We started at 10:15AM Parking lot full but plenty of extra room on the road.
Hike up to Lena Lake is pleasant and reasonably busy. We must have seen ~20 folks. The trail is wide and well-maintained. Nice view of the lake upon arrival with a cliff overlooking the lake that is worth taking a picture.
Filled up our water bottles at the north end of the lake where the water is running in a small creek.
The hike up to Upper Lena Lake is certainly steeper and more arduous overall. The nice thing is that we were in the shade the vast majority of the time which was welcome. No problem getting water along the way.
Upper Lena Lake was beautiful and quiet when we arrived. The camping spots are reasonably distant from each others and while you know other folks are there, it is just fine. We swam in the lake which was a delight after the hike up. At dusk, we saw an hawk (supposed) catching fish in the lake, deers, many fishes, and a fair amount of bugs. Mosquitoes were manageable.
We hiked up to Milk lake that afternoon and the following morning to appreciate it under different light. Better in the AM, after 0930 when the sun shines on the lake / and snow remains.
Hike back down went faster and we did not cross as many folks (sunday)
Overall a challenging hike up to camp but definitely worth it.
Comments