Crescent Beach

Located just west of Tongue Point and the Salt Creek Recreation Area, Crescent Beach is a beautiful 1.5-mile stretch of sand where the blue waters of the Strait of Juan de Fuca lap against the northern Olympic Peninsula. To the east you'll see the iconic and gigantic treed rock that becomes an island at high tide, and the Tongue Point Marine Life Sanctuary is just north of this rock. In contrast to the trails and campsites on Tongue Point that provide excellent views of sunsets over the strait, Crescent Beach is the place to be if you are an early riser. If you can get to Crescent Beach at sunrise, watching the tides and eastern morning light move around this occasional island is a fantastic way to start your day. At the west end of Crescent Beach you'll find another small headland that separates Crescent Bay from Agate Bay to the west. If you are looking to get out onto the water, Crescent Bay is an ideal spot for kayking, stand-up paddleboarding, and, when a strong northwest swell rolls into the strait, surfing.

While it is possible to access Crescent Beach from the Salt Creek Recreation Area, a day use parking lot is located right off of Crescent Beach Road just east of the Salt Creek bridge. From this area you can walk along the banks of Salt Creek to the mouth and set up your spot, cross Salt Creek to access the main portion of Crescent Beach, or walk approximately 1,000 feet east from the parking area along Crescent Beach Road to find the paths that connect the beach. Alternately, if you are staying at the Crescent Beach Campground + RV Park, you'll only have to cross the road for direct access to the beach. You can also park here and pay the day use fee at the park registration office.

Note: Crescent Beach is privately owned and a small day use fee is required for entrance.