Frommer's National Parks of the American West - Don Laine [313]
For road bikers, U.S. 101 can be somewhat treacherous, with eager motorists rubbernecking and all. But if you get through that, you can find some pleasant rides on any of the roads that poke into the park.
Kayaking & Canoeing. Although large and often windy, glacier-carved Lake Crescent is a beautiful place to do a little paddling. Lush, green forests rise straight up from the shores of the 624-foot deep lake, giving the waters a fjord-like quality unmatched on the peninsula. Boat ramps are on U.S. 101 at Storm King (near the middle of the lake) and at Fairholme (at the west end of the lake). On East Beach Road, on the lake's northeast shore, there is a private boat ramp at the Log Cabin Resort.
If you launch at Storm King, you can explore around Barnes Point, away from U.S. 101 traffic noise (but in view of the Lake Crescent Lodge). From Fairholme, you can paddle along the north shore. From the Log Cabin Resort, you can explore the narrow bay that feeds the Lyre River, the lake's outlet stream. When winds blow down this lake, as they often do, the waters can be very dangerous for small boats.
Fairholme Store & Marina, at the west end of the lake (☎ 360/928-3020), rents canoes, kayaks, and rowboats for about $9 per hour. Boats are for rent at the Log Cabin Resort, 3183 E. Beach Rd., Port Angeles (☎ 360/928-3325; www.logcabinresort.net), on the lake's northeast shore, at similar rates.
Ozette Lake, 300 feet deep, nearly 10 miles long, and the third-largest natural lake in Washington, is a fascinating place to explore by sea kayak or canoe. Only a mile from the Pacific Ocean, the lake is indented by numerous coves and bays, and surrounds three small islands. Campsites along the shore include the boat-in sites at Erickson's Bay.
The Swan Bay boat launch, one of two on the large lake, is probably the best choice for paddlers. For a leisurely half-day paddle, just explore the shores of the convoluted bay, in the middle of which is Garden Island. For a daylong trip, try paddling down the lake to Tivoli Island. For an overnighter, head to the lake's western shore and the campsites at Erickson's Bay. From here, you can explore up and down the west shore.
Both Lake Crescent and Ozette Lake are big lakes subject to quick changes of weather and wind. Whitecaps can come up suddenly, and cold waters can cause hypothermia. Check the weather forecast before leaving, and keep an eye on the sky. Also see "White-Water Kayaking & Rafting," below.
Llama Trips. The park and surrounding areas have become a favorite for llama pack trips. Kit's Llamas, P.O. Box 116, Olalla, WA 98359 (☎ 253/857-5274; www.northolympic.com/llamas), offers day trips starting at $75 per person.
Snowshoeing & Cross-Country Skiing. Any of the snow-covered roads leading into the mountains will offer a satisfying winter trek. If you seek views, head to Hurricane Ridge with the rest of the winter crowd and set out on any of the area's trails. One place to rent snowshoes is Olympic Outdoor Center, 18971 Front St., Poulsbo (☎ 800/592-5983 or 360/697-6095; www.olympicoutdoor center.com), which charges $15 a pair.
White-Water Kayaking & Rafting. White-water rafting, scenic floats, and sea kayaking are options in and around Olympic National Park. Guided trips last approximately half a day. Canoe and kayak rentals are available from Olympic Raft & Kayak, 123 Lake Aldwell Rd., Port Angeles (☎ 888/452-1443 or 360/452-1443; www.raftand kayak.com); prices start at about $50 per day. Rates for guided trips start at $42 for adults and $39 for kids 5 to 11. The company also offers classes (call for details).
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