Great trail, and though this time I didn't make it to the upper lake, will definitely do again, and head further up! Toilets at the trailhead are up and running, but the one at the Lower Lena Lake campground is out, so be prepared. I didn't really run into any bugs until I got back to the trailhead this morning, where the mosquitoes decided I looked delicious! The wildlife was amazing. Had woodpeckers hanging out in camp, butterflies trying to get my Red Vines (and get cranky when they couldn't land on the package!), tons of other birds, and the two cutest ducklings EVER. I wish I had taken pictures to include, the views are spectacular. I was surprised at how many cars were in the lot when I got there at noon on a Wednesday, but everyone was amazing, and only a couple other groups stayed the night.

Be aware, because this is such a gentle trail, definitely more families camping, which can make it a bit noisier.

Alright, now on to the "Very specific to me" hike report, where I tell some people how awesome they are....

To the group that played leap frog with the tattooed solo hiker chick all the way up: You guys seriously made my hike. My career is generally thankless, and I have to look evil in the eye on a weekly basis. It makes it nearly impossible to remember there is any good in the world. I hike solo, like I told you, because I do get to meet more people that way. But what I didn't say was that hiking like that is the only way I can remember that there is good in the world. It's a giant reset for my life, meeting people on the trail, and your group was the best. I have no idea how we'd get along outside of the trail, but I want you all (and I guess others?) to know that hiking with you guys made it so I could go home and be okay. The pure joy you all exuded the entire time was a balm for this weary soul, and I thank you. I'm actually pretty sad I didn't get to come hang out at your camp for a bit (super sleepy, with working nights and all!), and I'm even more bummed that I didn't get to say goodbye to you guys. Again, I think I was taking a much-needed nap. I doubt we'll run into each other again since my days off are changing, but I really hope we do. Thank you for reminding me to stop and check out all the cool little things on the trail, and that there is good in the world. Not sure if any of you will actually see this, but now the world knows that there are some truly amazing peeps out on the trails!

The parking lot was full with 4O cars but the trail didn’t seem crowded at all.  It was a foggy day with the trail being damp. I’ve hiked this trail many times and I’ve come to realize that the trail is very rocky and rooty.  But it’s such a nice distance and elevation with the lake being beautiful (sunny or foggy) I’m sure I’ll continue to hike it a few more times this season. The WTA has done a great job of maintaining this trail. 

Lower Lena Lake is often my first real hike of the season. It never disappoints. There is altitude, but it's not strenuous—a great easing in hike. Road access is easy, the trail is generally in good condition. (And it looks like there has been recent work on it; WTA I assume!)

I arrived just after 8am on a Thursday; one car in the generous lot. Toilets were open, no paper. 

Lots of wildflowers, including one patch (that I saw) of calypso lilies! I love them. After a sit on the big rocks above the lake (joined eventually by one couple), I went down to lake level where there were no people. Toilets are closed (I can't remember them ever being open—and please don't leave bags of poo, dog or otherwise in protest). I hiked on to the river. There's still no way across the river. That's where I saw the lilies.

Since I was there, I decided to hike on to where the spur (which has a bit of mud) meets up with the trail to Upper Lena, and returned that way. I went a bit beyond the intersection (across a trickling spring) then turned back. A minute later I met a hiker who asked if I saw the big cedar. Apparently just beyond where I turned around. He said it's in the middle of the trail and is magnificent, biggest he's seen in the Olympics. So you might want to watch for that. 

I met many people on the way down, including a very large group of backpackers (and why is the return always twice as long as the ascent?). Fifteen cars in the lot.

Read more on my blog!

Great start of season hike.  Lots of available parking at approximately 11:30 on a Thursday.  Road to the TH is paved and except for a few sinkholes, in good condition.  TH is well marked.  Fairly gradual grade/incline with nice view of Lena Lake at the top.  We only went to lower Lena lake.  Composting toilet at the campground is not in service.  This is a great mild-moderate intensity hike with plenty of flat areas of switchbacks in which to catch your breath.  A moderate sprinkling of exposed roots and rocks but not the entire trail.  Highly recommend and will plan to go to upper Lena when the snow is gone.

Beautiful!