Spruce Railroad Trail
A paved, accessible trail along the stunning, crystal-clear waters of Lake Crescent, featuring historic tunnels and a unique swimming cove.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful trails, fewer crowds
Spruce Railroad Trail
Best Time
Peaceful trails, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A paved, accessible trail along the stunning, crystal-clear waters of Lake Crescent, featuring historic tunnels and a unique swimming cove.
"Wow, just wow, this hike is amazing!! The whole trail is paved, and it's far enough to fill my satisfaction."
🚗 Parking Tips
Arrive early, especially on weekends, to secure parking. Consider weekdays for a more relaxed experience.
👟 Trail Footwear
The main trail is paved and easy, but wear sturdy shoes for the unpaved path to Devil's Punchbowl.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lake Crescent Views
Along the entire trail
Crystal-clear, deep blue waters reflecting the surrounding mountains. A truly stunning PNW gem.
Devil's Punchbowl
Offshoot from Spruce Railroad Trail
A unique, secluded cove with vibrant blue water, perfect for a refreshing dip.
Historic Tunnels
Along the Spruce Railroad Trail
Two old railway tunnels offer a cool, atmospheric passage through the mountainside.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds on the Spruce Railroad Trail
Devil's Punchbowl Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Tips
Arrive early, especially on weekends, to secure parking. Consider weekdays for a more relaxed experience.
👟 Trail Footwear
The main trail is paved and easy, but wear sturdy shoes for the unpaved path to Devil's Punchbowl.
🐶 Pet-Friendly Fun
Leashes are required, but dogs are welcome on the trail. Enjoy the scenery with your furry friend!
🚴♀️ Bike the Trail
The paved 10-mile roundtrip trail is great for biking, offering stunning lake views. 
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Tips
Arrive early, especially on weekends, to secure parking. Consider weekdays for a more relaxed experience.
👟 Trail Footwear
The main trail is paved and easy, but wear sturdy shoes for the unpaved path to Devil's Punchbowl.
🐶 Pet-Friendly Fun
Leashes are required, but dogs are welcome on the trail. Enjoy the scenery with your furry friend!
🚴♀️ Bike the Trail
The paved 10-mile roundtrip trail is great for biking, offering stunning lake views.
💧 Devil's Punchbowl Access
The path to Devil's Punchbowl is unpaved; be prepared for a slightly more challenging terrain.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Spruce Railroad Trail for its stunning Lake Crescent views, well-maintained paved path, and the unique charm of its historic tunnels. The detour to Devil's Punchbowl is a frequently highlighted gem, offering a beautiful swimming spot. While generally easy, some note the unpaved path to the Punchbowl requires more care.
"Pretty nice trail and sights. Devil's punchbowl was a nice offbeat trail with unique acces to lake crescent."
Nishant N
"Wow, just wow, this hike is amazing!! The whole trail is paved, and it's far enough to fill my satisfaction; on top of that, the Devil's Punchbowl, what a surprise, beautiful water and hideout. I wish I had known this place during the summer!!"
Gregory Su
"Pet friendly. 14 mile hike one way if you want to. See the punch bowl (unpaved path to see the swimming hole) and tunnels along the way. Beautiful views. Fully paved. Small waterfalls running off the mountain."
Amanda Alonzo
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Spruce Railroad Trail is located along the north shore of Lake Crescent, about a 30-40 minute drive west of Port Angeles. Take US-101 West and follow signs for Lake Crescent. Parking is available at the trailhead.
Yes, there are parking areas at the trailhead for the Spruce Railroad Trail. Arriving early, especially on weekends, is recommended as spots can fill up quickly.
While Lake Crescent Lodge is a beautiful spot, the main trailhead for the Spruce Railroad Trail is a separate access point further west along US-101. You'll need to drive to the designated trailhead.
The parking areas are generally suitable for most vehicles, but be mindful of space, especially during peak times. The trail itself is wide and paved.
US-101 is a well-maintained highway. However, always check road conditions before your trip, especially during winter months, as weather in the Olympic Peninsula can be unpredictable.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Spruce Railroad Trail is located within Olympic National Park, so an entrance pass is required. You can purchase a pass at park entrance stations or online.
The trail is open year-round during daylight hours. There are no specific opening or closing times for the trail itself, but park facilities may have hours.
Yes, Olympic National Park has an entrance fee. You can purchase a 7-day pass or an annual pass, depending on your visit duration.
No, there are no time slot bookings required for the Spruce Railroad Trail. It's a first-come, first-served access.
Olympic National Park offers various passes, including America the Beautiful passes, senior passes, and military passes. Check the official NPS website for details.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The main Spruce Railroad Trail is an easy, paved 10-mile roundtrip hike. The detour to Devil's Punchbowl involves an unpaved path and is slightly more challenging.
Absolutely! The paved, relatively flat surface makes it ideal for families with strollers and young children.
Yes, swimming is possible at Devil's Punchbowl, a unique cove accessible from the trail. The main lake is very cold and deep.
Restroom facilities are available at the trailhead parking areas. It's advisable to use them before starting your hike.
You might spot various birds, deer, and other small forest creatures. The lake is known for trout and salmon, though fishing is catch and release.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the stunning blue hues of Lake Crescent, the moss-draped trees, the historic tunnels, and the vibrant waters of Devil's Punchbowl.
Yes, the trail runs right alongside Lake Crescent, offering numerous viewpoints for capturing its beauty. The clear water is a photographer's dream.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for landscape photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones.
Drone usage is restricted in many areas of Olympic National Park. Check the official NPS guidelines for current regulations before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive lake and forest views. A polarizing filter can enhance the colors of the water.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Kids will be fascinated by the historic tunnels and the vibrant blue waters of Lake Crescent. The detour to Devil's Punchbowl offers a fun, albeit slightly more challenging, adventure for older children who might enjoy a dip in the lake. Remember to bring plenty of water and snacks, and keep dogs on a leash as they are welcome on the trail.
Arriving early can help avoid crowds and ensure a more enjoyable experience for everyone. The relatively flat terrain minimizes fatigue, making it a stress-free outing for the whole family. 🐶 Dog-Friendly Explorers
Your dog will love exploring the paved path alongside the stunning Lake Crescent, with plenty of scents and sights to discover. While the main trail is easy for dogs, be mindful of the unpaved path to Devil's Punchbowl, which might be a bit rougher on paws.
🚴♀️ Cyclists Seeking Scenic Rides
The 10-mile roundtrip offers ample distance to enjoy the spectacular views of Lake Crescent and the surrounding temperate rainforest. Many consider it a top cycling destination in Western Washington. Consider bringing an e-bike for an easier ride, or a hybrid or road bike for optimal comfort.
While the main trail is smooth, the path to Devil's Punchbowl is unpaved, so plan accordingly if you intend to explore that area on two wheels. The tunnels provide a unique cycling experience, adding an element of adventure to your ride. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Lake Crescent's Depths and Legends
During your exploration, you might notice the lake's striking blue and green hues, which change depending on the light and depth. The surrounding temperate rainforest, with its moss-covered trees, adds to the enchanting atmosphere.
The trail itself, once a railway bed, provides a smooth and accessible path for hikers and bikers alike. The Allure of Devil's Punchbowl
Redditors and social media creators often rave about the surprise and beauty of Devil's Punchbowl, calling it a 'hideout' and a 'beautiful water surprise.'
Biking the Spruce Railroad Trail
+1 This former railway bed provides a smooth surface perfect for road bikes, hybrids, or even e-bikes. Riders can enjoy continuous, breathtaking views of Lake Crescent, with opportunities to stop at scenic overlooks and explore the historic tunnels. Many cyclists find the trail to be one of their favorite rides in the region, praising its accessibility and stunning scenery.
While the main trail is easy, some suggest leaving bikes at the Devil's Punchbowl access point if you plan to explore that area on foot due to the unpaved terrain. Whether you're looking for a leisurely ride or a longer cycling adventure, the Spruce Railroad Trail delivers an unforgettable experience. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit