Lena Lake — Friday, Mar. 3, 2023

I made it to the trailhead Friday in a CRV but was questioning my life’s choices. I encountered a bit of snow and both traction lights and antilock brakes came on. There was also some scraping of the undercarriage. Perhaps this is all a normal part of winter hiking but I’m from TN so I’m not used to it. There were tire tracks the whole way, so I just tried staying in those. I did a bit of skidding getting out of the parking area, as that is all just compacted snow. Perhaps if there is rain and warming, it will be fine by the weekend. If there is more snow, it could be problematic. Either way I wouldn’t attempt it in a 2WD or lower clearance than a little SUV.
I was the only car at the trailhead at 9am. Luckily the trail was well-boot-tracked and fairly straightforward to follow. There was crunchy snow the entire way ranging from a few inches to knee-deep. However with the boot tracks, I recommend using only traction and poles. Snowshoes could be cumbersome since the boot track is fairly narrow and I wasn’t doing any post-holing.
It’s a winter wonderland up there! After switchbacks for a while, you cross a lovely bridge. And then MORE switchbacks as the snow deepens. There were plenty of wintry scenes… snow-covered trees, mosses and boulders and overhanging icicles. The only thing I could hear was trickling water and a few birdsongs.
There is another lovely bridge as you near the lake. Then it’s a bit more distance until you see a sign for the brothers and Lena campsites. No boot tracks headed down that way but you could follow the trail around to the lookout point. The snow was a little deeper and arduous, but I don’t think snowshoes would’ve helped. I just took it slow and steady. The lake was snow-covered and quite a sight!

luckily there were more people heading in as I descended so I knew if I fell or got stuck on the drive I wouldn’t be stranded. Solo hiking has only so many benefits:)

I’ll be excited to return in the spring and maybe try camping later in the season!

@alpinediva on instagram for more photos