Lake Crescent, while beautiful, is also full of mystery.

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
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 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 charming.

Have you ever been to Washington’s bottomless lake? If not, work it into your next trip to Olympic National Park.

Address: Lake Crescent, Washington 98363, USA