Arrived at the Trailhead at about 9:00AM, there were a handful of parking spots open. Trail is well maintained; we passed a few groups heading out on our way in. We missed the fork for the lake initially since the sign said Campground & Brothers and continued on the Upper Lena Lake trail, we then found another fork that took us back down to the campground and eventually the lake. The lake was quiet other than the screaming children whose parents were attempting to breakdown the campsite as we arrived near the lake. 

On the hike up we did see two Sooty Grouse cross our paths on our way to the lake and a garter snake on the way down who I was happy was just moving on his way.

Car to Car 3 hours and 13 minutes, the hike down was quick, we passed many more people going down than we saw on our entire hike up.

We passed a sign that said the composting toilet at the lake was out of order, which was much to the disappointment of someone we had passed on the trail inquiring about its location as we approached the lake. Toilets at the trailhead were in good shape and odor free. 

This was my second trip to Lena Lake. The first was a year ago when I was old and out of shape.

This trip I was a year older and maybe in a bit of better shape, but still a sucker for good food and cold beer, but this time I had a 30lb backpack, uh oh!

This was my inaugural return to the wild, my first overnight trip since, well a long time ago. No excuses, but life just happened. Two kids and two careers later here we are thinking we are still a 20-year-old (add 40 to that!)

The road to the trailhead was simply spectacular especially after driving to Mowich Lake a few weeks ago! The restroom was smelly as expected, but did have toilet paper, always a plus.

My Garmin said it was 3.3 miles to the campground, an altitude gain of 1450 feet. It took me two hours. Lessons learned on the hike up: It is not a contest, stop as often as you like. Enjoy the journey, it is not all about the destination.

Once at the lake, I walked around the north end looking for a more private spot, but discovered there were others with the same idea. I ended up right next to Lena Creek where it pours into the lake in the NW corner.

Took me an hour to build camp and unload. Once my chores were done I sat in the sun with a book (excess weight!!) and pondered life. After all don't we all drift to some happy place when we are away from it all? The best part was no cell coverage. When I returned to cell coverage the next morning back at Highway 101 and 75 emails poured in, I then realized why I was up at Lena Lake.

I followed all the rules: left nothing but footprints and took nothing but pictures. Already planning another trip (Longmire?) before our PNW summer becomes winter!

I highly suggest this moderate trip. Anyone can make it. They may need a bit of help or like me need to stop every few minutes, but once there, clear your brain and enjoy.

Shinebone

Great trail for my first solo backpacking trip. My legs were definitely feeling the weight heading up, but the moderate grade and good tread made this a good choice. I had been targeting Rampart Lakes, but the smoke situation made heading the opposite way the right choice… and thinking about the last mile to Rachel Lake with a full-loaded pack made me feel all the better about being on this trail instead.

Arrived Sunday at about 2 and pulled right into a spot. There were several spaces but cars parked on the road showed that it had been crowded prior.

Despite the smoky haze, not sure it ever got above about “moderate” AQI, so that was a bonus. Wasn’t feeling the smoke as much as the climb, for sure.

There were plenty of campsites to choose from on a Sunday night. Do note that few of the ones you walk by have easy access to the lake. The walk down to the lake is also on loose light gravel, so footing is iffy and not fun if you’ve switched to sandals. That being said the views from most of the campsites are fantastic and many are pretty private. There are nice spots on the lake at the very head of the lake, one next to Lena Creek and one way over on the other side of the lake. I chose to filter water at Lena Creek as it was an easier walk than down to the lake (and yeah running water etc.)

Had no trouble with bugs at the lake once I put picaridin on. That said, the segment up from the second bridge to where you first get peek-a-boo views of the lake, I was harassed by some of the largest flies I have ever seen.

Trail is in fine shape and easy to see why it’s popular. By nightfall, could see some bats and hear some owls. Very cool.

Broke camp a little after 9 a.m. and there were a few more than a dozen people heading up, some with daypacks, some with overnight gear. Parking was still available when I got to the car around 11, though it was more crowded than when I parked the day before.

We got to the trailhead late in the afternoon. Parking was full with cars lining the road, but luckily we found a spot closer to the trailhead.

We headed out pretty quick and burned ourselves out after a couple of switchbacks. Definitely take your time as the majority of the elevation gain is at the beginning. We are novice backpackers and this one definitely humbled us. 

We did make it to lower Lena Lake with plenty of daylight left. Most of the campsites were full, so we continued around the backside of the lake and found a flat spot on the riverbed. I don't think it was an official campsite, but other backpackers were camped along the creek where there was room, so we put up our tent, mindful to not disturb the spot as much as possible. The sound of the river/creek downed out all the other campers and we felt like we were on our own little island. 

The hike down the next morning was definitely worth the hike up. Stopping at the bolder field felt like the halfway mark. It is a good spot to take a break and get a snack in. 

The lake is cold, but definitely refreshing. Plenty of space for everyone to swim. The best view is from Lunch Rock just as you turn in to the campsites. 

I would put this at the high end of moderate, but again, we are novice backpackers. 

I lost my phone somewhere between the parking area and about 1.5 miles in. It's an iPhone in a maroon otterbox case. Please turn it in at the Quilcene Ranger Station if you find it, or look up my post on the Olympic Peninsula Hikers FB page to message me. Thanks so much!

Otherwise, the trail was in great shape. It was a Saturday and the trail was really busy with about half of the parties including dogs on leashes. We walked to the far side of the lake to have lunch and a swim. The water was cool and there were great rocks to jump off of (although getting to the location required traversing a slope with loose rocks). Even a bit of shade!

Although there were a lot of folks around, it didn't feel terribly crowded. As the day went on more groups joined us on the far side of the lake. We could see wildfire smoke moving in throughout the day, but it wasn't bad enough to be a bother.