This Rail Trail is Perfect for a Crisp Fall Bike Ride
Spruce Railroad Trail is a scenic multi-use trail on the northern shore of Lake Crescent in Olympic National Park. Following the previous railroad grade, this fully paved path is one of the few trails in the national park welcoming both leashed dogs and bicycles.
Tracing what used to be a World War I logging railroad this 10 mile out-and-back path is insanely beautiful with stunning views of Lake Crescent shadowed by mountains from all directions. With roughly 250 feet of gentle incline along the main path, making ideal for families with strollers, cyclists, e-bikes, and wheelchair users.
Biking alongside tall spruce pines and rugged rocks, you catch a glimpse of Lake Crescent's deep blue water at every turn. The path takes you through multiple restored tunnels including the McFee Tunnel and the Daley-Rankin Tunnel. Each of these tunnels hold a certain piece of history with them, but it can get very dark when passing through so bring a flashlight as I would highly recommend it.
Though not within the manned stations within many of the entrances to Olympic National Park, it is still a requirement to have a standard Olympic National Park entrance pass or an America the Beautiful Pass to enjoy this path.
While traveling on this paved trail, you'll see a sign stating "Devil’s Punchbowl" roughly one mile into the trek with a narrow dirt path leading towards Lake Crescent, drop the bikes there as this side quest is about to begin. This stunning, deep-blue cove (pictured above) is known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, rugged landscape and arched pedestrian footbridge. This swimming hole is a highly popular spot during the summer months for swimming and cliff jumping. Though the main trail is perfect for your biking adventure in the crisp fall air, but I wouldn't recommend taking a dip until June.
Note: I personally took the plunge off the bridge on a warm April day and it definitely wasn't the warmest water I've ever jumped into.
Nearby
Lining the southern side of Lake Crescent is the 101 Highway which connects most of the Olympic Peninsula to each other. Other nearby attractions includes hiking the Storm King Trail or Aurora Creek Trail to summit Sourdough Mountain. You can also stay at nearby Lake Crescent Lodge, Log Cabin Resort or camp at nearby Fairholme Campground.
Honestly, the list could go on and on, but as I develop this brand I will develop nearby attraction lists for all of the common POIs in the region.
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