Lake Crescent
Lake Crescent is a strikingly clear, deep glacial lake tucked inside Olympic National Park, known for its intense blue-green water and the forested ridgelines that rise steeply on all sides. The pier off Highway 101 gives you a clean, unobstructed platform to shoot from, and the calm mornings are your best friend here since the water often turns into a perfect mirror, doubling the reflection of the surrounding mountains and trees. Frame wide to capture the full sweep of the valley, or get low on the dock to emphasize the reflections. A wide-angle lens works well for the full scene, while a short telephoto can compress the ridgelines into a more dramatic backdrop. Arrive early before wind picks up and breaks the surface. Parking is straightforward near the lodge, and the pier itself is a short, flat walk from the road. (Port Angeles, Washington, United States)
