I decided I needed a suffer fest in my life and headed to Upper Lena Lake and Milk Lake. Last time I was here was July 2020 and I sprained my ankle 2 miles after leaving Upper Lena and limped out 5 miles.
Parking Lot: Road is paved with two extremely large potholes before the trail head with orange spray paint that is not very visible from far away.
Bathrooms: Clean and stocked. I couldn't close the women's door so I cracked it open and kept coughing if someone came.
Trail Condition: Easy going to Lena. Encountered the usual rocky, rooty, steep terrain with some flat and easy section. Numerous creek crossings- two have either a very thin log or wobbly log. I crossed on both and decided to avoid that coming back and took the alternatives that I only noticed on the way out. There was a large fallen tree blocking trail that people are bypassing with a foot path before it. Water on trail in patches.
My clothes were freshly permethrin-ed and I added deet to my skin. I had no bug bites with their presence. Last mile to Upper Lena has some straight up steep sections which I forgot about. I had so much fun finding Milk Lake. Route finding required until the snow melts out. It's pretty easy with Gaia and experience. As I was coming down a snowy hill, I could see a couple at the last camp site not moving because they couldn't tell which way to go in the snow. Have you ever appeared at the right time to help someone navigate or received the same? It happens so often on trail that perfect timing when you need it.
Views: The amount of disappointment I felt after being bamboozled by mountain forecast was deep. I can't believe I experienced another almost whiteout up here. That's the Olympics for you! I did get some views of Mt. Bretherton, but not what I was expecting. This whole week should be a bluebird day and I wanted to avoid the heat.
Vegetation: Not well versed with plants, but upper trail after the last creek crossing are blooming and popping (Columbine and a purple flower that is not Lupine). Mountain Heather and Bear Grass at the lake.
It will probably be another five years til I do this hike again!
Comments
alpinediva on Upper Lena Lake, Lena Lake
What an adventure! I hope to get to upper Lena soon, but hadn’t heard of milk lake!
Posted by:
alpinediva on Jul 15, 2025 11:10 AM
Kotkin77 on Upper Lena Lake, Lena Lake
Right! I hadn't either on my first trip, but once I saw a pic I knew I had to visit.
Posted by:
Kotkin77 on Jul 15, 2025 11:20 AM
PDX Hikes on Upper Lena Lake, Lena Lake
I felt this one! I badly sprained my ankle far up in Royal Basin and limped out a few years ago — what is it about the Olympics and ankles? :D Great report, regardless!
Posted by:
PDX Hikes on Jul 15, 2025 02:05 PM
Kotkin77 on Upper Lena Lake, Lena Lake
At least we know we can self rescue! I was so careful coming down this time.
Posted by:
Kotkin77 on Jul 15, 2025 07:55 PM
Old Dave on Upper Lena Lake, Lena Lake
Loved the description as a "suffer fest." I had been to Upper Lena Lake several times but only to Milk Lake last summer. I too don't know when I will try it again. I'm 75 and don't know how many hikes like that I have left in me. I was there on one of those blue bird days. Glad I did it. Quite a place.
Posted by:
Old Dave on Jul 17, 2025 07:48 PM
Kotkin77 on Upper Lena Lake, Lena Lake
I hope when I'm 75 I'm still hiking! Good for you! Movement is life. One day I might see this place on a clear day!!! Thanks Old Dave!
Posted by:
Kotkin77 on Jul 18, 2025 12:57 PM