Lena Lake Valley of the Silent Men The Brothers Summ

The
Olympics - Hike into Lena Lake and to Brothers Camp were uneventful but Very Hot, over 90 degrees. Trail through the Valley of Silent Men is in excellent shape. The camp was empty and beautiful. Began the climb at about 7:30 am. The way was easy to follow and only a few times required discussion among us. Some very hard snow, almost hard enough to require crampons, both on the lower snowfield remnants and on the upper slopes. This party of 3 never felt the need to rope up or use more than basic caution and ice axes. Much of the upper route was rock and required a fair amount of climbing, as opposed to scrambling. Possible simpler routes could have been chosen, but we loved it. Summit at noon and a leisurely rest, and mind-blowing view, before we headed down, broke camp, and stumbled out to the truck in the heat. Climbing route is pretty exposed to sun, mostly following the huge south coulouir. Water was available at regular intervals right up to the upper slopes.