Upper Lena Lake, Lena Lake — Monday, Sep. 13, 2004

Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal

Goober Canari and I picked a Tue-Wed in (normally) beautiful mid-September to hike to Upper Lena Lake. The weather was nice at the trailhead but gradually clouded in to a slight drizzle by the time we arrived at Upper Lena Lake. The trail to Lower Lena Lake is wide and well-maintained. The Upper Lena trail becomes steep and, in places, somewhat rugged. We encountered some water on the trail but nothing tough to negotiate. The hike is a good cardio workout. If you think you're near the end when you reach the ""Stairway to Heaven"", think again. There's at least another hour. We encountered no people or bugs on the way up. But the Upper Lena Highlands were cloud-laden and we did our best to set up camp before the rains set in. Thanks to Goober's elborate tarping system, we kept dry (thanks in part to skills he learned working trail maintenance with the legendary ""Skin Man""). We were happy to see the rain let up the next morning for the hike back out. There was even more water on the trail on the way down. Elk by the car were the only principal wildlife sighting. El Serape in Shelton was a nice reward for a couple of day's workout.