The weather forecast is all sun and when that happens all I want to do is get into the stunning waters of the Olympic Peninsula. One of my favorite ways to take in the spectacular natural beauty of the region is from diving into the water and seeing the land from a different perspective. So grab your beach towels, swimsuits, and floats and check out several of our favorite swimming holes on the peninsula!
Photo Credit: National Park Service
Lake Crescent
(1.5 Hours from Port Townsend)
Lake Crescent is the second deepest lake in Washington (second to Lake Chelan) and one of my favorite places on the Olympic Peninsula. The blue waters of this Olympic National Park lake are iconic.
We recommend heading to the west side of the lake for swimming at Fairholm Beach. Nearby is the Fairholme Campground with bathrooms, water, and boat rentals from the general store & cafe. Make a trip of it and spend the night at the campground or spend a romantic evening at the historic Lake Crescent Lodge.
Photo Credit: Olympic National Parks
Sol Duc Hot Springs
(2 Hours from Port Townsend)
Sol Duc Hot Springs has three soaking pools and one freshwater pool. The soaking pools range from 99 degrees to 104. The soaking pools are naturally formed by spring water from rain and snow melt seeping through cracks in rocks where it merges with gasses from cooling volcanic rocks. Then the spring waters are mineralized and rise to the surface along a larger crack or fissure.
It costs $15/person to use the pools or you can explore the area by camping at the Sol Duc Hot Springs Campground or spend the night in one of the resort’s cabins.
Photo Credit: ExploreHoodCanal.com
Rocky Brook Falls
(1 Hour from Port Townsend)
Take a dip in one of Hood Canal’s most beautiful waterfalls. Located in Brinnon, this is the perfect day trip. Pack a picnic, drive an hour, park the car, and walk several hundred feet and you’ll be at a waterfall, swimming hole!
This serene and secluded, off-the-beaten path spot is the perfect place to post up for an afternoon before heading off to further adventures or back to Port Townsend.
Photo Credit: OutdoorProject.com
Lake Cushman
(1.5 Hours from Port Townsend)
Lake Cushman has a large, designated swimming area at Skokomish Park. With a large, exposed and sloped beach, don’t expect a lot of shade - so bring your sunscreen. The beach also provides boat rentals, horseshoe, and a volleyball court to keep you entertained all day long!
Lake Cushman has mountain bike friendly trails and 9 miles of hiking trails. After a long day of swimming and hanging out on the beach spend the night at the Skokomish Park Campground!
Written by: Kaitlin Chester