Getting there: no issues as there is a paved road to the parking lot and plenty of signage.

Bathroom- wow. Just wow. I don’t think I’ve seen vault toilets that bad in quite some time. Both were overflowing with trash, no TP, flies and bugs, trash on the ground. It was really sad. Please please please pack it out fellow hikers. Also toilet at the campground portion was also closed due to overuse.

Overall trail was a nice leisurely hike with long switchbacks which was great. A mix of hikers and backpackers. Humidity was quite high and I got there at 8:30 am.

Lots of flies and bees especially near the lake. This is my first time was I wasn’t sure about the lake level?

Getting there: no issues as the road is paved and clearly marked! 

Bathrooms: wow… just wow. The vault toilets were completely trashed and flies were everywhere with no TP. It’s so disappointing to see people not taking their trash with them. Please pack it out. Also at the lake campsite- the toilet was also out of use due to over usage. This whole thing made this trail feel kinda sad. 

Trail- overall, the long switchbacks were nice and it was a pleasant trail without crazy incline. It was VERY humid so hydrate accordingly. I walked down to the lake and it cool to see but seemed to have less water than other pics? I walked to where the compost toilet would be and back down to the TH was about 5.8 round trip. 

the flies at the campsites were bananas!  

We got to the lot around 10am and had to park on the side of the road. There is a lot of parking, and the road is very wide, allowing for a lot of cars. 

The outhouse was pretty gross. You could smell it from awhile away, and the trash was overflowing and there was no toilet paper.

The trail was rocky & root-y, and there were quite a few people on it. Only one tree down we needed to step over. Once to the lake there were a couple ducks getting very friendly with us. 

Labor Day weekend has had stunning weather so far; hotter than usual but clear blue skies. Just two or three spots in the proper parking area by the time we arrived at 8:15am, but we were still earlier than most judging by the roadside parking situation when we left. We had the trail almost to ourselves on the way up to the Lena Lake overlook and we were alone at the overlook for a quiet and contemplative 20 minutes or so. On the way down, we passed countless groups heading up, and most everyone was as cheery as us. You couldn't help the good mood with the gorgeous surroundings. The lake view from above was a great prize. This was one of my faves in a while, I'll definitely return. I was super glad to get there on the early-ish side, though.

Trail is in great condition and no smoke from the fire at Brinnon. A little rain at the beginning but just cloudy most of the day. Only one log across the trail but easy to get over. Not too busy today on the trail.