Devil’s Punchbowl at Lake Crescent: Is it Worth a Visit?
Wondering if Devil’s Punchbowl at Lake Crescent is worth a visit?
I’ve kayaked here from Log Cabin Resort in late May and hiked in on Labor Day weekend.
My summer visit felt busy and a bit raucous, which is expected on a holiday weekend. Despite the crowds, the lake views were incredible, and there were plenty of great spots to swim beyond the cove near the bridge.
In this guide, I’ll review the pros and cons of visiting Devil’s Punchbowl in Olympic National Park, share things to do here, and provide tips on what to bring for a better experience if you decide it’s worth adding to your itinerary.
Let’s go!
Quick Guide: Devils Punch Bowl Lake Crescent
- Hike Length: 2.4 miles
- Elevation Gain: 137 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
- Location: Devil’s Punchbowl is located on the northern shore of Lake Crescent in Olympic National Park, accessible via the Spruce Railroad trailhead off East Beach Road.
- Entrance Pass: All visitors must have a Standard Pass, Annual Pass, or America the Beautiful Pass.
- Parking Lot: Parking is available at the trailhead, but the lot fills up quickly on busy weekends. Overflow parking lines the road, and I noticed drivers struggling to maneuver in and out during peak times.
- Amenities: A pit toilet and garbage can is available at the trailhead. Bring a trash bag and a human waste bag to leave no trace, as no facilities are near the swimming hole.
- Accessibility: Requires walking on a paved trail or kayaking or boating in. The short hike to the swimming hole from the main trail is on a dirt path with rocks.
- Safety Considerations: No lifeguards are on duty, and motorized boats pass through the waters near the bridge. I witnessed a small boat drive under the bridge and into the cove, creating a potentially hazardous situation for swimmers.
- Dog-Friendly: Unlike most Olympic National Park trails, dogs are welcome but must be leashed.
- Crowd Factor: Highly popular in summer, with many young people and families. Expect a lively atmosphere, especially on summer and holiday weekends.
- Best Time to Visit: Early mornings or shoulder seasons (spring and fall) for fewer crowds.
Is Devil’s Punchbowl worth visiting?
If you want to swim, Devil’s Punchbowl is worth a stop as part of an Olympic itinerary that includes Lake Crescent, as long as you know not to expect a quiet experience during the park’s busiest season.
Pros & Cons of Visiting Devils Punch Bowl
Pros:
- Stunning lake and mountain views.
- A refreshing place to swim.
- A variety of activities, including hiking, biking, swimming, kayaking, and cliff jumping.
- Unique features include an old train tunnel along the trail near the swimming hole.
Cons:
- Overcrowded during peak summer months.
- No facilities at the swimming cove (restrooms, trash bins, etc).
- Parking can be hectic during busy weekends.
- Slick and steep rocks pose safety risks.
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Things to Do at Devil’s Punchbowl in WA
Keep reading to learn all the fun outdoor activities you can do here.
Hiking & Biking
The hike along the Spruce Railroad Trail is relatively easy and scenic, with peek-a-boo lake views, impressive big-leaf maple trees, and shaded forest sections.
It’s a paved trail until you break off toward Devil’s Punchbowl, where you’ll briefly hike on a rocky dirt path along the lake.
I wore my Tevas on my hike to the swimming hole, which helped me navigate the rocks lining the water. However, I saw some people wearing flip-flops and Crocs.
If you plan to hike further on the Spruce Railroad Trail, a continuation of the Olympic Discovery Trail, I recommend wearing sturdy shoes and packing sandals for the punchbowl.
The trail is an excellent choice for bikers. Its paved path and gentle inclines make it suitable for riders of all skill levels. All the bikers I encountered were respectful and communicated well, calling out when passing.
As a hiker, I made sure to stay to the right to comply with trail etiquette.
The old railroad tunnel near the off-shoot trail to the punchbowl is a highlight, adding a sense of history and a fun experience for both hikers and bikers.
Swimming
Swimming at Devil’s Punchbowl is the main attraction.
The iconic bridge and rocky cove, with depths reaching 200 feet, are the most photographed spots. You’ll encounter this area shortly after breaking off from the main Spruce Railroad Trail.
Once you cross the bridge, the path offers numerous places to jump into the cold lake water.
You can enter the lake from anywhere along the shoreline. Flat, rocky areas line the lake, providing small, intimate spots where you can relax for a few hours.
People were scattered along the shoreline, enjoying the water. I even noticed a small tent pitched by a group between the narrow trail and the lakeshore.
For my preference, the best place to swim is a swimming hole off the path farther down the path, farthest away from the bridge. It’s removed from the biggest crowds, making it calmer and offering even better lake views.
Keep in mind that the lake water is undeniably chilly. A woman shrieked after jumping in, though most people handled the temperature just fine.
Be prepared for a refreshing shock if you’re sensitive to cold water!
Cliff Jumping
Many people, including young kids, jump into the water from the bridge. But the more daring cliff jump into the swimming hole, which is thrilling, yes, but not without risks!
People have died cliff-jumping into the water here.
The steep rock you climb to reach the highest jump-off point is dangerous, with slick surfaces that make it easy to slip. My Tevas gave me some traction, but I still slipped a little on the wet rocks.
Carefully assess the risks before deciding to climb the tallest rock to jump. And know that if you do, you’ll likely have an audience.
I watched as a young man stood on the cliff for what felt like an eternity, contemplating his jump. Everyone watched in suspense until he finally did it, with some recording him on their phones.
I didn’t think he would do it because he was up there for so long. He definitely earned his cheers from the crowd!
For a less intimidating jump, head beyond the bridge to another rock cliff that faces the lake. This spot has calmer vibes and better lake and mountain views, making it a great alternative if the main area feels too intense.
Lake Crescent Views
The views from Devil’s Punchbowl and the surrounding areas are breathtaking.
The backdrop of deep blue water framed by the forested Olympic Mountains is stunning.
I’ve been to this lake countless times, and I’ll never tire of seeing the contrast of clear teal water along the rocky lake shore.
Kayaking & Stand-Up Paddleboarding
Kayaking to Devil’s Punchbowl is a fantastic way to experience this attraction.
My husband and I love staying at the nearby Log Cabin Resort, a perfect spot to rent or launch a kayak, even if you’re not staying there. One late May weekend, we rented a double-seated kayak and paddled over to the bridge to watch the cliff jumpers in action.
During my late August trip, I noticed kayaks tied up along the shoreline, which shows this is a popular alternative to hiking.
Stand-up paddleboarding and traditional boating are also great options for reaching this popular swimming and gathering area.
Best Time to Visit & Seasonal Differences
- Summer (June-August): Peak season with the largest crowds. The vibe is lively, at times raucous, with families, teenagers, and young adults enjoying the water. Parking can be challenging.
- Fall (September-October): A quieter time with cooler temperatures, making it ideal for hikers. Fall foliage on bigleaf maple trees adds additional beauty to the scene.
- Spring (March-May): Similar to fall, with fewer crowds and plenty of parking. The weather can be unpredictable, but the trail is less congested.
- Winter (November-February): Not ideal for swimming, but the trail is peaceful and offers unique photo opportunities with snow-capped peaks.
Things to Bring for a Better Experience
- Sturdy Shoes: The rocks are slick, and good traction is essential. Some wore flip-flops in late summer and seemed fine, but I recommend hiking sandals or sneakers.
- Towels & Layers: The water is cold, so you’ll want to dry off and warm up quickly.
- Snacks & Water: Pack enough food and hydration.
- Trash Bags: Sadly, I saw beer cans and snack wrappers left behind. Please pack out everything you bring!
- Human Waste Bag: There are no restrooms or vault toilets at the swimming hole. Bring a blue bag and leave no trace if you plan to stay a while.
Nearby Attractions Around Lake Crescent
If you’re planning a trip to Devil’s Punchbowl, consider adding these nearby stops to your itinerary:
Lake Crescent Destinations & Trails
- Log Cabin Resort: One of my favorite places to stay in Port Angeles! The resort rents kayaks or paddle boats. They also have a restaurant for meals and drinks.
- East Beach: This beach is down the road from the punchbowl. It’s another excellent swimming hole and one of my favorite places to watch the sunset.
- Marymere Falls Trail: A short hike through a gorgeous forest to a waterfall with two viewing platforms.
- Mount Storm King Trail: The ropes to the Storm King summit weren’t as hairy as I thought they’d be, but you don’t have to climb them to get incredible lake views.
- Moments in Time Trail: A quick rainforest-like loop near Lake Crescent Lodge, perfect for those seeking a leisurely stroll.
Highway 112 Attractions
- Crescent Beach: I visited the punchbowl while staying at Crescent Beach RV Park, a beach destination with incredible views and only twenty minutes away.
- Salt Creek: My favorite place to camp on the Olympic Peninsula with many different coastlines to explore and go tide-pooling.
Port Angeles activities are plentiful and just a short drive from Lake Crescent.
Wrap-Up: Is Devil’s Punchbowl at Lake Crescent Worth Seeing?
Yes, Devil’s Punchbowl is worth visiting if you’re looking for a fun place to swim in Olympic National Park. This unique destination features a swimming hole, a bridge and rocks for jumping, and stunning lake views.
However, it’s a lively gathering spot in summer, not ideal for those seeking solitude. For a quieter experience, visit in the early morning or during the shoulder seasons.
Even if you don’t plan to swim or cliff-jump, hiking and kayaking to Devil’s Punchbowl are fun Lake Crescent activities that can be enjoyed year-round.
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