This being my fourth time completing the hike to Lower Lena Lake, it was probably the most memorable. About 85 percent of the lake was frozen and snow covered. The end of the lake near the campsites at the beginning of The Brothers Trail was clear as was the creek emptying into the lake. This moderate hike is quite popular on the weekends and warm summer days where overnighters abound. The people are sometimes so numerous prompting national forest officials to build an outhouse near the lake. The trailhead is located off Forest Road 25 on the right. The road is paved the entire distance to the trailhead and there are no obstacles permitting virtually any passenger vehicle access to the trailhead. A parking permit is required to park at the trailhead and may be obtained at the 76-station in Hoodsport for five dollars. The trail begins at a registry and switchbacks repeatedly up the hillside. Lena Creek can be heard down the gulley to the east. At 1.4 miles you will cross a dried creek bed over a hefty wooden bridge. Lena Creek at this point is under the ground beneth you, blocked years ago by huge boulders falling into its path which actually created the lake above. From here, the trail switchbacks up the hillside and passes a rock promontory on the right allowing views of approaching hikers from below. Up the trail a little ways further, a massive rock outcropping towering over the trail can be seen on the left. Moss drapes from this rock and water drips continually upon the ground beneath. The trail crosses a bridge again over Lena Creek, this time on the top side of the ground. From here, keep on the main path as it contours above the lake before reaching a signed trail junction at 2.1 miles. The trail to the left leads to Upper Lena Lake. Stay to the right onto Chapel Rock overlooking the southern end of the lake. From Chapel Rock, the trail crosses a creek and drops to lakeshore campsites. At 2.7 miles (3.2 miles according to Blair's book), you will encounter another junction in the trail. The signed trail to the left, again, leads to Upper Lena Lake. We decided to keep to the right and cross a sculpted footlog over Lena Creek (technically a different creek than the one below the lake but oddly enough called the same), and make our way to the north shore for views of the length of the lake. The weather cooperated for our hike and I was able to complete the journey wearing shorts with gore-tex pants over them, a t-shirt and a cotton sweatshirt. There were a few places of snow covering the trail, especially so around the lake itself, but gaiters weren't needed. There was one other car at the trailhead upon our arrival and around four upon departure.

Left trailhead at 8:45 this fine Thursday morning with five cars in the lot. Weather forecast called for the day to be excellent, sandwiched in between two fronts that promised socked-in conditions. The moist grade to Lena went by fast. The trail to the upper lake was in great shape, fairly muddy in more places than I expected. Lots of water. The stream crossing just before the upper lake was a rock hop, though the bedrock sidehill on the downhill side was tricky-slippery in the wet morning conditions. Heavy vegetation in open areas made it hard to see my feet here and there. Some flowers out in meadowy areas as the lake is approached. I reached the lake after about 3 hours of chugging. Beautiful (see photo)! Only one campsite was in use when I arrived. After continuing along the up and down path around the north side of the lake, I sauntered up the Scout Lake trail a bit, up to the small basin containing a long/narrow/shallow lakelet. A perch on a large rock afforded views all around and made a nice lunch and turnaround spot. I jockeyed around to face the slight breeze that helped keep the pesky mosquitos at bay (annoying, but not seriously bad). Repellent, sunscreen, and sweat - nice mixture indeed. Started to descend from my high point at 2:30 and exited the lake about 3. Three other parties were settling into camps as I passed by. Got to the car at 6. A great mid-week trip.

Yesterday was my first trip into and overnighting at Lena Lake. My friend and I found the trail easy to navigate, the scenery beautiful, and all the people we ran into very friendly. One caution- with a lot of rain recently the trail was a bit wet, each of us slipped a couple times. Also, in The Brothers camping area on the north side of the lake, before the waterfall, past the second toilet, about 5 to 10 minutes up into the hill, we came across the most disgusting campsite ever. We suspect the group staying there extended their partying to brewing drugs. We cleaned it up a bit, but there is a lot more to be carried out. If you're going in for a day hike or have room to haul some trash, that area could use some help. Sorry I don't have an exact location, I didn't bring my Garmin along.

This was my first trip into and overnighting at Lena Lake. My friend and I had a fantastic time and found the trail in excellent repair. With all the rain I would caution people to be careful, both of us stumbled and slipped at bit at times. Also, we came across the most disgusting campsite ever that could use some help. In The Brothers camping area, on the North side of the Lake, before the waterfall, past the second disgraceful toilet, about 5 to 10 minutes up the hill from the Lake is a camping area that too much partying occured at. In fact, we suspect that these particular campers may have been brewing drugs. We cleaned the area up as well as we could, but there is lot more to carry out (beer bottles, clothing, blankets, etc.). If you're going on a dayhike, or have room for trash, please haul some of the trash away! Sorry for no exact location, I left my Garmin at home!

The trail to Lower Lena Lake is in great shape & has benefited from extensive work. Our group of 3 began to hike around 9am under blue sky, which quickly changed to overcast as we enjoyed our first snack break on 'the rock' at the Lake, about 3 miles. What a beautiful spot. We decided to continue hiking on the Upper Lena Lake trail #811, crossing the National Park boundary at about 4 miles. The permit registration box now rests under a tree, having rotted and fallen from it's post. By the time we reached the big log creek crossing, the snow on the trail had become somewhat packed. We encountered 3 teen backpackers heading back down the trail. They had been surprised by the snowy conditions, and worse, one had a very badly gashed hand from cutting cheese. We were glad to provide bandages and first aid, and suspect they will carry a fa kit on future trips. We reached our turnaround time at about 3300 feet, just as a few snow flurries began. We reluctantly headed down from this beautiful scenery, happy to use our handy instep crampons for the descent to the creek. The 2 blowdowns on trail #811 were easy to step over. Most enjoyable day and a good workout.