Frommer's National Parks of the American West - Don Laine [315]
Up the coast is Mora, along the Quillayute River about 2 miles from beautiful Rialto Beach. About 3 miles in from the coast is the remote Ozette, on the north shore of Lake Ozette. It's a good choice for kayakers and canoeists, as well as people wanting to day-hike to the beaches on either side of Cape Alava. The lake has a designated swimming beach. This campground may be closed during periods of heavy rain because of flooding.
Where to Stay
INSIDE THE PARK
Kalaloch Lodge
157151 U.S. 101, Forks, WA 98331. ☎ 866/ 525-2562. Fax 360/962-3391. www.visit kalaloch.com. Lodge or motel $143–$174 double; lodge suite or motel suite $174–$265 double; cabin $165–$275 double. Extra person over 6 $12. Much lower rates Sun–Thurs mid-Oct through May except holidays and school vacations. AE, MC, V. Pets accepted in cabins; $12.50 per pet fee.
This rustic, cedar-shingled lodge and its cluster of cabins perch on a grassy bluff. Below, the Pacific Ocean thunders against a sandy beach where huge driftwood logs are scattered like so many twigs. The breathtaking setting makes this one of the most popular lodges on the coast, and it's advisable to book rooms at least 4 months in advance (11 months in advance for July, Aug, and major holidays). The rooms in the old lodge are the least expensive, but the ocean-view bluff cabins are the most popular. The log cabins across the road from the bluff cabins don't have the knockout views. Amenities in the cabins vary—some have cooktops, refrigerators, microwaves, and Franklin stoves. For comfort, you can't beat the motel-like rooms in the Sea Crest House. All units have coffeemakers, two walking sticks, and tide tables! The dining room serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and there is a casual coffee shop. The lodge also has a general store and gas station.
Lake Crescent Lodge
416 Lake Crescent Rd., Port Angeles, WA 98363. ☎ 360/928-3211. www.LakeCrescent Lodge.com. 52 units. $68–$85 double with shared bathroom, $106–$145 double with private bathroom; $132–$211 cottage. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Children under 18 not accepted in main building. Pets accepted in cottages; $12 per pet fee.
This historic lodge, built in 1916, lies 20 miles west of Port Angeles on the south shore of picturesque Lake Crescent. It is the lodging of choice for those wishing to stay on the north side of the park. The five guest rooms in the main building are the oldest and have shared bathrooms. If you'd like more modern accommodations, there are also standard motel-style rooms. If you have family or friends along, we recommend reserving a cottage. Those with fireplaces are the most comfortable and the most popular. All rooms have views of the lake or the mountains. Wood paneling, hardwood floors, a stone fireplace, and a sunroom make the lobby a popular spot for just sitting and relaxing. The Lodge Dining Room serves three meals daily. A lobby lounge provides a quiet place for an evening drink. Rowboat rentals ($9 for 1 hr., $25 for 4hr., $40 for 8 hr.) are available. All units are nonsmoking.
Log Cabin Resort
3183 E. Beach Rd., Port Angeles, WA 98363. ☎ 360/928-3325. www.logcabinresort.net. 24 cabins, 8 with bathroom; 4 motel units; 2 chalet units. $53 cabin for 2 without bathroom, $82–$98 cabin for 2 with bathroom; $110 double lodge unit; $134 chalet. DISC, MC, V. Closed Nov–Mar. Pets accepted in cabins; $12 per pet fee.
This resort on the north shore of Lake Crescent first opened in 1895 and still has buildings that date from the 1920s. The least expensive accommodations are rustic one-room log cabins in which you provide the bedding and share a bathroom a short walk away. More comfortable are the 1928 cabins with private bathrooms (shower or tub), some of which also have kitchenettes. (You provide the cooking and eating utensils.) The lodge rooms (with showers, microwaves, and coffeemakers) and a chalet (with a shower, kitchen sink, and refrigerator) offer the greatest comfort