Despite the prediction for rain, I headed out to explore the Hamma Hamma drainage. It was raining when I reached the Lena Lake trailhead. I put on the rain jacket and pack cover and started up. This trail switchbacks up endlessly, gently graded through mixed conifer forest. At 1.5 miles, it crosses the dry creekbed of Lena Creek on a nice bridge. The creek springs out of the ground about 100 feet below, crashing loudly down the slope. At 3 miles, the trail drops towards the lake and a junction with the upper Lena Lake Trail. I stopped at the big rock for a bite of lunch and then explored some of the campsites and the inlet creek. The lake's water level was pretty low, creating a rocky shoreline. By this time, the fog and clouds were lifting. As I headed back down the well-tended trail, sunshine broke through the clouds, lighting up the pale yellow and greens of vine maple and big leaf maple, a beautiful sight. By the time I reached the road and then Hood Canal, there was lots of blue sky. It was a pretty drive home along Hood Canal. Quite a beautiful fall day for a drive and hike. One comment: There is some trash at the Lower Lena campsites. Too bad; it's a nice place for beginner campers. Carry it in; carry it out!

The trail to Lena Lake was a veritable highway, both in condition and traffic. The lake had a lot of loud people with coolers and lawn chairs. After you begin the trip up into The Brothers the trail becomes drastically steeper and rougher. The first log bridge is over the dry creek (it flows underground for the 1/2 mile closest to the lake) but there is a very large tree that has fallen over it, making crossing a little more difficult. Once you get to the camping area the maintained trail ends. The trail to the south summit is very rough, sometimes findable only by scouting for tape markers. A blowdown has made the first 1.5 miles very difficult and time-consuming. Once above the trees there is still a very steep slide area to negotiate as well as some full scale scrambling. If not prepared to route-find and to really work for your summit I recommend finding an easier peak (Buckhorn Mt., for example) to check of your list.

First time to Lower Lena Lake. Nice lake for swimming and fishing. Great Reflections!!! Lots of People, but lots of campsites. There were one or two of the 28 still available Friday and Saturday nights. Hiked up towards the Brothers (Valley of the Silent Men). Very beautiful hike, the creek is dry until after the second bridge. Went up past the Brothers base camp. There were LOTS of the little biting flies past the camp. But there were also lots of ripe blueberries and salmonberries. FYI: Lena Lake is a great hike with kids of all ages.

this was my first hiking trip in many years; and the first time i ever went with a full pack. we headed up to lower lena lake on a saturday morning and spent the night in a campsite on the far side of the lake. the trail has many switchbacks, and most of the way does not pick up elevation too rapidly. it is pretty much just a steady climb. very nice and very beautiful. this trail is in great shape and the lake was extremely beautiful. there are fish in the lake and next time up i plan on doing some fishing. this hike was just the right amount of challenge for a new hiker such as myself. you need to stop in hoodsport at the ranger station and get a parking pass. i was aware of the need for one, but missed reading that they were not available at the trailhead. i would like to thank the helpful ranger that we met at the trailhead (sorry, didn't get his name) for his assistance in this regard.

Last 4 miles of road reroute in poor shape, but my 2 door coupe made it w/o incident. Parking lot was crowded -- we had to park off side of road. Trail to Lower Lena Lake in great shape. Very busy this Memorial Day weekend. We found 2 good, unoccupied campsites of the 28 at the lake. Lots of day-hikers too. Trail up to the Brothers base camp in pretty good shape. Only a couple places where some rockfall, etc force quick detours -- hardly worth mentioning. The base camp likewise was very crowded. No snow to speak of at either destination.