The trail is in good condition and is snow free well up into the Valley of The Silent Men. We saw several Calypso Orchids right next to the trail. The best ones were a couple hundred feet beyond the bridge over the lake inlet. I was very excited since these were the first Calypsos that I've ever seen. The lake shore is thronged with biggest bunch of noisy yahoos that I've ever stumbled upon. There were big groups of raucous boyscouts, yelling teenagers and even one camp with a blaring radio. The bug free air and warm sun were however delightful. I highly recommend a side trip up into The Valley of the Silent Men. In contrast to the Lake Shore, this is the quietest place that I've ever visited. The stream runs underground so there isn't even water sounds to be heard. The old growth forest here is delightful. There are lots of Trillium in bloom now to enjoy. If possible only visit this place on a weekday.

This is the best hike I've done since last September. The first 2 1/2 miles gains about a thousand feet in the most flattened-out switchbacks anywhere. The grade at some points must be about 5%. There are some interesting boulders and moss fields, and also a beautiful bridge over a dry channel. Lena lake, at three miles, is very scenic and was as smooth as glass. The trail follows the lake shore, passing 26 nice campsites. Follow the many signs to The Brothers, avoiding the Upper Lena lake trails. After crossing the inlet stream on a very cool log bridge, the trail starts to climb again and leaves the lakeshore. This brings one to the main attraction, The Valley of the Silent Men. There is a true cathedral-like feeling about the valley. There are the columns of giant trees of several species, widely spaced to give an open feeling to the forest. On the ground is only moss-covered rocks and boulders, nothing more. There are giant rockslides that have opened up the forest and the views up to the neighboring peaks. In one spot, a truly immense boulder has tumbled down the mountain and crashed into a huge western redcedar, damaging it slightly and forcing hikers to detour into a dry streambed to pass by. My guess is that the valley got its name from the giant faces that can be imagined in the rock walls that front the valley. There is a magical feel about the place, and I definitely plan to return soon, before those 26 campsites fill up for the summer. I hiked in about five miles total, three to get to the lake, about 3/4 mile to pass by/around the end of the lake, and another 1 1/4 or so into the Valley of the Silent Men. It appears from the maps I used that there is another two more miles in I could have gone before the trail turns into a rock climb up the Brothers. Compared to my hike up the Duckabush a couple of weeks ago, this hike offered many more cool and unique things to see in only ten miles total. The trail is in pristine condition overall.

3 weeks ago i tried to do this trail but got turned back by snow. All gone, they even got the big blowdown cleaned up too! the 2 bridges are in great condition, after 2 miles up there is quite a lot of water running down the trail. The melt off is running nicely! 2 seasonal creeks with waterfalls are running across the trail-be prepared! the lake was fully melted,did see a tiny bit of snow in the woods. still very cold up there, was nice to come down 500 ft and warm up in the sun. nice views,be sure to have your lunch on the rock overlooking the lake!

With the snow melting and the sun out for once, me and the kid went to the pennisula to do lower lena lake. Great weather-the trail is in nice condtion! Hit snow at about 1 mile up-at 1 1/2 we came across the huge tree down, i had to take my pack off to get under,the kid just zipped under! After that the snow got progressively deeper, 7"" when we hit the bridge-decided that was ok for a good hike and called it a day! had a great hike even though we missed the lake by a mile. if i had had snowshoes....ps:also saw cougar footprints in the snow near the bridge-that was so cool!

It was a rare experience to be the only hikers at Lena Lake, which usually is one of the most crowded trails in the Olympics. While we were getting our gear together at the car we saw some hunters slowly driving past us on the road, but otherwise we were alone all day. The trail was beautiful all the way to the lake--the lower sections especially so with so many big leaf maples in brilliant color. The lower trail is a carpet of maple leaves. I was surprised--and dismayed to see how low was the water level at the lake. It seemed that the lake was half its usual size, a symptom of last winter's drought. This is a great hike for this time of year.