Upper Lena Lake — Tuesday, Jun. 7, 2016

Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal

Excellent overnight trip to Upper Lena Lake. It's quite a trek to Upper Lena (5,382ft of ascent according to my GPS with a net elevation gain of ~4800ft) and well over 9.5 miles on the way in, including some exploring around the lower lake. A challenging but very pleasant hike this time of year, with all kinds of spectacular wildflowers in full bloom - trillium, avalanche lilies, columbine, bleeding hearts, and many I've never seen before. As other trail reports have mentioned, there's a crossing about 1/2 of a mile from Upper Lena that is running pretty high right now. There is a safe and pleasant crossing maybe 20-30ft downstream from the main trail, with the water running a little over knee high. Not much snow at all until the final 1/3 of a mile or so - I used spikes and gaiters but it would be easily doable without them. As the lake comes into view, the trail splits. Left leads to several campsites (many snow-free already!) and a bear line. Right leads around the lake to one small campsite that's snow-free and a wooden platform for the seasonal Ranger Station (which would make an excellent pitch for a free-standing tent until it's in use by the Rangers!). Happy hiking, friends.