Devil’s Punchbowl in Olympic National Park, WA is a popular local swimming and cliff-jumping spot with beautiful, clear teal water. It is one of the local favorites. The easiest way to get to Devil’s Punchbowl is via Spruce Railroad Trail. Devil’s Punchbowl via Spruce Railroad Trail is an easy, paved trail that traces along the Northern shoreline of Lake Crescent. It is perfect for beginner hikers and families.
Stats
Where
Spruce Railroad Trail Trailhead
48.093214, -123.802246
(Located along Beach Rd, Port Angeles, WA)
Parking
Small, paved lot next to the trailhead.
Restroom
There are restrooms at the trailhead. There are no restrooms at Devil’s Punchbowl.
Fee
Olympic National Park charges a fee to enter. You can also use a park-specific annual pass or the Interagency – America the Beautiful Pass.
Distance
2.4 mi R.T.
Elevation Gain
144 ft
Level
Easy
Time:
45 minutes – 1.5 hours
Pet-friendly
You can bring your pet, but they have to be on leashed.
Ideal Time
The trail opens year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. However, if you want to swim at Devil’s Punchbowl, go in the summer. The water is freezing here.
Weather
Video
Getting to the Trailhead
Devil’s Punchbowl is located along the Spruce Railroad Trail. Spruce Railroad Trail trailhead is located along Beach Road, on the northern shoreline of Lake Crescent, near Log Cabin Resort. There isn’t actually address for it so we included the coordinates above. You should be able to GPS your way there. You should be able to find a small parking lot to the left of the trailhead. Please do not drive past the private property sign but stop when you reach the parking lot.
The Adventure
The Start of Spruce Railroad Trail
After parking, we follow the sign for the Spruce Railroad Trail. The trail is quite beautiful with tall trees and lush vegetation lining the way. It was interesting to learn that Spruce Railroad Trail was originally built to haul Spruce timber for WWI aircraft. However, it wasn’t completed until 1919, a year too late. So, it was turned into one of the most iconic and accessible sections of the 134-mile Olympic Discovery Trail as a paved ADA trail.
Spruce Railroad Trail meanders along the shoreline of Lake Crescent. Along the way, we could the beautiful Lake Crescent and its clear blue water. This lake was quite beautiful. Spruce Railroad Trail is a popular trail for not only hikers but bikers as well. So, make sure to keep an eye out for the bikers.
Devil's Punchbowl
After about 1.2 miles, we reached the first old train tunnel. There is a small sign point left, toward the Devil’s Punchbowl. This is where we departed with the main paved Spruce Railroad Trail to take the narrow side trail to Devil’s Punchbowl. This side trail is narrow, uneven, and definitely not ADA-accessible. After a short scrambling, we reached a beautiful bridge, spanning across the lake to the other side of the shoreline. On the left side of this bridge is the expansive Lake Crescent. On the right-hand side is the famous Devil’s Punchbowl
The water inside Devil’s Punchbowl is crystal clear and very blue. It was very beautiful. When we were there, there were people swimming in it. We also saw a few people jumping into the blue water from the middle of the bridge. The water was freezing though but it didn’t seem to faze them. Apparently, swimming and cliff jumping are popular things to do here at Devil’s Punchbowl, especially in the summer. However, please be extremely careful because the water is very cold and there have been multiple fatalities. We didn’t bring a towel or extra clothes and the water was way too cold for our preferences so we didn’t join in.
The Way Back
After spending some time here, you can either go back to the way you came from or cross over the bridge. We decided to cross over the bridge and check out the other side. The way back to Spruce Railroad Trail from this side is a bit more difficult than the other side, but it wasn’t that bad. Once we joined back up to the main trail, we realized that we were on the other side of the old railroad tunnel that we first encounter. This tunnel is about 75 years long and it can get dark in the middle. We went in this tunnel to follow our way back to the parking lot.
Even though it is a short hike, Spruce Railroad Trail to Devil’s Punchbowl is such a beautiful hike. And Devil’s Punchbowl is breathtaking. Next time, we’ll come when the weather is warmer so we could swim in it!
These are the gear that we personally use and find them helpful for this particular adventure. Don’t forget to check out our Recommended Gear section as well.
adventure gear
This is our favourite hiking shoes. We use them for canyoneering as well. Lots of traction. Vy’s version.
Dustin’s version for La Sportiva shoes
Make sure to use lots of sunscreens! We use eco-friendly, reef-safe sunscreen, Stream2Sea SPF 30.
Face sunscreen is also important. We love these tinted, organic All Good Organic Sunscreen Butter.
You should always bring plenty of water. Vy loves the Camelback L.U.X.E.
For shorter hikes, the Patagonia Women’s Nine Trails Pack 18L is perfect to hold water and your essentials.
If you want something lighter, we love the packable Patagonia Women’s Houdini® Jacket and Patagonia Men’s Houdini® Jacket
other things to bring
Always good to bring some snacks with you. For healthy and easy snacks, check out some of our recipes.
camera gear
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