Left from TH with group around 830. Trail was in good condition on the way up and down.  Lots of families and well-behaved dogs.  Everyone was so respectful, giving right of way to those traveling uphill unless with large packs or carrying children.  

Trail was much busier as the day went.  Picked up a hat and diaper bag.  Left at trailhead. 

Took my nephews (9 and 12 years old) on a two night backpacking trip (their first two-nighter!) to Lower Lena Lake for some fishing and exploration. They thoroughly enjoyed it and caught some fish!

The trail is in good shape as always (shout out to WTA volunteers!). The boys enjoyed stopping at what I was calling the half-way point -- the bridge over the dry creekbed. They also took a look at the rock overhang "cave." In good time we made it to our campsite and had a terrific time enjoying Lena Lake.

Couple of notes: previous trip reports mentioned that the toilets are out of service due to the composting toilets having a pH imbalance. In September 2023, intrepid Eagle Scouts (per plaques) installed two new pit toilets just down (heading towards Lena Creek) from the composting toilet. There's a "Toilet" sign on the tree and pink and orange ribbons marking the way to each toilet. These are fantastic for such a high use area -- enjoy them! From the plaque: "The mountains are calling, and I must go." (Clever Eagle Scouts, clever!)

Fires are not currently allowed on Olympic National Forest (and Olympic National Park) due to the high fire risk. We met two friendly Forest Service rangers who were installing red "no fire" flags in the fire pits while we were there. They also posted signs. 

We cleaned up a campsite adjacent to our own where someone had left a bag of garbage and birds were starting to peck into it. There isn't trash service at Lena Lake so we all need to carry out our trash. 

Finally -- we had MINIMAL bugs. Compared to other places I have been in the backcountry this summer, it was amazing!

Found a phone on the way out early Saturday, about a mile from the trailhead, left on the backside of a log at the far end of a switchback, where people are not likely to look because they're turning right or left. In the process of writing this post, the phone rang and is now on the way home. The owner had apparently stopped to change into shorts.

Learned that find my phone doesn't work without service or Wifi, and I'm pretty sure there was neither. Also, the service doesn't work on airplane mode. Worth considering phone checks at every transition. 80s kid, so loving my fanny pack for keys and wallet. (Edit: forgot to put phone in fanny pack).

While I'm at it...other lost and found: a cat hole shovel at Upper Lena, a trekking pole tip in the rugged, "upper" part of the trail, and guess who found the exact matching tip miles away back at the Lower Lena camp just past The Brothers turnoff. Wait, there's more: some reading glasses, a child's t-shirt, and plenty of food wrapper tear-offs, fruit labels, and hair bands. In the spirit of leave no trace, reach out if you want to claim any of these finds.

The actual hike to Upper Lena happened to be my first time all the way, leaving the trailhead at about 3:30. Had dinner at a soft log right after the log crossing (where'd I'd once stopped for lunch and turned back by the thought of needing a permit), and, coincidentally, right before it goes in UP gear, where there's literally water on the trail. At dinner, I scared a doe who scared me right back just as I popped open my bear can.

Made it to Upper Lena by about 8:30, and I'd do it again, even though the bugs were as relentless as the up and up, at least past the root ladder near(?- haha) Upper Lena.

I'm a full-time hammock sleeper who likes it quiet to sleep, so I chose right at the sign, away from the noise of the falls, which was wrong. The best hammock trees for me that weren't under dead snags was left at the sign, and the falls remained distant and quiet enough. When I finally settled down in the dark, I turned around, and lo--surprise views of city lights. Silverdale? Seattle? Anyone know for sure?

In the morning, Mt. Rainier rose through the haze. Yes, I'd go for this view again. Not sure I'd stay more than a night if the bugs remained as intense.

Remember the lost poop shovel...it was only a little bit further where I found it to a composting toilet with a magnificent view and full sun.

Left the feeding frenzy by 10:30. Lower Lena relieved me from the bugs. Took an afternoon forest bath up The Brothers trail.  Eerie silence with its dry river and such a contrast to the voices that echo across Lena Lake.

Woke up to the lake full of fog; couldn't even see the lake from the Overlook at about 7am. Speaking of relief, the box toilet on The Brothers side (if you know you know)...well, there was a dead fall right at the junction to the last turn, and in the dark I couldn't make out the final turn up to the box toilet. Scout it out in the day; the trail may need maintenance, re-routing, or re-tagged, if the box even survived the fall.

Keep all your stuff, y'all. Till next time.

I went up to the lower lake after work. Despite several cars at the trailhead, I only ran into three or four parties. Enjoyed a snack at the rock overlooking the lake. Some bugs discovered I was there, but they weren't much trouble, especially considering I was lakeside at 7 p.m.

The trail is in good shape, if dry and dusty at times (and a touch muddy at others).

The trailhead privy is relatively clean and well stocked. I wish people wouldn't pile up their bags of dog poop outside it, though. If you're taking the responsibility of hiking with a dog, packing out their poop is your responsibility, too, if there's no garbage can.

Arrived at 10:00am; quite a few cars in the parking lot but the hike never felt crowded. Trail is well maintained; no issues. Ripe huckleberries all around. Took our time to get to the lake in 2 hours. Lunched and swam near the fire circles; my hiking partner packed up garbage found at the site to bring home. Ran into a mama grouse and her chick on the way down, along with many afternoon hikers. A cloudy, beautiful day for this hike.