On the north shore of Lake Crescent towards the end of Camp David Jr. Rd is an inconspicuous little trailhead on the lake. The trail traverses the hillside and after about 3.5 miles place you up on the peak overlooking the whole lake. (Driving directions to trailhead from Port Angeles)

There is ample parking and a privy, but no clean water, so be sure to bring your own.  Insect repellent is a must as well; under the cover of the trees the no-see-ums are thick enough to actually see-um. Also, don’t do this one alone. There is a washout on the hillside that is easily traversable, but in the event of an accident, you can be left in a world of hurt. Just to be completely safe, the buddy system here is vital. I say “washout” but it’s more like a landslide, which is a few years old now, and several hundred feet above the forest floor. A tumble here would mean a long mostly uncontrollable slide down a dusty, rocky near-vertical face. Regardless, hundreds of hikers have passed over its’ face in the previous years without incident, so a little caution goes a long way.

So, park in the parking area, no entry permit required, and make your way about a hundred feet back up the road the way you came. The trail begins on the uphill side and makes its way through the undergrowth and before long opens up into a Douglas Fir forest. Nearly the entire trail is on the south side of the mountain with occasional peeks down to the crystal green and blue waters of Lake Crescent. Across the lake, busy Highway 101 can be seen.

The bulk of the hike is quite generic, the exceptions being the landslide traverse and the destination. You cross a couple small streams in the beginning, but nothing to write home about. Approximately 1.5 miles up the trail is where you will encounter the first and only real obstacle in the path.. Officially, the trail is (reluctantly) closed at this point, but the park actually tries their best to keep a path dug into the 150 or so foot face of the hillside. On a nice dry day you can hear the hillside sluffing away and pebbles and sand sliding down into oblivion. Just be careful, don’t be an idiot and it really isn’t that bad. (Notice the big scar in the hillside, about the halfway point, in the picture below. Also, the map below states it is 2.5 miles: It’s really closer to 3.5)

Approximate route of Pyramid Peak Trail

Trails of Lake Crescent

Once across the slide, the trail begins to climb a little more aggressively. Up a few switchbacks you finally crest the ridge and begin the traverse to the peak. Off the your left you can see an old logging road: This section of the trail jogs in and out of National Park boundaries and actually, at times, into old clear cuts from days of old.

Before you know it, you complete the final push up the last hill and you immediately notice an old shack perched on the tippy-top if the peak. This was an old World War II enemy plane spotter station. Stepping past the cabin, you are rewarded with views of the entirety of Lake Crescent, nearly all the way to Port Angeles to the east and the Straight of Juan de Fuca and Vancouver Island to the north. Aurora Ridge to the south, across the lake, blocks most of the view to the Olympic Mountains.  Be careful exploring the area, there are loose rocky ledges all around. It’s a wonderful place for lunch, soaking up some sun, (if it’s out), and enjoying the scenery before beginning your descent back to the lake-side.

Once back at the car, just below the parking area is a perfect little spot for taking a dip in the lake. There’s a small dock on the water, perfect for diving, or just for relaxing in the sun.