Lena Lake — Saturday, Oct. 20, 2012

Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal

Today was about returning to a spot about four and a half miles from the trail head where the trail crosses a tributary stream via a log bridge. It has been about 35 years since I crossed this spot and slipped and fell backwards into the water. For some reason the group I was with way back then now refer to it as the Turtle bridge because laying on my back in the middle of the stream reminded them of a turtle. Anyway, weather forecasts for the day were not optimal but proved to be very nice. The forest was damp but this well travelled trail was in great shape to the lower lake. Beyond this there were a few trees across the trail that were minor obstacles some muddy spots and puddles. The forest opened up to a stunning view of Mt Lena and a slope of maple and alder turning into reds and yellows and gold with a ribbon waterfall a thousand feet high. Well worth the muddy shoes. The composting toilets at Lower Lena are closed but open air privys are available if you dare. The water level was down about 15 feet.