Labor Day weekend 2 night backpack trip to Upper Lena lake. Arrived to TH at 9:30 am with lots of openings in the parking lot. The hike to lower Lena has excellent tread and we were there before 11 am. Stopped at the rock overlooking the lake to drink and take in the view. There was some haze from the Bear gulch fire but it was still beautiful.
Time to head to upper Lena Lake. The trail starts with mild incline which still had us sweating from the humidity but well graded. Unfortunately this had us thinking that the last part was going to be bad, since the elevation so far was easily handled. And that came to be. Once you reach the tree root ladder, the serious elevation begins. However, the profusion of ripe thimbleberries, salmon berries, huckleberries, and blue berries give the extra energy boost (and short rest stops) to keep you going. The fairyland of fireweed a little further on helped keep the mind off this sweaty, steep trail. Just when you think that last half mile will never end, you’re at the top contemplating which campsite to try for.
Although the campground was “fully booked” for each of the two nights we were there, only one other campsite was occupied for each night we were there. (Maybe people were scared off by smoke?) This was surprising for a holiday weekend. We picked campsite 8 which has beautiful lake views but requires a steep downhill trek to reach, as well as a crossing over a stream on two well placed logs. The turn off to this site is at the post which marks the privy.
We went to Milk Lake the following day. It is only half a mile to the lake and is well worth the hike if doing this as a day hike. The turquoise waters and glacial cirque are stunning. Unfortunately, the wind shifted and smoke from the Bear Gulch fire could be seen and smelled so after lunch and a dip into the icy waters, we headed back to camp.
This is a gorgeous backpack trip and not crowded. The last 1.5 miles is steep but well worth getting away from the lower Lena crowds.
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