Snow accumulation outside of the switchbacks. Had the lake to ourselves for lunch! 

Went on Friday morning, 1pm. Average 3 mph. 3.15mi. to the lake, got there in 1:15. Return trip same mileage and about 1:00. About 4 parties coming up and 4 coming down. I wasn't aware you could use the NW pass for this so I paid the $5 for the one at the trailhead.

Trail condition: 4/5 Not marked, one felled tree that can be easily gone over or under. Path visible from previous hikers. Lower half of the trail was 50% dry and 50% covered with small streams from snow melt. Second half of the hike was 50% packed snow, 40% larger streams, and 10% mud/slush. I expect these conditions to change as we have a few warm days into next week. If you want to go past the viewpoint and to the lake, there is deep snow about 1ft.

Trail difficulty: 2/5 Switchbacks and not that steep of a grade. The snow is making it a bit more difficult than it is, but if the grandmas I saw could do it, so could you.

Navigation: 5/5 Easy to follow the trail without map

Parking: 3/5 Tiny lot at the trailhead for about 10 cars. Note that people camp here so there may be vehicles when you arrive. I did not see posted signs so if there is no space, I assume you can park on the side of the road. Road is paved going in. I have a sports sedan with minimal clearance, and I was fine even though there was a bit of snow towards the parking. By the time I got back it was considerably melted, so I expect the road to be completely clear within the next few days.

Features: 4/5 To me the hike was great, had a little bit of everything, streams, waterfalls, views, lake, and peaceful.

Family friendly: 4/5 You can probably take children on this trail as it is not that hard, however I would advise against it until the snow melts. I saw people with poles and spikes, I don't use either, but they wouldn't hurt. My suggestion if you want to go down to the lake, absolutely bring gaiters otherwise you're going to have wet feet (don't do what I did, but I was able to dry my socks in the sun)

Overall: 5/5 Bluebird day, warm sun, it was a great hike. I had lunch by the lake and it was fantastic and peaceful. Had a coat coming up, but coming down just wore a t-shirt. Do this hike while the weather is beautiful this weekend.

Today's hike up to Lower Lena Lake was all about snow.  There was snow along the side of the Hamma Hamma Road from the moment we turned off Highway 101.  After a couple of miles there was snow on the road as well, with two clear tire tracks separated by a center strip of snow high enough to be scraped by our SUVs.  By the time we reached the junction with the Jefferson Lake road, there was no more pavement to be seen, although there were still tire tracks and we had no real difficulty getting up the hill and on to the trailhead.  The TH parking was all snow covered, to a depth of several inches.

The trail was snow covered from start to finish.  From a depth of few inches at the bottom it reached two feet or more by the time we reached the second bridge.  While there were tracks to follow, the snow was soft and caused numerous postholing in the upper stretches.  We stopped at the lunch rock and enjoyed the view over a snow- and ice-covered Lena Lake before turning around and slipping and sliding our way back down.  Microspikes helped but the tread was still difficult at times.  Snowshoes would have been useless in the many sections where the trail went through a snow-lined trench.

Our weather was cloudy and cool (upper 30s) but dry, with the exception of a brief snow flurry during lunch.  We encountered one couple on our way down, but otherwise had the trail to ourselves.  Given the cool temperatures in the immediate forecast, I would guess the snow will be around for several more weeks.

Rare sunny day that I seized to go hiking, and glad I did. The trail was in excellent condition overall with a few larger downfalls that both my dog and I could easy get over (or in one case he could go under, and I over).

The road to the trailhead is paved and easy to navigate. A large pothole on the right side as I was heading back to the 101 snuck up on me, but that's it.

The garbage dumped at the trailhead is still there. Dang people.

So beautiful here on the Olympic Peninsula, I should come more often.  It was a partly cloudy day with sun breaks.  The trail is snow free with a few spots of water running down the surface.  Could easily be navigated in trail runners.  Two easily stepped over trees and the grade is moderate.  Camp robbers swooped in for snacks.  I was the second car at 9:00 am and had the lunch rock to myself for an hour.  I went further to the campground; it didn't add much more in the way of views but I'm not complaining.  It was a really peaceful way to start the day.

Downside is popular trails means multiple switchback shortcuts, orange peels off side of trail, and unleashed dogs as the trail got busier on my way back.  But the kicker was the flat screen, easy chair, and table that was dumped right at the trailhead that wasn't there when I started my hike.  🤬