Upper Lena Lake, Lena Lake — Friday, Jun. 25, 2004

Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal

For the first hike this season headed to Upper Lena, with my brother shotgun. The trailhead had about 20 autos parked at 8am on Saturday. Thought it might be really crowded but we passed two groups/troops of boyscouts on their way down from Lower Lena about 25 people in all. Cruised up to Lower Lena in no time, only 1 big tree right at the Lower Lake to climb over and the freeway up is clear. Upper Lena is another story... There are many obstacles on this steep and rugged trail, including at least 7 or 8 trees blown down and a crossing at Lena Creek.(Get your feet wet in a foot of water or use the somewhat stable 2 logs just below the trail) Upper Lena is about 60% clear of snow. Most of the campsites were melted out but there are patches of snow everywhere. There were about 4 other parties by Saturday night. We didn't get the views I saw last visit, but the immediate area surrounding the lake and some peekaboo views were worth every step... Great start for my Summer...