They've cleared the mudslide off US-101 and there was no delay getting through the one-lane section. The trail to lower Lena Lake is in perfect condition. The Brothers trail above Lena Lake is covered in snow, blowdowns, and avalanche debris. It is going to take a lot of work to clear this trail. There are approximatley ten avalanches covering the trail with snow and destroyed trees between Lena Lake and where we camped near The Brothers. Below the snow line, the trail is very green and beautiful. It rained, rained, rained.

We spent a couple days at Lena Lake dodging a few sprinkles from our Washington skies. Actually, the weather was fairly tolerable! This trail is relatively easy, and very popular. We got the last campsite (having arrived about 6:30pm). A few other campsites are under water, since the lake is a bit high. The trail is in generally great shape, with NO SNOW!!! to the lake. However, we went on up the Brothers trail which had nearly continuous snow above 2200'. The snow is getting rotten so careful where you step!

After a mandatory stop at Whitney Rhododendron Gardens we had a fine spring hike to lower Lena Lake. This being such a late spring we were thrilled to find lots of trillium along the trail. Little yellow violets were out also. Lena Creek was roaring out from its underground course but there was just a little water on the trail. We had lunch at the lunch rock with sunshine and good views of the osprey nest at the south end of the lake. Two adults were tending the nest but we didn't see or hear any chicks. The lake is totally melted and there is little snow around it. This was a fine leg stretcher. Six miles round trip, 1200 foot gain.

Snow is melting fast in this area. First significant snow at 2 miles, but many clear patches beyond, and many clear areas at lake as well. What snow remains on trail (1-2 feet) was well beaten down by the time we arrived late Saturday afternoon, very little danger of breaking through, though still slippery. At least a half dozen camps set up on lakeshore Saturday evening. Met two climbers descending from an ascent of The Brothers. I'’d say Lena Lake is officially open. Contrary to earlier report, the large nest visible from the outcrop overlooking the lake is osprey, not eagle. One fledgling was up on the rim of the nest when we arrived, hopped in to the nest when the adult flew in with dinner. Am guessing they will be leaving the nest soon.

The snow seems to be melting quite a bit from the rather heavy levels cited in earlier reports. There are a couple of snow patches at the 2 mile bridge, followed by clear slopes until just beyond the massive dripping rock, where it becomes more solid. Caution should be taken on the banks of corn snow which cover the trail from this point to the lake (about 1/2 a mile...) because the trail is very rocky and the snow is undercut in many areas. An ankle or leg injury could come from breaking through. The trail is maintained to about the 2.5 mile mark as well. After this, there is only a couple of blow-downs. (A small cedar tree and a vine maple.) The lake is still mostly iced, and the water level is quite high. Some of the best camp sites are under lake water, and all of the other ones are covered with snow. There is a nesting pair of Bald Eagles in a large Douglas Fir directly to the south of the big pillow basalt outcrop overlooking the lake, just listen for the ""cheep-cheep,"" of the babies and look for it. An extra hour should be allotted and extra caution taken for the drive on the gravel forest roads if you are coming from Thurston County or points south. Because of the landslide on Highway 101 just north of Lilliwaup, the most expedient route now follows State Route 119 from Hoodsport to the stop sign (9 miles,) followed by Forest Road 24 and then 2480 to the Hamma Hamma Road. The forest roads are potholed, and one lane with turn outs in some sections. This is an excellent hike for those of us who have grown restless from the long, cold, wet winter. Ice Axe is not needed any more for the ascent to Lower Lena, but sturdy boots and gaiters should be brought.