Lena Lake — Friday, Jul. 18, 2025

Took my nephews (9 and 12 years old) on a two night backpacking trip (their first two-nighter!) to Lower Lena Lake for some fishing and exploration. They thoroughly enjoyed it and caught some fish!

The trail is in good shape as always (shout out to WTA volunteers!). The boys enjoyed stopping at what I was calling the half-way point -- the bridge over the dry creekbed. They also took a look at the rock overhang "cave." In good time we made it to our campsite and had a terrific time enjoying Lena Lake.

Couple of notes: previous trip reports mentioned that the toilets are out of service due to the composting toilets having a pH imbalance. In September 2023, intrepid Eagle Scouts (per plaques) installed two new pit toilets just down (heading towards Lena Creek) from the composting toilet. There's a "Toilet" sign on the tree and pink and orange ribbons marking the way to each toilet. These are fantastic for such a high use area -- enjoy them! From the plaque: "The mountains are calling, and I must go." (Clever Eagle Scouts, clever!)

Fires are not currently allowed on Olympic National Forest (and Olympic National Park) due to the high fire risk. We met two friendly Forest Service rangers who were installing red "no fire" flags in the fire pits while we were there. They also posted signs. 

We cleaned up a campsite adjacent to our own where someone had left a bag of garbage and birds were starting to peck into it. There isn't trash service at Lena Lake so we all need to carry out our trash. 

Finally -- we had MINIMAL bugs. Compared to other places I have been in the backcountry this summer, it was amazing!