Lena Lake — Monday, Mar. 28, 2011

Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal

Wasn't sure what the snow level was going to look like so I decided to give it a try as an excuse to get out on a day that was predicted to be 57 degree, partly sunny. Started off around 10:00am with 3-4 other vehicles at the trailhead. One pair of guys appeared to be setting off to camp overnight. I took my 10 and 7 year old along for the hike. Took just shy of 2 hours to get to the large rock overlooking the lake and about 1:45 to get back down. There was quite a bit of snow above 1500-1600 feet and beyond, just patches below this level. It was fair weather on the way up (quite a workout to keep warm). Stayed on the over-look for about 30 minutes or so for a snack break before we discovered a number of birds who were dive-bombing us and before long would land right in your hand to peck out some bits of granola bar-pretty cool. (Don't try this with bears or cougars) Got pretty cool in a hurry at this point and we had to put our jackets and hats back on for the hike down. The snow was pretty compact on the trail and not much of a hazard for the most part. Other areas of water and mud on the trails but it was really nothing. Only 1-2 windfalls blocking the trails otherwise in pretty good shape. One note of warning ***The bathroom at the trail-head is GONE!!! plan accordingly. I am not sure what the plan for this is long term but considering how much traffic this site gets in the summer the parking area is going to be one smelly joint after a while.