Spruce Railroad Trail

This versatile trail can adapt to your needs. It's can be an out-and-back hike, so you can make it as long as you like. If you do full distance, you are looking at an 8 mile day... OR, if you have two cars, you can park a car at either end of the trail and make it a 4 mile one-way hike.

This description begins at the Spruce Railroad Trailhead on the east side of Crescent Lake, walking west along the north shore. Be sure to stop at the pit toilet at the trail head before you go. You'll have to hike uphill through fern and brush to get the necessary 200 feet away from a water source before you can tinkle while on this trail.

From the beginning of the trail you can't help but notice how surrounded you are by green things. Huge spruce and maple are draped in moss, gigantic ferns bend and sway into the narrow path and evergreens abound. This is a quintessential Washington rain forest hike. Even in summer, the path may be muddy. Expect muddy, slippery conditions in the winter and spring.

About one mile in, you'll run into a Japanese style bridge over the vibrant blue water of Crescent Lake and the Punchbowl. This is a popular place for swimming in the summer time. The bridge is also a great place for a photo op. From the bridge: Look left for Mount Storm King and right for Barnes Point.

The trail runs close to the water's edge for much of the time. You'll have ample opportunities to take photographs of that gem blue water.

When you reach the western trail head, take a break and enjoy more stunning views of this beautiful lake. Retrace your steps to return to the eastern trail head.