The trail was snow-covered for most of the hike, but we were able to hike up to lower Lena Lake without snowshoes or snow cleats (though snow cleats would have been helpful) and we were able to make it up to the lookout over the lake in about 80-90 minutes. The road to the trailhead was mostly clear as well with the last 1/4 mile snow-covered. Lena Lake was gorgeous since it was frozen and snow covered. Great hike even with the snow.

Our hiking group found the trail up to Lower Lena Lake in excellent condition. No blowdowns, dry tread, and no snow up to the lake. The lake is mostly ice-covered, with open water at the north end. There's packed snow on the trail along the west lakeshore, but not enough to cause routefinding difficulties. The footlog across Lena Creek is in good condition, so we crossed it to access the north shore & enjoy the views. There's also enough open ground to allow camping at some of the designated sites. One caution: there's an active logging operation in the lower Hamma Hamma valley, so be prepared to meet logging trucks as you drive to the trailhead. THEM, Olympia.

The road to the TH is snow free. We were the first to arrive at the TH, but were soon joined by a group of three. We would see only 4 other groups of day hikers plus 2 who were spending the night for a total of 19 people including us! The trail is mostly snow free with a short section of snow near the bridge which crosses Lena Creek where it flows underground. (We were on the trail a few years ago when there was water flowing over the mossy rocks! This was very pretty!) The most snow on the trail was the .5 mile section after the ledge which overlooks Lena Lake at 3 miles. 2 small creeks in this section were easily crossed. We had lunch at 3.5 miles by the bridge which crosses Lena Creek where it enters the lake. We put on our micro spikes after lunch to walk the snow. These were not necessary, but made walking easier.

Freezing level was 2500 ft. so we decided to hike Lena Lake, elevation highest point 2000 ft. Hiked a well graded switchback and came upon an area of lush green moss covering boulders that in August were not even noticed. We enjoyed the variety and beauty of mushrooms along the trail that were white, yellow, green, purple, orange & black. Had lunch on a rock above the lake enjoying a sunbreak before continuing on the trail around the lake, past the cutoff for Upper Lena Lake, across the bridge over Lena Creek & past the cutoff to the Brothers. Continued to the right past campsites and discovered beautiful pools of water carved into rock. Turned around when the trail became faint. We recommend this fantastic late fall hike.

trail in excellent condition, very low traffic at the campsites around the lower lena lake, and lena creek campground near trailhead. hiked up to brothers wilderness for high buck season. not a lot of deer sign, but definately worth the hike and spectacular views. hikers might consider wearing bright colors (ie blaze orange) when in wilderness areas 15 Sept to 25 Sept during early buck season. water sources bleak until about 1800 ft, even during the wet part of the day.