Kayaking and Canoeing
Lake Crescent, a serene expanse of teal-color waters surrounded by deep-green pine forests, is one of the park's best boating areas. Note that the west end is for swimming only; no speedboats are allowed here.
Lake Quinault has boating access from a gravel ramp on the north shore. From U.S. 101, take a right on North Shore Road, another right on Hemlock Way, and a left on Lakeview Drive. There are plank ramps at Falls Creek and Willoughby campgrounds on South Shore Drive, 0.1 mile and 0.2 mile past the Quinault Ranger Station, respectively.
Lake Ozette, with just one access road, is a good place for overnight trips. Only experienced canoe and kayak handlers should travel far from the put-in, since fierce storms occasionally strike—even in summer.
Tours and Outfitters
Fairholme General Store. Kayaks and canoes on Lake Crescent are available to rent from $20 per hour to $55 for eight hours. The store is at the lake's west end, 27 miles west of Port Angeles. 221121 U.S. 101, Port Angeles, Washington, 98363. 360/928–3020. Closed after Labor Day–Apr. and Mon.–Thurs. in May.
Lake Crescent Lodge. You can rent canoes and kayaks here for $20 per hour and $55 per half day. Two-hour guided kayak tours are offered and include instructions; they cost $55 in a single kayak and $75 in a double kayak. 416 Lake Crescent Rd., Olympic National Park, Washington, 98363. 360/928–3211; www.olympicnationalparks.com. Closed Jan.–Apr..
Log Cabin Resort. This resort, 17 miles west of Port Angeles, has paddleboat, kayak, canoe, and paddleboard rentals for $20 per hour and $55 per day. The dock provides easy access to Lake Crescent's northeast section. 3183 E. Beach Rd., Port Angeles, Washington, 98363. 360/928–3325; www.olympicnationalparks.com. Closed Oct.–mid-May.
Rainforest Paddlers. This company takes kayakers down the Lizard Rock and Oxbow sections of the Hoh River and rafters on both the Hoh and Sol Duc rivers. They also offer river rafting and kayak rentals. 4883 Upper Hoh Rd., Forks, Washington, 98331. 360/374–5254; 866/457–8398; www.rainforestpaddlers.com. Tours from $44; kayak rentals from $11/hr.
