Hiked to Lena lake yesterday and it was a perfect day. No snow on the road and toilets at TH had tp. Trail starts with no snow and by the time you get to the lake it is covered with it. No need for traction. Headed a little past the lake towards upper Lena and there is a lot of snow and post holing. We did not have snowshoes and it got a little tiresome falling through and decided to head back. Very nice outing for spring.

Not a trip report.  I have a question is there a pit toilet here

I made it to the trailhead Friday in a CRV but was questioning my life’s choices. I encountered a bit of snow and both traction lights and antilock brakes came on. There was also some scraping of the undercarriage. Perhaps this is all a normal part of winter hiking but I’m from TN so I’m not used to it. There were tire tracks the whole way, so I just tried staying in those. I did a bit of skidding getting out of the parking area, as that is all just compacted snow. Perhaps if there is rain and warming, it will be fine by the weekend. If there is more snow, it could be problematic. Either way I wouldn’t attempt it in a 2WD or lower clearance than a little SUV.
I was the only car at the trailhead at 9am. Luckily the trail was well-boot-tracked and fairly straightforward to follow. There was crunchy snow the entire way ranging from a few inches to knee-deep. However with the boot tracks, I recommend using only traction and poles. Snowshoes could be cumbersome since the boot track is fairly narrow and I wasn’t doing any post-holing.
It’s a winter wonderland up there! After switchbacks for a while, you cross a lovely bridge. And then MORE switchbacks as the snow deepens. There were plenty of wintry scenes… snow-covered trees, mosses and boulders and overhanging icicles. The only thing I could hear was trickling water and a few birdsongs.
There is another lovely bridge as you near the lake. Then it’s a bit more distance until you see a sign for the brothers and Lena campsites. No boot tracks headed down that way but you could follow the trail around to the lookout point. The snow was a little deeper and arduous, but I don’t think snowshoes would’ve helped. I just took it slow and steady. The lake was snow-covered and quite a sight!

luckily there were more people heading in as I descended so I knew if I fell or got stuck on the drive I wouldn’t be stranded. Solo hiking has only so many benefits:)

I’ll be excited to return in the spring and maybe try camping later in the season!

@alpinediva on instagram for more photos

Quick and simple: the roads are clear, the bathrooms are clean, the trail is in amazing shape, and the lake is total beauty. I went down to the lake today instead of the lunch rock being my turnaournd spot. No campers. I watched the clouds float through the evergreens and the birds skim the water and said hi to a lot of fellow hikers. 

Great trail and well maintained, overall in excellent condition!  It shows the work it has been done recently.  There are  small streams towards the top, but no big deal. There were a lot of hikers with dogs,  no issues.  Everyone we passed was mindful and kept their dogs calm.  We hiked to the end of the lake  and that's where the snow began as you go up.  The bathroom is open, no toilet paper.  It was clean and good thing the trashcan wasn't overflowing.  Thank you to those who worked on this trail!