We got there later in the morning, so there was a lull in foot traffic. We had it mostly to ourselves other than some passing of groups until we got to the top of the trail with view of the lake. Even in the rain it was not too slippery and just added a classic PNW charm to the scenery. While the elevation gain to get to the top was a little difficult, it made for a much quicker second half during the descent.

Arrived around 9am Saturday and took one of the last few parking spots in the lot. Easy drive, paved road to the trailhead parking (just 2 large potholes right before reaching the parking lot but they are marked with orange spray paint).

The trail is in good shape. Moderate uphill for most of it, and mostly in shade, a few trickling streams but not very muddy. We did a one night backpacking trip. Saw a few trail runners, mix of day hikers and backpackers, and several dogs. Hike up took about 2 hours.

Once reaching the lake keep going north to find campsites. Campsites are pretty spacious and spread out, and some areas are good for hammocks or hammock camping.
Also if you keep going north along the trail there’s a sign for the toilet. There’s a large ish creek on the north side of the lake, the trail continues but we didn’t want to do the creek crossing or climb over the logs, but some people did manage to cross over.

Lake is still super cold, you can do a quick plunge but it’s too cold to swim in for longer periods.

Not too many bugs at the moment which is a plus!

Perfect day for a hike. The atmospheric visibility was unlimited.  (Reminded me of the GUESS WHO song: “I can see for miles”). So I decided to take a hike to a lake in a valley. 
Don’t get me wrong, it was a perfect day for a hike. 
I arrived at 8:00. 5 other cars at the trailhead. At that time of day I had the lake to myself. Never been to lunch rock by my self either. However on the return trip I passed upwards of 40 people and 3 dogs. 
Trail conditions excellent, no snow and mostly dry tread. 
Take heed to the sign at the trail head indicating the really nice toilet at the campground by the lake is inoperable. However… there is a really nice open air pit toilet near the campground (follow the signs). This is thanks to an Eagle Scout project in 2021.  
This will make it 50 years since I did this hike back in 1974. Still a good hike. 
Once again perfect day for a hike. 

Edit to original report:  There is a car swallowing pothole (im not kidding) about 100 or so yards before you arrive at the Lena Lake trailhead.  It is located on the left side. There is some paint markings on the pavement.  So beware.

I hike this trail almost every spring. It's such a good season warm-up. I love the long, gentle switchbacks, and (at 71) can hike it to lunch rock without my trekking poles. (Pretty much the only trail I hike I can say that about.)

Thursday was a spectacular day, after so much rain. I was at the trailhead at 7:30 (on a weekday), one car in the lot. I never saw the occupant nor anyone else until I was heading back down at 11:30. 25 cars and a bus in the lot at 12:30. (I'm glad people wait until I'm done, but I'll never understand. It was getting hot!)

Flowers are coming on. Gorgeous bed of bleeding heart at the trailhead. Trillium at prime at higher elevation. 

I went down to the lake and did the loop back to the fork above lunch rock, and a little beyond as well, toward Upper Lena—a lollypop. It was an obstacle course after climbing above the creek, over/under/around fallen trees.

More words and photos on my blog.

We arrived at the trailhead at 8:30am.  There were only 3 other vehicles in the lot when we arrived.  The privy is in good shape and serviced.

the trail is in excellent shape and, even though it was raining, the trail was very dry, with little water on the trail.

flowers are starting to come in and everything is spring green.  It was a lovely hike.