Had no trouble finding a parking spot on Friday around 3pm, and arrived at Lower Lena Lake within an hour and a half. As others have written, this section of the trail is wide, smooth, and gently graded.
When the trail splits off toward Upper Lena Lake, it narrows and sporadic sections are more rooty, rocky, or muddy, but the grade remains moderate until the first stream crossing. From then on, the trail steepens significantly and presents more obstacles (downed trees, creek crossings, etc). You may find yourself climbing up a stream bed or looking up at a ladder of roots, wondering if this is really the trail. Sure is! I was glad to be doing this section later in the day, once the sun was lower in the sky. Plenty of water sources available, and wildflowers in bloom, especially after the second stream.
Bugs are out in full force, increasing with the elevation gain. I saw two other people camping at the lake, and wondered what had happened to everyone else who’d reserved a permit… please cancel if your plans change, so the sites can be open to others. Gorgeous mountain reflections in the lake, and unbelievably bright stars after dark.
After exploring the area on Saturday morning - anyone know anything about Scout Lake? - I began my descent. Poles were helpful. Stopped at Lena Lake for an incredibly refreshing swim.
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