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Local Love & Wanderlust | Cleveland-Based Travel & Lifestyle Blog

Local Love & Wanderlust | Cleveland-Based Travel & Lifestyle Blog

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Visiting Beautiful Lake Crescent in Olympic National Park

Destinations, Outdoors

Crystal blue waters against rocks in Crescent Lake, Olympic National Park | Local Love and Wanderlust
Why The Lake Is So Crystal Clear & Blue

Visiting the crystal blue waters of Lake Crescent is worth a spot on everyone’s Olympic National Park’s to-do list. It’s a beautiful, 624 foot, a glacially formed lake known for its crystal clear water and intense blue color. The lake owes its crystal-clear depths to its lack of phytoplankton, an algae-like plant that floats in lakes, due to low levels of nitrogen in the water.

Tree at Crescent Lake, Olympic National Park | Local Love and Wanderlust

Indian Legend On Lake Crescent’s Creation

There’s a fascinating Indian legend about the creation of Lake Crescent that’s supported by geological records. The tale tells us of a major fight between the Klallam and Quileute tribes. A nearby mountain spirit, angered by the senseless fighting, hurled a giant boulder down killing the warriors. This action caused a damming effect which in form created Lake Crescent. For many years tribal members did not visit the lake where their relatives were killed.

Geological records support this legend with evidence of a landslide from surrounding mountains that divided a once larger lake into two separate lakes. This isolation also created a genetically unique form of trout found nowhere else on earth.

Looking for an easy hike in Olympic National Park? Check out my post on the hike to Marymere Falls

The drive To Crescent Lake

At roughly 18 miles west of Port Angeles, the drive to Lake Crescent is a breezy one. The roads are windy through beautiful forest and you’ll catch glimpses of nearby mountains in the distance. There are several turnoff points where you can pull over, stretch your legs, and enjoy the views of the lake. The lake is nearby several other Olympic National Park attractions such as the hike to Marymere Falls and Mount Storm King and Devils Punchbowl. Not far away is the Elwah River, Sol Duc Falls, and the Hoh Rainforest, and the coast are roughly 30 minutes to an hour’s drive away.

Crystal blue waters in Crescent Lake, Olympic National Park | Local Love and Wanderlust
Unique tree at Crescent Lake, Olympic National Park | Local Love and Wanderlust
The drive to Crescent Lake, Olympic National Park | Local Love and Wanderlust

See more of Olympic National Park from our Epic 8-Day Pacific Northwest Trip

Crystal blue waters in Crescent Lake, Olympic National Park | Local Love and Wanderlust
Man walking the shore of Crescent Lake, Olympic National Park | Local Love and Wanderlust

Things To Know Before You Go

  • The lake is roughly 624 feet deep
  • There are several trails nearby, but not around the entire lake as there are residences and the highway on either side.
  • Nearby destinations include Marymere Falls, Devils Punchbowl, Sol Duc Falls, and more.
  • National Park Fees may apply in some areas. We did not have to pay for where we explored.
  • Visit the park’s website for the most up to date details and weather alerts (visit page)

Have you been to Lake Crescent or plan to visit? Tell me about it below!

Find more content like this under: Destinations, Outdoors, Hiking, National Parks, Washington

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Hey there, I'm Jen - a photographer and designer on a mission to explore Cleveland, Ohio, and beyond, one adventure at a time! I share plenty of hiking and outdoor content, as well as thoughtful travel guides to postcard-worthy destinations, features on amazing local businesses, and insider tips for uncovering hidden gems and the best experiences in Cleveland. So glad you're here!

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@localloveandwanderlust

Love Caesar Salad? Here’s another Cleveland spot Love Caesar Salad? Here’s another Cleveland spot to try!

✨Be sure to like & save this post to remember to visit ✨

We finally tried @lindeyslakehouseflats and I was happy to see a Caesar 🥗  on the menu, my favorite salad 🙌🏼 and now on my list of great Caesar Salads to get in Cleveland. (DM me for the full list of you want it)

The salad was coated in dressing, the croutons were crunchy but not too crunchy, and the slice of cheese on top was a fun addition. I ordered mine with chicken added, perfect!

In addition to tasty food, they’ve got a huge patio space, killer views of the Cuyahoga River, and if you’re lucky one of the huge ships will come through during your meal, always fun to watch.

Where should I try a Caesar Salad next? Follow me for more Cleveland & travel adventures!

#cleveland #clevelandeats #flatseastbank #clevelandrestaurants #caesarsalad #thisiscle #clevelandblogger #clefoodies #thingstodoincleveland #clevelandbloggers #ohiotheheartofitall #lindeyslakehouse @lindeyslakehouseflats @flatseastcle
🍕Slice, Slice, baby🍕 Have you checked out Cl 🍕Slice, Slice, baby🍕 Have you checked out Cleveland's newest slice shop, @geracissliceshop in Downtown?

I was out of town when they opened so I was excited to finally check them out. 

Here's what you'll find when you visit: 
🔸Tasty pizza by the slice or pie, salads, garlic pillows, meatball flights, and more.
🔸A short walk away from concert venues and sports arenas, a perfect place to grab a slice after a show or game
🔸Family Owned for 65 years 
🔸Cute outdoor patio space
🔸Retro Vibes, fun decor, and photo-ops galore
🔸Caesar Marie, your next favorite Caesar (if you know me, you know I'm always on the lookout for good Caesars)

If you've been, tell me your favorite thing on the menu in the comments ⤵️

📍603 Prospect Ave E, Cleveland, OH

#downtowncleveland #cleveland #thisiscle #clevelandfoodie #clevelandblogger 
#travelblogger #clevelandpizza #familyownedbiz #crustyourinstincts #geracissliceshop Pizza Shops in Cleveland
🔹Now Open🔹Patron Saint, a new Italian-inspir 🔹Now Open🔹Patron Saint, a new Italian-inspired all-day café + aperitivo bar in Cleveland’s Ohio City!

✨Tag a friend you’d love to visit with✨

I was so excited for the opening of this lovely cafe. The former Vitrolite Tile showroom had such unique elements you’ll see blended into the modern cafe and the food was quite good! 

This all day cafe has Italian-inspired cafe dishes paired with coffee and spritz beverages and includes an aperitivo hour at 4pm that includes some bar snacks that switch up every couple days, a perfect start to your evening or an after work treat.

Check out their website for more details on parking and menu items.

📍Located in the Hingetown part of Cleveland’s Ohio City neighborhood at 2915 Detroit Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 

🕑 Mon-Fri 7a-8p and Sat 8a-2p
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#patronsaintcle #ohiocity #hingetown #clevelandohio #thisiscle #ohiotheheartofitall #apertivobar #italianinspired #clevelandcafe #beautifulinteriors #vitrolitebuilding #clevelandblogger #travelblogger #hellofrom
POV: You visit Downtown Cleveland on a Friday nigh POV: You visit Downtown Cleveland on a Friday night 
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#thisiscle #e4thcle #geracisliceshop #cleclothingco #downtowncleveland #ohiotheheartofitall #cleveland #ohio #clevelandblogger #traveldestination #hellofrom #beautiful_destinations #travelblogger #locallove 
@thisiscle @ohiotheheartofitall @e4thst @geracissliceshop @cleclothingco
6 epic and easy views you can see in Rocky Mountai 6 epic and easy views you can see in Rocky Mountain National Park!

✨Save for future visit✨

These epic views deliver with minimal effort because sometimes you don’t want to hike a few miles to be rewarded with breathtaking scenes.

📍Alluvial Fan: this spot has a very interesting history you can read about on site, it’s also very relaxing to listen to the rushing waters.

📍Hiking Bear Lake to Nymph Lake & beyond. It’s an easy hike depending on the season. We had partial snow so we rented spikes and poles. The views on the way up are dreamy. You can continue past Nymph to several other lakes if you’re up for it.

📍Sprague Lake is just a 30 minute drive from the park entrance and one of our favorite spots. Epic sunrises nature, and mountains-reflecting-in-water views.

📍Moraine Park is huge and within the National Park boundaries. The views are vast.

📍Driving Trail Ridge Road will take you as far as 12,000 feet above sea level 😳 with many stops along the way, this is a great way to enjoy the park. During winter it’s closed and opens gradually through mid- May once the snow melts enough. 

Intro screen: Many Parks Curve seen from Trail Ridge Road

Closing scene: View #6: 📍Glacier Creek at Prospect Canyon

Do you have a favorite view in RMNP?
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#rockymountainnationalpark #rockymountain #rmnps #nationalparks #hikingtrails #abovesealevel #colorado #visitcolorado #estespark #estesparkcolorado #clevelandblogger #clevelandtravelblogger #clevelandphotographer #optoutside #exploremore #easyhikes

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